Building Tech Firm Acquires Air Filtration Manufacturer

SAN FRANCISCO — R-Zero Systems, a building technology company, has acquired SecureAire, which makes air purification equipment, to bolster R-Zero’s decarbonization capabilities. The acquisition can help R-Zero customers reduce energy consumption in their buildings and thus make it easier to comply with climate regulations and net-zero emissions goals, a press release from R-Zero said.

Conventional filtration systems with a MERV 13 rating or higher require more energy, compared to systems with lower MERV ratings, to maintain adequate airflow because of the increased resistance of denser filters. The greater resistance makes a system’s fans work harder, driving up energy consumption and adding stress to the HVAC equipment.

In contrast, SecureAire’s patented, electrically-enhanced media filters offer the lowest pressure drop for filters with a MERV 13 rating or higher in today’s market, the R-Zero press release said. These products allow air to move freely through an HVAC system, maintaining high air quality but reducing energy consumption compared to traditional filtration. The technology reduces strain on ‌HVAC fans and filters, ensuring optimal airflow with much lower energy and maintenance demands, the press release said. As a result, the system achieves a payback period of just two years, the press release said.

“The growing emphasis on decarbonization and rising energy costs are prompting building owners to closely evaluate their energy usage, driving increased demand for solutions that deliver both cost savings and sustainability,” said Jennifer Nuckles, CEO of R-Zero. “By integrating SecureAire’s industry-leading HVAC filtration technology into our energy efficiency portfolio, we’re empowering building owners with a solution that not only lowers energy use and operational costs, but also provides superior indoor air quality.”

“We are excited to join the R-Zero team, adding our filtration and purification technology to their innovative IAQ solutions,” said Frank Statamatos, former president of SecureAire. “Together, we’re delivering a best-of-breed solution that optimizes indoor environments for efficiency, performance, and comfort.”