Eurovent 4/21: The latest energy efficiency plan for air filters

A new energy efficiency definition for air filters based on DIN EN ISO 16890

January 1st 2019 saw the latest update to the Eurovent energy efficiency scheme come into effect. It replaces the scheme valid during a transition period between the old test standard EN779:2012 and the standard ISO EN 16890:2016. 

One year after the mandatory introduction of ISO EN 16890 for the efficiency of air filters, the definition of the energy rating according to the ISO efficiency classes has now also been added. It is based on Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/y) specific to each ISO efficiency rating.The rating of energy classes changed. In the old system based on EN779 there was one energy value for each energy class from A+ to E. In the new rating system there are five different energy values for every class.

In the old system an A rated F7 filter had an energy consumption between 800-950 kWh. In the new system an F7 Filter could be between a filter efficiency of ePM2.5 50-65% or ePM1 50-65%. The A Rating is now much more finely dependent on the declared efficiency rating.

Eurovent 4/21 - 2018 is structured to place a percentage of products into each category, so only the very best filters will achieve the higher classifications.

• Grade A+: 1%
• Grade A: 5%
• Grade B: 15%
• Grade C: 30%
• Grade D: 50%
• Grade E: 50%

The definition is more precise than the old system according to EN779. This increases the transparency about the energy consumption of the filters for operators of air conditioning and ventilation systems and simplifies filter selection.

Eurovent 4/21 – 2018 - Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/y) specific to each ISO efficiency rating

The knock-on effect of this re-structuring is that around 14% of all products will be downgraded from an A class – even those that fall just outside the new limit. It should be remembered that the performance of these products has not deteriorated in any way and they still provide excellent energy efficiency. There is now just more room for improvement.

It is also worth highlighting the difference in energy efficiencies between each filter grade. An A+ rated F7 filter could consume the same amount of energy as a B rated M6, for example. So it is crucial to choose a product according to what is required; not to over-specify the filter grade or make a selection based upon purchase history. The key is choosing the filter that will deliver the correct level of air cleanliness at the lowest possible energy consumption. Eurovent 4/21 is a great help in doing so.