Panel Air Filters for HVAC, AHU, FCU and Industrial Applications

Panel Air Filters are among the most widely used air filtration products in HVAC, AHU, FCU, fresh air and industrial ventilation systems. Their simple, compact construction makes them suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications where reliable particulate filtration is required.

Depending on the filter media and design, Panel Air Filters can be used as Primary Filters, Pre Air Filters, Medium Efficiency Filters or Fine Filters. Their main purpose is to capture airborne dust and particles, protect downstream HVAC components and reduce particle loading on higher-efficiency filters such as Bag Filters and HEPA Filters.

VIETPHAT supplies Panel Air Filters in various dimensions, filtration classes, frame materials and media configurations for office buildings, factories, hospitals, hotels, shopping centers, data centers, cleanrooms and industrial facilities.

What Are Panel Air Filters?

A Panel Air Filter is an air filter built in a flat or shallow-depth frame with filter media installed across the face of the panel. The media may be arranged as a flat pad, pleated structure or reinforced synthetic layer depending on the required performance.

Panel filters are commonly installed in:

• Air Handling Units (AHUs).
• Fan Coil Units (FCUs).
• Fresh Air Units.
• HVAC systems.
• Ventilation systems.
• Air intake sections.
• Return air systems.
• Industrial air-handling equipment.

Main Functions of Panel Air Filters

• Capture coarse and intermediate airborne dust.
• Protect cooling and heating coils.
• Reduce dust accumulation on fans.
• Protect ductwork and air-handling equipment.
• Reduce loading on downstream filters.
• Support better indoor air quality.
• Help maintain stable HVAC system performance.
• Extend the service life of fine and HEPA filters.

Common Types of Panel Air Filters

1. Flat Panel Filters

Flat Panel Filters use a relatively flat layer of filter media installed inside a rigid frame.

They are commonly used as primary or pre-filters where low pressure drop and basic dust removal are required.

Typical applications include:

• AHUs.
• FCUs.
• Fresh Air Units.
• Commercial HVAC systems.
• Industrial ventilation.

2. Pleated Panel Filters

Pleated Panel Filters use folded filter media to increase the effective filtration area within the same face dimensions.

The pleated structure can provide:

• Greater media area.
• Higher dust-holding capacity.
• Improved filtration performance.
• Longer service life compared with some flat media designs.

3. Synthetic Panel Filters

Synthetic Panel Filters use synthetic fiber media such as polyester or nonwoven materials.

They are widely used in commercial and industrial HVAC systems because they can provide a practical balance of filtration efficiency, pressure drop and durability.

4. Washable Panel Filters

Washable Panel Filters are designed for cleaning and reuse when operated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

These products are often used in applications with relatively high dust loading or where routine washing is part of the maintenance strategy.

5. Metal Mesh Panel Filters

Metal Mesh Panel Filters use one or more layers of metal mesh as the filtering element.

They are typically applied as coarse pre-filters and may offer good mechanical strength and reusability in suitable operating conditions.

Panel Air Filter Types by Construction

Filter Type	Main Characteristics	Typical Application
Flat Panel Filter	Simple flat media construction	AHU, FCU, pre-filtration
Pleated Panel Filter	Increased filtration area	HVAC, commercial buildings
Synthetic Panel Filter	Synthetic fiber media	Commercial and industrial HVAC
Washable Panel Filter	Designed for cleaning and reuse	Factories, ventilation systems
Metal Mesh Panel Filter	Durable metallic structure	Air intake, industrial systems

Panel Air Filters for HVAC Systems

Panel Air Filters are widely used in HVAC systems as the first or intermediate stage of filtration.

A typical HVAC filtration arrangement may include:

• Stage 1: Panel Pre Filter.
• Stage 2: Bag Filter or Fine Filter.
• Stage 3: HEPA Filter if required.

The correct panel filter should be selected according to airflow, filtration class, pressure drop and system design.

Panel Air Filters for AHUs

Air Handling Units are one of the most common applications for Panel Air Filters.

The panel filter is often installed at the air intake or upstream of the cooling coil to reduce dust loading on the internal components.

Important selection parameters include:

• Filter dimensions.
• Rated airflow.
• Filtration efficiency.
• Initial pressure drop.
• Recommended final pressure drop.
• Dust-holding capacity.
• Frame material.
• Filter media.

Panel Air Filters for FCUs

Fan Coil Units typically require shallow-depth filters with relatively low resistance.

Panel filters are suitable for many FCU applications because they can provide basic dust protection without creating excessive pressure drop when properly selected.

Panel Air Filters for Fresh Air Units

Fresh Air Units bring outdoor air into a building, which can expose the HVAC system to high dust loading.

Panel Air Filters are commonly used as the first filtration stage to capture coarse dust before the air reaches more efficient downstream filters.

Panel Air Filters for Ventilation Systems

Panel filters are frequently installed in ventilation systems to reduce airborne dust entering fans, ducts and occupied spaces.

Typical applications include:

• Office buildings.
• Factories.
• Warehouses.
• Shopping centers.
• Hotels.
• Schools.
• Logistics facilities.

