When it comes to industrial dust extraction or fume extraction systems, getting it wrong can do more than just create a mess—it can put your staff, machinery, and business at risk. At Egmont Air, we’ve seen what happens when shortcuts are taken, and we’re here to make sure you don’t have to learn the hard way.
As a tight knit team with decades of hands-on experience, we’re not just ticking boxes—we’re building systems that last, perform, and protect. Here are five crucial questions you need to ask your supplier—and the real-world reasons why they matter.
1. Is the Filter Media Right for My Job?
It’s surprising how often this one trips people up.
One client came to us after installing a brand-new dust extraction system using standard dust cartridge filters for their woodworking shop. The result? Blocked filters, poor airflow, and constant cleaning. Why? Because while cartridge filters are ideal for fine particulate matter—like what you get in fume hoods, spray paint booths, or silica dust—they’re a poor match for bulky wood dust.
For woodworking, a better solution is a dust collector cartridge filter with antistatic flexi-media sleeves. These are designed to handle larger debris without clogging—restoring airflow and extending the life of the system. Once we switched them over, the results were immediate. Clean air. Smooth operation. Happy client.
Whether you’re working with extraction arms, dust extraction hoods, or fume extraction vacuums, the key is to match your filter media to your dust type. Fine, sticky, wet, dry, combustible—each requires a different approach.
Always ask your supplier whether the filter media suits your specific material. It could be the difference between nonstop maintenance and a system that just works.
2. What’s the Filter Surface Area? (It Matters More Than You Think)
Think of filter areas like lungs—the bigger they are, the easier it is to breathe.
Too often we see systems that look fine on paper but fall short in practice. Small dust filter surfaces mean higher resistance, more blockages, and a fan that’s constantly working overtime, and struggling for airflow. That’s a recipe for downtime.
When Barry Illsley Building & Joinery needed the right workshop dust extractor for their new Workshop our team was careful to choose a dust extractor system with an appropriate filter. Egmont Air’s assessment revealed that Barry’s operation required a total airflow of 6,093m³/hr with both the CNC and edgebander running simultaneously. The recommended solution was the Egmont MFS3 Filter unit paired with a 10HP high-efficiency fan delivering 7,000m³/hr of airflow capacity. The MFS series units are specifically engineered for New Zealand’s medium-sized joinery operations. Built with a galvanised frame and panel construction suitable for outdoor installation, these units offer generous filter surface area that provides high filtering efficiency to comply with clean air discharge regulations.
Whether it’s a carbon dust filter, fan dust filter, or a vacuum dust filter side attachment, we make sure your industrial dust extraction systems breathe easy.
3. Is the Fan Efficient or Just Big?
Bigger fans don’t always mean better performance.
We’ve come across clients who were sold a high kW fan, thinking it meant more power. But it made a racket and didn’t move much air. In these instances we installed a high-efficiency impeller paired with a VSD (Variable Speed Drive) and pressure sensor, which quietly adjusted to match their workflow. Same job, less power, less noise, and happier staff.
Kitchens R Us in Mt Maunganui understood that to future proof their dust extraction and reduce health risks for their team, the right solution was key. “With our old system, we were limited in how many machines we could run at once,” explains Russell Reardon, Managing Director. “It was holding back our production capacity and creating a dusty, noisy work environment that wasn’t ideal for our team.” In this instance our team recommended Egmont Air’s proprietary reverse incline impeller design, delivering superior airflow-pressure compared to traditional paddle-blade fans. The direct-drive configuration eliminates belt-drive losses, maximising efficiency while reducing energy consumption.
Choosing a fan should be about airflow-per-kilowatt, not just the horsepower on the sticker. From filament dust filters in 3D print shops to dust extractor filters in industrial lines, the fans we recommend are designed to perform.
4. Who’s Doing the Install, and When?
We’ve all heard the horror stories—projects stalled for weeks waiting on overseas parts, or timelines blown out because subcontractors failed to show up. Unfortunately, it happens all too often in our industry.
That’s exactly why at Egmont Air we keep things in-house. Our installers are part of our team—not third-party contractors with conflicting schedules. We also manufacture right here in New Zealand, which means fewer delays and more control over your project timeline.
Our process is streamlined for efficiency: we assemble systems off-site, deliver directly to your premises, and install with minimal disruption. For example,Titan Marine’s Workshop was relying on a single mobile extraction unit that they wheeled around the workshop as needed. This solution was not working for them, especially when they considered the serious health hazards associated with welding fumes. Egmont Air recommended a centralised extraction solution that would provide effective “capture at source” fume extraction—the safest and most efficient approach for removing dust and fumes from the workplace. We had the components available locally, and our in-house team was able to install in a timely manner. The outcome – the cleaner air from the centralised extraction solution was immediately noticeable.
“We’re very pleased with the way Egmont Air came in, did all the calculations and worked out the layout of the workshop, and then took all of our feedback and how or what process we were doing, what sort of welding process and all that. Then they went back and did their homework and came back with a perfect result.” Ram Parshu, Fabrication Supervisor, Titan Marine.
While it might seem like a given, many suppliers don’t disclose upfront that some system components will be imported (which can mean long delays), or that the installation will be outsourced. This can seriously affect your project timeline and bottom line. Choosing a supplier with NZ-made products and in-house installers gives you better control, faster turnaround, and peace of mind. So, ask at the quote stage where the parts are coming from, and who will install them.
5. What’s Guaranteed, and What’s Not?
A low price might look great on paper—until the system turns up and doesn’t deliver. We’ve met too many clients who received vague, one-page quotes promising the world, only to discover later that their extraction system couldn’t meet airflow requirements, had poor suction, or clogged within weeks. Production ground to a halt, and the true cost became painfully clear.
At Egmont Air, we believe that proper extraction is about keeping your operations compliant, safe, and running smoothly. That’s why we start with a detailed on-site assessment, followed by a transparent, comprehensive quote. Every system comes backed by our performance guarantee—covering measured airflow, clean air compliance, and service schedules to keep your filters operating at peak efficiency.
We also understand how important it is to comply with welding fume regulations—especially in New Zealand, where welding fume compliance is under increasing scrutiny. When choosing a system, it’s crucial to check whether it helps you meet welding fume regulations in NZ.
Egmont Air supplies NZ-made systems and uses our own in-house installation team. That means faster delivery, better accountability, and a single point of contact from quote to commissioning—so you’re never left guessing.
Bonus Tip: Ask About Filter Cleaning and After-Service
Even the best system needs care. We fit systems with reverse-pulse or reverse-air automated cleaning, which clean filters while the system is running. No downtime, no drop in suction. And we don’t disappear after install. We offer scheduled maintenance, service light indicators, and even post-clean functions that kick in every time you shut down.
We’ve seen neglected systems halt entire factories. A well-serviced system? It just hums along, year after year.
Your Friendly Experts in Extraction
Egmont Air is here to make sure your workshop stays clean, compliant, and productive. We’ve built long-term relationships by being honest, hands-on, and always on your side.
Need help figuring out the right setup for your space? Give us a call—