2019 marked the beginning of the new phase of filter efficiency

Classification of energy efficiency for air filters according to EN ISO 16890 (Image: Camfil)

Table 1: Differences between EN779:2012 and EN ISO 16890:2016

The leading air filter specialist Camfil welcomes the new Eurovent classification for the energy efficiency of air filters. The Eurovent Energy Efficiency Classification 2019, valid from January 1st, is based on EN ISO 16890:2016, the internationally recognized standard for classifying air filters. This standard replaced the previous industry standard for particulate filtration in indoor environments definitively on June 1, 2018.

According to the new Eurovent classification, the requirements for energy efficiency have increased. This means that many filters previously rated A+ have now been downgraded to A. This compels manufacturers to improve the performance of their filters and to consider the overall developments within the industry since the introduction of the energy class in 2015.

All air filters are rated on a scale from A+ to E. The quality class A+ indicates the lowest energy consumption, while class E indicates the highest. The classification provides users with a better understanding of the annual energy consumption, average efficiency, and minimum efficiency grade.

"Due to rising energy prices and increasingly strict regulations on CO2 emissions, the energy consumption of air filters in the field of general indoor air technology has increasingly come into focus. Not to mention our better understanding of the impacts of 'poor air' on our health and well-being," says Tobias Zimmer from Camfil, who collaborated with Eurovent in developing the new classification.

"The classification of air filters based on the new Eurovent filter testing procedure makes it easier to find the right air filter with the lowest energy consumption. It will help product developers as well as plant and building managers to save money while maintaining the best indoor air quality," said Zimmer.

The new Eurovent classification is defined in the evaluation standard RS4/C/001-2019 and covers all products within the scope of the Eurovent program for certified performance of air filters with a rating of 0.944 m3/s as the nominal airflow.

Based on a reliable certification process, Eurovent-certified products must provide data on annual energy consumption (kWh/J) for each ISO efficiency class and be tested at independent testing facilities as well as through spot checks at the manufacturer's sites. These certified data can be accessed on the Eurovent website: www.eurovent-certification.com.

What changes with ISO 16890?

There are certain significant differences between EN779:2012 and EN ISO 16890:2016: see Table 1.