Panel Air Filters for Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings often use Panel Air Filters in AHUs, FCUs and fresh air systems.

They help protect HVAC equipment and support cleaner indoor environments in:

• Office towers.
• Hotels.
• Shopping centers.
• Retail facilities.
• Schools.
• Public buildings.

Panel Air Filters for Industrial Facilities

Industrial facilities may have higher dust loading than typical commercial buildings.

Panel Air Filters are commonly used as primary filtration for:

• Electronics factories.
• Semiconductor plants.
• Food processing facilities.
• Pharmaceutical plants.
• Automotive factories.
• Medical device manufacturing.
• Warehouses.
• General manufacturing.

Panel Air Filters for Hospitals

Hospitals often use multi-stage filtration systems. Panel filters may serve as the first stage before fine and HEPA filtration.

The actual filter configuration should follow the HVAC design and requirements of each hospital area.

Panel Air Filters for Cleanrooms

In cleanroom air-handling systems, Panel Air Filters are typically used as pre-filters rather than final filters.

A common cleanroom filtration sequence may include:

• Panel Pre Filter.
• Medium or Fine Filter.
• HEPA Filter.
• ULPA Filter where required.

Using an appropriate panel pre-filter can reduce dust loading on the final high-efficiency filtration stage.

Panel Air Filters for Data Centers

Data centers rely on continuously operating cooling systems and require effective control of airborne dust.

Panel Air Filters can be used as the first stage of filtration, but pressure drop must be carefully considered to minimize fan energy consumption.

Panel Air Filters and ISO 16890

ISO 16890 is widely used for the classification of general ventilation air filters.

Depending on the actual tested performance, Panel Air Filters may fall within:

• ISO Coarse.
• ePM10.
• ePM2.5.
• ePM1.

The filter should be selected using its actual tested performance rather than only by product name or appearance.

Panel Air Filters and Former EN 779 Classes

Older specifications may still reference filter classes such as:

• G2.
• G3.
• G4.
• M5.
• F7 in higher-efficiency panel designs.

These classes belong to the former EN 779 system. For new projects, ISO 16890 data should generally be preferred where available.

What Is a G4 Panel Filter?

G4 Panel Filter is a commonly used market term for a coarse panel filter classified under the former EN 779 system.

G4 Panel Filters are commonly used as pre-filters in:

• AHUs.
• FCUs.
• Fresh Air Units.
• Commercial buildings.
• Factories.
• Cleanroom pre-filtration.

Panel Air Filters vs Bag Filters

Criteria	Panel Air Filter	Bag Filter
Construction	Flat or pleated panel	Multiple filter pockets
Typical Depth	Shallow	Deeper
Media Area	Moderate	Generally larger
Typical Role	Primary/pre-filtration	Medium or fine filtration
Applications	AHU, FCU, ventilation	AHU, commercial and industrial HVAC

Panel Air Filters vs Pleated Filters

A Panel Air Filter describes the overall panel-style construction, while a Pleated Filter refers specifically to filter media that has been folded into pleats.

Therefore, a Pleated Filter can also be a type of Panel Air Filter.

Panel Air Filters vs Pre Air Filters

Panel Air Filter describes the physical construction, while Pre Air Filter describes the filter's position and function in the filtration system.

A Panel Filter can be used as a Pre Filter, but not every Panel Filter is necessarily limited to coarse pre-filtration.

Panel Air Filters vs HEPA Filters

Panel Air Filters and HEPA Filters serve different purposes.

Panel filters are generally used for primary or intermediate filtration, while HEPA filters are high-efficiency final-stage filters used in applications requiring strict particle control.

Panel filters can help extend HEPA service life by reducing upstream dust loading.

Pressure Drop of Panel Air Filters

Pressure Drop is an important factor in panel filter selection.

Because many panel filters are installed as first-stage filters, relatively low resistance is often preferred to minimize the impact on airflow and fan energy.

As dust accumulates, pressure drop increases and may cause:

• Reduced airflow.
• Higher fan load.
• Higher energy consumption.
• Reduced cooling performance.

Dust-Holding Capacity of Panel Air Filters

Dust-Holding Capacity affects filter service life and replacement frequency.

Pleated panel filters generally provide more media area than flat panel filters, which can improve dust-loading performance depending on design and operating conditions.

Important Panel Air Filter Specifications

Parameter	Description
Dimensions	Width × Height × Depth
Filtration Class	According to ISO 16890 or applicable standard
Rated Airflow	Design airflow through the filter
Initial Pressure Drop	Resistance when the filter is new
Final Pressure Drop	Recommended maintenance or replacement limit
Dust-Holding Capacity	Amount of dust the filter can retain
Filter Media	Influences efficiency and resistance
Frame Material	Aluminum, galvanized steel, plastic, cardboard or other materials

Panel Air Filter Media

Panel Air Filters may use different media materials depending on the required filtration performance and operating environment.

Common media types include:

• Synthetic fiber.
• Polyester.
• Nonwoven media.
• Glass fiber in selected designs.
• Metal mesh.

