A common question building investors ask: “F8 filters cost up to 40% more than F6 — why should I buy them?” The answer lies in a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis over the system’s lifecycle.
Air Filtech has just published a 10-year TCO analysis report for a typical AHU system in a 20-story office building in Ho Chi Minh City, comparing two scenarios: using F6 filters (ePM2.5 ≥35%) and F8 filters (ePM1 ≥70%).
Analysis results — based on actual operating conditions, current electricity prices, and filter replacement costs:
Filter Purchase Cost (10 years)
- F6: 180 million VND (2 replacements/year × 10 years)
- F8: 260 million VND (1.5 replacements/year × 10 years)
AHU Electricity Cost (10 years)
- F6: 2,240 million VND — end-of-life pressure drop of 180 Pa
- F8: 1,920 million VND — end-of-life pressure drop of 140 Pa (thanks to larger filter media area)
Cooling Coil Cleaning & Repair Cost (10 years)
- F6: 320 million VND — heavy PM2.5 dust buildup on coils, cleaned twice a year
- F8: 120 million VND — cleaned once a year
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 10 years
| Solution | 10-Year Total Cost |
| F6 | 2,740 million VND |
| F8 | 2,300 million VND |
→ F8 filters save 440 million VND over 10 years of operation.
Beyond the financial benefit, buildings using F8 filters maintain IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) levels that meet the WELL Building Standard — a key competitive advantage in the Grade A office segment.
→ Get the full TCO report and a free consultation: 08 999 44 666
