National Air Filtration Association
NAFA is a US-based non-profit trade association serving the global air filtration industry, offering professional certifications, best-practice guidelines, and the Clean Air Award program for manufacturers, distributors, service companies, and IAQ professionals.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersMiddleton, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What National Air Filtration Association does
The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) is a US-incorporated non-profit trade association (501(c)(6)) headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin, serving the global air filtration industry. Although it carries the "National" label, NAFA's membership is geographically distributed across at least 15 countries spanning North America, South America, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa. The association's primary constituents are air filter and component manufacturers, sales and service companies, and HVAC and indoor air quality (IAQ) firms, supplemented by certified professionals, distributors, and—as a secondary audience—building owners and facility managers pursuing healthy-building initiatives analogous to LEED and Fitwel.
NAFA's product surface consists of three professional certifications (Certified Air Filter Specialist [CAFS], and NAFA Certified Technician [NCT] Levels I and II), the Clean Air Award recognition program with a 62-point qualification rubric, Best Practice Guidelines maintained by a dedicated committee, the Air Media Magazine publication, a Member Plus mobile application, and recurring educational touchpoints (Technical Seminar, Annual Convention, webinar series, podcast). The underlying platform is a standard association management stack comprising the nafahq.org public site, members.nafahq.org member portal, and the apply.nafahq.org Clean Air Awards submission portal.
NAFA operates a membership-based revenue model with five primary streams: recurring membership dues (subscription), transaction fees on Clean Air Award nominations ($150 member / $475 non-member) plus $50 annual renewals, professional certification program fees, registration and sponsorship revenue from Technical Seminars and Annual Conventions, and Platinum/Gold corporate sponsorships (5 Platinum and 10 Gold sponsors confirmed for 2026, including MANN+HUMMEL, AAF International/Daikin, Koch Filter, mikropor America, Rensa Filtration, and Engineered Filtration Systems). Distribution is digital-first via the website and member portal, with in-person components concentrated at the two annual events.
National Air Filtration Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- National Air Filtration Association
- Legal name
- National Air Filtration Association
- Website
- https://nafahq.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- NAFA is a US-based non-profit trade association serving the global air filtration industry, offering professional certifications, best-practice guidelines, and the Clean Air Award program for manufacturers, distributors, service companies, and IAQ professionals.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where National Air Filtration Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Middleton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
National Air Filtration Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: NAFA generates revenue primarily through membership dues from air filter and component manufacturers, sales and service companies, and HVAC and indoor air quality companies.
- Clean Air Award Nominations: Clean Air Award nomination fees: $150 for members, $475 for non-members, with $50 annual renewal fees. Awards are presented at NAFA Technical Seminar and Annual Convention.
- Certification Programs: Revenue from Certified Air Filter Specialist (CAFS) and Certified Technician (NCT Level I and II) certification programs.
- Events and Conferences: Revenue from Technical Seminars and Annual Conventions including registration fees.
- Sponsorship Revenue: Platinum and Gold sponsor programs with companies like Engineered Filtration Systems, MANN+HUMMEL, AAF International, and others sponsoring the association.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Member Nomination Fee - Clean Air Award |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Non-Member Nomination Fee - Clean Air Award |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Renewal Fee |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels11 records
National Air Filtration Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NAFA is a non-profit trade association that delivers air filtration expertise, education, and best-practice resources to its members. Its core offerings include professional certifications (Certified Air Filter Specialist and NAFA Certified Technician Level I and II), the Clean Air Award recognition program, industry publications (Air Media Magazine and Best Practice Guidelines), and member events (Technical Seminar and Annual Convention). The association serves air filter manufacturers, sales and service companies, and HVAC/indoor air quality firms through a membership-based model.
Product overview
NAFA (National Air Filtration Association) is a non-profit trade association operating as a membership-based organization rather than a product company. The association serves as the Global Source for Expertise, Education and Best Practices in Air Filtration, connecting air filter manufacturers, sales and service companies, and HVAC/indoor air quality companies. NAFA's portfolio consists primarily of professional certifications (Certified Air Filter Specialist, NAFA Certified Technician Level I and II), the Clean Air Award Program for recognizing excellence in air filtration, educational events (Technical Seminar, Annual Convention, Webinars), publications (Air Media Magazine, Best Practice Guidelines), a member mobile app, and a scholarship program. These offerings work together to advance air filtration knowledge and professional standards across the industry.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Clean Air Award Program Distinguished commendation in the air filtration industry recognizing leadership and excellence in air filtration by selected air filter users. Facilities must earn at least 62 points across sustainability, economic benefits, and innovation criteria. Awards are presented at NAFA events; nominators (typically NAFA members) drive nominations for their facility customers.
- Certified Air Filter Specialist (CAFS) Professional certification demonstrating thorough knowledge and a high level of professionalism in air filtration technology. Targeted at air filtration specialists employed by manufacturers, distributors, and service companies.
- NAFA Certified Technician Level I Entry-level certification for technicians beginning their career in air filtration service and installation. For technicians at air filtration sales and service companies.
- NAFA Certified Technician Level II Advanced technician certification requiring more extensive knowledge and experience in air filtration systems and indoor air quality. Builds on the Level I credential.
- NAFA Technical Seminar Annual technical education event featuring industry speakers, technical content, certification testing, CEU credits, and networking opportunities for air filtration professionals.