Panel Air Filter Frame Materials

Common frame materials include:

• Aluminum.
• Galvanized steel.
• Plastic.
• Cardboard for certain disposable filters.

Frame material should be selected according to humidity, temperature, mechanical requirements and the expected service environment.

Custom Size Panel Air Filters

Not all AHUs, FCUs and ventilation systems use standard filter sizes.

VIETPHAT supports Panel Air Filters according to customer requirements including:

• Width.
• Height.
• Depth.
• Filter efficiency.
• Rated airflow.
• Filter media.
• Frame material.
• Reinforcement design.
• Required quantity.

How to Select Panel Air Filters

1. Identify the Application

Determine whether the filter will be installed in an AHU, FCU, Fresh Air Unit, commercial building, factory or cleanroom system.

2. Determine the Required Filtration Efficiency

Select the filter efficiency according to the required air quality and downstream filtration stages.

3. Verify Dimensions

Correct Width × Height × Depth dimensions are essential for proper installation and to minimize air bypass.

4. Check Rated Airflow

The filter should operate within its designed airflow range.

5. Evaluate Pressure Drop

The HVAC fan should have sufficient static pressure to overcome the resistance of the filter and the complete system.

6. Consider Dust Loading

High-dust environments may benefit from pleated media, larger filtration area or a washable configuration where technically appropriate.

When Should Panel Air Filters Be Replaced?

Replacement intervals depend on operating conditions, dust loading and filter design.

A panel filter should be inspected or replaced when:

• Pressure drop reaches the specified limit.
• Airflow decreases significantly.
• The filter becomes heavily loaded with dust.
• The media is damaged.
• The frame becomes distorted.
• The filter reaches the maintenance interval defined by the facility.

Can Panel Air Filters Be Washed?

Only Panel Air Filters specifically designed as washable should be cleaned and reused.

Washable Metal Mesh or selected synthetic filters may be suitable for reuse, while many disposable panel filters should be replaced instead of washed.

Improper washing can damage filter media and reduce filtration performance.

Life-Cycle Cost of Panel Air Filters

The purchase price is only part of the overall operating cost.

Important life-cycle factors include:

• Initial pressure drop.
• Average operating pressure drop.
• Dust-holding capacity.
• Filter service life.
• Replacement frequency.
• Maintenance labor.
• Fan energy consumption.
• Impact on downstream filter life.

Panel Air Filter Supplier in Vietnam – VIETPHAT

VIETPHAT supplies Panel Air Filters for HVAC, AHU, FCU, Fresh Air Unit, commercial building, industrial and cleanroom applications.

We support filter selection based on dimensions, airflow, filtration efficiency, pressure drop, media construction and operating conditions.

VIETPHAT Panel Air Filter Product Range

• Flat Panel Air Filters.
• Pleated Panel Air Filters.
• Synthetic Panel Filters.
• Washable Panel Filters.
• Metal Mesh Panel Filters.
• G4 Panel Filters.
• Panel Filters for AHUs.
• Panel Filters for FCUs.
• Panel Filters for Fresh Air Units.
• Custom Size Panel Air Filters.

Applications of VIETPHAT Panel Air Filters

• HVAC systems.
• Air Handling Units.
• Fan Coil Units.
• Fresh Air Units.
• Ventilation systems.
• Office buildings.
• Hotels.
• Shopping centers.
• Hospitals.
• Data centers.
• Electronics factories.
• Pharmaceutical plants.
• Food processing facilities.
• Industrial factories.
• Cleanrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panel Air Filters

What Is a Panel Air Filter?

A Panel Air Filter is a flat or shallow-depth filter commonly used in HVAC, AHU and ventilation systems for primary, pre- or intermediate particulate filtration.

Is a Panel Air Filter the Same as a Pre Filter?

Not exactly. Panel Filter describes the physical construction, while Pre Filter describes the filtration position. Many Panel Filters are used as Pre Filters.

What Is a G4 Panel Filter?

G4 is a former EN 779 filter classification still commonly used in the HVAC market. G4 Panel Filters are typically used as coarse pre-filters.

What Is the Difference Between a Flat Panel Filter and a Pleated Panel Filter?

A flat panel filter uses relatively flat media, while a pleated panel filter folds the media to increase filtration area and potentially improve dust-holding capacity.

Can Panel Air Filters Be Used Before HEPA Filters?

Yes. Panel filters are commonly used as the first filtration stage to reduce coarse dust loading before fine and HEPA filters.

Can Panel Air Filters Be Manufactured in Custom Sizes?

Yes. Many panel filter configurations can be manufactured or supplied to match existing AHU, FCU and ventilation equipment dimensions.

What Information Is Required for a Panel Air Filter Quotation?

Please provide the dimensions Width × Height × Depth, filtration class, rated airflow if available, media type, frame material, quantity and application.

Contact VIETPHAT for Panel Air Filters

For consultation or quotation for Panel Air Filters for HVAC, AHU, FCU, fresh air, commercial and industrial applications, please contact VIETPHAT:

• Zalo / Hotline: 0971 344 344
• Sales: 0827 077 078
• Sales: 0829 077 078
• Email: sales@vietphat.com
• Website: www.vietphat.com