The Eurovent Energy Rating 2019, which came into force on 01 January, is based on ISO 16890:2016, the international standard for particle filtration in buildings that replaced previous test standards on 01 June 2018.

Under the new Eurovent classification, the demands on energy efficiencies have increased, meaning many filters previously considered A+ have been downgraded to A, forcing manufacturers to improve the performance of their filters and acknowledging the general developments within the industry since the original Energy Rating was introduced in 2015.

All air filters can be graded from A+ to E. Grade A+ stands for the lowest energy consumption and E for the highest. The classification will give customers a better understanding of the annual energy consumption, average efficiency and minimum efficiency

Tobias Zimmer of Camfil, who worked with Eurovent to develop the new classification, said: “The energy consumption of air filters in general ventilation systems has become the focus of attention as energy prices increase and demands to reduce CO2 emissions get tougher, not to mention our increased understanding of the effect of ‘bad air’ on our health and wellbeing.

“By classifying the air filters based on Eurovent's new test standard, meeting these challenges will be more straightforward, helping specifiers, building and facilities managers save money and maintain healthy indoor air quality.”

The new Eurovent Classification is defined in Rating Standard RS4/C/001-2019 and covers all products in the scope of the Eurovent Certified Performance programme for Air Filters rated at 0.944 m3/s as nominal airflow.

Based on a robust certification process, Eurovent certified products must show annual energy consumption (kWh/y) specific to each ISO efficiency rating and be tested in independent laboratories and through sampling on manufacturers sites. This certified data is available to view at the Eurovent website.