Why Choosing the Right Filter Matters
After making the excellent decision to entrust the air cleanliness of your home or workplace to an MVHR system, you likely discovered that simply installing the unit isn’t enough. To ensure that the air in your space remains as clean as possible, it’s essential to regularly replace the filters in your ventilation unit.
Fortunately, the filter replacement process is simple, straightforward, and requires no special tools or technical skills. However, choosing the right filter can be a bit confusing.
When looking for a replacement filter, the first thing to check is the manufacturer and model of your MVHR unit. Different systems use different types of filters. It’s also important to understand that an MVHR system filters both:
- The incoming (supply) air from the outside environment
- The extracted (exhaust) air from inside your home or building
Since the outside air tends to be far more polluted, it requires denser, higher-class filters capable of capturing finer particles. Meanwhile, the indoor air being extracted is generally cleaner, but still needs to be filtered to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering and damaging the MVHR system.
What Does MVHR Filter Class Indicate?
To ensure you’re choosing high-quality filters, check whether they meet an ISO standard. This information is typically printed on the filter or listed in its technical specifications.
- Before 2016, filter classification was based on the EN 779 standard.
- Since 2016, the ISO 16890 standard has been used instead.
The older EN 779 standard measured filtration efficiency based on a single particle size. In contrast, the ISO 16890 standard measures a wider range of particle sizes, offering a more accurate and comprehensive view of a filter’s performance.
Particle Categories Under ISO 16890
Filters are now categorized based on the size of the particles they capture, which aligns with the potential health impact of those particles. The ISO 16890 standard divides particles into four main groups:
| Particle Group | Description | Examples |
| ePM1 | Ultra-fine particles that can enter the bloodstream | Smog, dust mites |
| ePM2.5 | Fine particles that can reach the lungs | Tobacco smoke, some bacteria |
| ePM10 | Larger particles that can cause respiratory irritation | Pollen, fertilizer |
| Coarse | Large visible particles | Cement dust, human hair, car exhaust |
Filter Classifications Based on Particle Capture
Based on these particle sizes, filters are classified according to their ability to remove a certain percentage of each category from the air. For example, a filter rated as ePM1 80% captures 80% of particles smaller than 1 µm.
Still Unsure Which Filter to Choose?
If you’re still unsure about which filter class is best for your MVHR system, don’t worry. Feel free to contact us using the details provided, and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process and help you make the right choice.
