AAF International - Experts & Thought Leaders

American Air Filter Co. Inc., a member of the Daikin Group and global pioneer in air filtration solutions, introduces the BioCel® VXL RC and VariCel® VXL RC V-Bank Class of air filters, ushering in a new generation of high-performance air filters designed to perform better, last longer, and reduce maintenance time and total cost of ownership. Designed for use in HVAC systems in hospitals, schools, manufacturing plants, hotels, and other commercial facilities, the VariCel VXL RC and BioCel VXL RC each feature an 8-panel design with multiple recessed, mini-pleat media packs assembled into a series of V-banks, allowing them to contain up to 50 percent more media than standard rigid cartridge filters.   This increased media area provides greater airflow capacity and reduces initial resistance by up to 20 percent compared to conventional V-Bank filters, lowering overall energy usage and extending filter life. Near-HEPA filtration The BioCel VXL RC is AAF’s highest performing MERV 16/16A HVAC filter with near-HEPA-level filtration efficiency and a low initial pressure drop, making it an excellent choice against airborne biological contaminants in hospital critical areas as well as in food and pharmaceutical processing plants. The BioCel VXL RC allows for an easy high-efficiency upgrade of existing rigid-style filters without requiring special frames or latches, making it a perfect solution for air handling systems that require the highest level of ASHRAE-grade efficiency. The BioCel VXL RC filter offers greater than 99% average efficiency on 1.0µ to 5.0µ particles, which encompasses the sizes of most bacteria harmful to human health, weighs significantly less, and is much easier to handle and install when compared to traditional 12"-deep, box-style ASHRAE-grade filters with metal cell sides, saving valuable change-out time and money. Best Efficiency in Its Class The VariCel VXL RC is the most efficient v-bank air filter in its class The VariCel VXL RC is the most efficient v-bank air filter in its class, dramatically reducing airflow resistance to enable systems to operate using less energy. It is specially designed to deliver consistent air quality even in challenging operating conditions, including variable air volume systems, turbulent airflow environments, repeated fan shutdown scenarios, and moderate to high humidity settings. The VariCel VLX RC’s dual-density design allows dirt particles to be collected throughout the entire depth of the media pack, utilizing the full filtering potential of the media and maximizing dust holding capacity, extending the life of the filter while minimizing operating costs. VariCel VLX RC Additional features The VariCel VLX RC also features a strengthened frame for added durability with industry-pioneer burst pressure resistance is available in single- and double-header models, with MERV 15/15A, MERV 14/14A efficiencies, and meets LEED® Project Certification efficiency requirements. "Facility managers are under tremendous pressure to improve indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption," said Kent Mertz, product manager at AAF International. "These new V-Bank filters represent AAF's commitment to lowering our customers' total cost of ownership without compromising air quality, health, and safety. By combining reduced resistance, extended filter life, and ease of installation, we've created filtration solutions that deliver immediate and long-term value, while improving the air quality at facilities that use them." Easy Installation Both the VariCel and BioCel offer indentions on the top and bottom of the filter header for easy installation, are lightweight, are available in antimicrobial versions, and are fully incinerable. All models are available today through AAF International's distribution network. 

Following January's devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires, AAF International, a member of the Daikin Group, and global pioneer in air filtration solutions, is supporting the clean breathing efforts of Pasadena’s older adults this week by donating advanced home air filters and room purifiers in concert with the City’s celebration of Older American’s Month. As part of this initiative, AAF is giving the Pasadena Senior Center eight AstroPure air purification units for the Center’s common areas, as well as donating free upgraded home air filters to all members of Pasadena Village, a community of aging-in-place older adults who live independently in the greater Pasadena area. Older American’s Month Celebration AAF will be educating all residents on the importance of regularly changing air filters In addition, AAF is pleased to join Pasadena Village and the City of Pasadena at their Older American’s Month Celebration on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Victory Park.  AAF will be educating all residents on the importance of regularly changing air filters and upgrading to higher performance filters during times of wildfires or seasonal air pollution. All attendees at the event who are not part of Pasadena Village will be able to register on-site for complimentary upgraded home air filters. Upgrading filters “Most home and business owners aren’t aware of the need to change filters regularly, and how important it is to use the right filter,” said Paul Sennett, Chief Operating Officer, AAF International, adding, “Wildfire particulates, commonly known as PM2.5, are so small, they cannot be filtered effectively with standard MERV-8 rated HVAC air filtration.” These hazardous particles can worsen medical conditions like heart disease and asthma, with seniors being particularly vulnerable to these effects. Simply upgrading from the MERV-8 to a MERV-13 filter can be significant for respiratory health and reduce an individual’s exposure to the dangers of PM2.5 particulates by 75%-80%.  Supporting the community "We are honored to support the Pasadena community with education on how choosing the right filter helps all residents (including seniors) breathe more easily," continues Paul Sennett. "This partnership with AAF not only provides the materials for older adults to filter the air they breathe, but also gives them the information to make informed choices as homeowners and renters," said Katie Brandon, Executive Director of Pasadena Village, adding, "Knowing about particle filtration and how to improve the indoor air quality will improve their health for years to come. This is literally a breath of fresh air for those aging-in-place."

A hundred years ago, as the world was recovering from the Spanish flu pandemic, Bill Reed developed and manufactured his original commercial air filter in Louisville, Ky. Today, Reed’s idea has grown into the world’s foremost manufacturer of air filtration solutions. In April 2016, American Air Filter Co. Inc., (AAF International), acquired Flanders Corp., to form AAF Flanders. Improving indoor air quality With production, warehousing, and distribution facilities in 22 countries across four continents, AAF International, a subsidiary of Daikin Industries, has been influential in improving indoor air quality. Celebrating 100 years in business, AAF continues its commitment to bringing clean air to life. AAF continues to provide new solutions to remove and control airborne particulates and contaminants From introducing the first high efficiency box-style filter to providing HEPA filters to the International Space Station, AAF continues to provide new solutions to remove and control airborne particulates and contaminants in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Its leadership enabled the company to supply air filters to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the Apollo 11 mission to the moon and for the U.S. Air Force aircraft to aid Japan after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Research conducted during the COVID-19 During the COVID-19 pandemic, AAF’s research conducted at its Clean Air Center in Jeffersonville, Ind., confirmed that MERV-rated air filters could reduce the presence of airborne virus-carrying particles. “Until the pandemic, most of us took clean air for granted,” said Nathanial Nance, Vice President of Global Research and Development, adding “We wouldn’t think about the air filtration systems in hospitals, medical offices, schools, and restaurants and how essential clean air is to our life. At AAF, our staff is particularly proud of our products and knowing our air filter design can contribute to reducing the risk of virus transmission during this current worldwide pandemic.” Prospective plans of AAF As a global leader of air filtration solutions, AAF is proud of its 100-year history. Future plans include new innovative indoor air filtration solutions to bring clean air to commercial industries and residential homes. This year, AAF introduced the quiet, energy-efficient AstroPureTM unit, which increases air-circulation rates within a specific space, effectively cleaning the air every time it passes through the advanced two-stage filtration system. AAF creates products that help protect indoor environments that are essential for improving quality of life.