- NAFA Annual Convention Annual gathering of NAFA members and industry professionals featuring Clean Air Award presentations, educational sessions, and networking.
Companies that use National Air Filtration Association
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
National Air Filtration Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
National Air Filtration Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered platinum sponsor and gold sponsor.
- Engineered Filtration Systemsplatinum sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Engineered Filtration Systems is a manufacturer member located in the Southwest US region.
- MANN+HUMMEL Air Filtration Americasplatinum sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. MANN+HUMMEL is a major global air filtration manufacturer with strong presence in the Southeast US.
- mikropor Americaplatinum sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. mikropor America is an air filtration manufacturer.
- Rensa Filtrationplatinum sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Rensa Filtration is an air filtration solutions provider.
- AAF International (Daikin)platinum sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. AAF International is a major global air filtration manufacturer under Daikin.
- Airflow Products Co., Inc.gold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Airflow Products is an air filtration manufacturer based in the Southeast US.
- American Metal Filter Companygold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. American Metal Filter Company is a manufacturer in the Southwest US.
- Bestorqgold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Bestorq is an air filtration products provider.
- CleanandSciencegold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. CleanandScience is an air filtration industry partner.
- Exelair (CMS Global)gold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Exelair is part of CMS Global, an air filtration company.
- Expanded Technologies, Inc. (Expatech)gold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Expatech is an air filtration technologies company in the Southeast US.
- Glasfloss Industriesgold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Glasfloss Industries is a manufacturer in the South Central US.
- Koch Filter Corporationgold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Koch Filter is a major air filtration manufacturer in the Southeast US.
- Prime AirCongold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Prime AirCon is an air filtration company.
- Wallner Expacgold sponsor2026 Platinum and Gold Sponsor of NAFA. Wallner Expac is an employee-owned manufacturer in the Southwest US.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
National Air Filtration Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI): AHRI is the major HVAC&R manufacturer trade association representing most of NAFA's manufacturer members' parent categories. It operates a parallel membership/sponsorship model and conducts certification and standards work that intersects with NAFA's air filtration scope.
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): ASHRAE is the dominant global standards-setting and membership organization for HVAC&R, with overlapping audiences (engineers, contractors, manufacturers) and parallel certification, conference, and publication programs. It is a broader incumbent that covers the upstream system in which air filtration is a sub-discipline.
- Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA): SMACNA serves sheet metal and air conditioning contractors, with significant overlap in distribution, duct fabrication, and HVAC installation contractors who are downstream users of NAFA's air filtration guidance.
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): ACCA represents HVAC contractors and indoor environment specialists, an audience that overlaps with NAFA's sales and service company members. It runs a member-supported model with technical standards, certification, and events similar in structure to NAFA's offerings.
Emerging players
- Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA): A&WMA is a non-profit professional association addressing air quality, environmental management, and pollution control, with adjacent membership, conference, and publication activities to NAFA's air filtration focus.
- Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA, now part of ASHRAE): IAQA focused specifically on indoor air quality assessment and remediation, directly competing with NAFA's IAQ/clean air positioning before being folded into ASHRAE. It is a relevant historical peer for NAFA's specialist positioning in IAQ education and credentials.
Direct peers
- Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA): AMCA is a non-profit trade association serving manufacturers of air movement and control equipment, with analogous member-based revenue, certification programs, and technical publications. It is the closest peer in form and function to NAFA, though focused on fans/movers rather than filtration media.
Regional players
- National Environmental Health Association (NEHA): NEHA is a US-based professional association for environmental health practitioners offering credentials, publications, and events. It overlaps thematically with NAFA's indoor air quality agenda through environmental health practitioners who advise facilities on IAQ.
Others
- American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE): ASPE is a membership-based technical society providing education, certification, and publications to plumbing engineers, structurally analogous to NAFA in operating model though in a different mechanical discipline.
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) / LEED: USGBC administers LEED, the healthy-building framework NAFA explicitly benchmarks against. It is not a direct peer but a complementary/thematic organization whose standards adoption directly affects demand for NAFA's Clean Air Award program.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
National Air Filtration Association social profiles
Digital presenceNational Air Filtration Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
National Air Filtration Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
National Air Filtration Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
National Air Filtration Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about National Air Filtration Association
What does National Air Filtration Association do?
NAFA is a non-profit trade association that delivers air filtration expertise, education, and best-practice resources to its members. Its core offerings include professional certifications (Certified Air Filter Specialist and NAFA Certified Technician Level I and II), the Clean Air Award recognition program, industry publications (Air Media Magazine and Best Practice Guidelines), and member events (Technical Seminar and Annual Convention). The association serves air filter manufacturers, sales and service companies, and HVAC/indoor air quality firms through a membership-based model.
Is National Air Filtration Association a public or private company?
National Air Filtration Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was National Air Filtration Association founded?
National Air Filtration Association was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is National Air Filtration Association based?
National Air Filtration Association is headquartered in Middleton, United States, in the North America region.
How does National Air Filtration Association make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are clean Air Award Nominations, certification Programs, events and Conferences and sponsorship Revenue.
Who are National Air Filtration Association's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Emerging players are Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) and Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA, now part of ASHRAE). Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) is listed as a direct peer. National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is listed as a regional player. Others are American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) / LEED.
Does National Air Filtration Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for National Air Filtration Association.