Air filters are designed to remove harmful particles from the air and are an important element in improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). They can be used at different stages of air treatment and are utilised predominantly in air handling units (AHUs) and ventilation systems, in a wide range of commercial, industrial and residential applications. The Eurovent Certified Performance programme for Air Filters (FIL) provides independently verified data for decision makers, which is crucial when making effective and sustainable product choices.

Why do we need filter certification?

Air filters are vital to ensuring the air we breathe is free from harmful contaminants. However, their use impacts on the energy efficiency of a system, accounting for around 15% of building energy costs. It is therefore important to ensure systems are using the correct filters to enhance IAQ and system efficiency.

Voluntary certification - such as Eurovent Certified Performance - provides independent verification of manufacturer-declared performance data. This ensures:

• Trust and transparency in product performance claims
• Reliable design data for engineers and specifiers
• Comparable information across brands, simplifying selection
• Reduced risk of underperformance
• Compliance support with building standards and sustainability targets.

Without certification, specifiers and end users rely solely on manufacturer data, which may be optimised for laboratory results and not always reflect real-world performance. With filters available in a range of designs and classes, using different filter media including glass and synthetic (or a mix of the two), its important decision makers have accurate information on the filter’s construction and performance. Certification ensures manufacturer claims match what’s delivered in practice, helping the HVAC industry achieve greater energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and sustainability goals.

What products are included?

The Eurovent Certified Performance programme scope for Air Filters (FIL) covers air filter elements rated and sold as ISO ePM1, ISO ePM2.5 and ISO ePM10 according to EN ISO 16890-1:2016. Air filters must have a front frame size of 592x592mm according to standard EN 15805:2010, and with a nominal airflow between 0.24 and 1.5 m³/s.

When a company joins the programme, all relevant ISO ePM1, ISO ePM2.5 and ISO ePM10 air filter elements must be certified.

What is certified?

For the admission procedures: 6 units will be selected and tested by an independent laboratory selected by Eurovent Certification. Then each year 4 units will be selected and tested as part of the surveillance process.

Main certified characteristics and acceptance criteria includes:

• Filter ISO class rating and ePM group: Same or lower
• Initial pressure drop: +10% + 5 Pa (minimum 15 Pa)
• ePM₁, ePM_1,min, ePM_2.5, ePM_2.5,min and ePM₁₀ efficiencies: -7%-point
• Annual energy consumption +10% +60 kWh/a.

What are the testing standards?

Air filters certified under this Eurovent Certified Performance programme are tested to:

• EN ISO 16890: 2016
• Eurovent 4/21.

You can find out more about the certification rules and requirements in the Technical Certification Rules and Certification Manual on our Eurovent Certified Performance programme for Air Filters page.

Why choose Eurovent Certified Performance?

Eurovent Certified Performance for Air Filters offers a comprehensive, independent and impartial certification programme, which goes beyond laboratory testing alone.

This programme includes:

• Independent laboratory tests
• Full analysis and validation of all supplied data (including marketing materials)
• Surveillance process to ensure continued conformity.

Evaluation protocols are uniform to ensure the certification process is fair and equal for all manufacturers. Eurovent Certification:

• Evaluates air filters according to the same criteria
• Expresses results in the same unit of measurement, regardless of the country where the products are manufactured or marketed
• Ensures all products within the programme go through exactly the same certification, sampling and surveillance process
• Impartiality standards are kept high as manufacturers and laboratories have no direct contact, keeping the process clear of any bias
• Additionally, products to be tested can be taken from the production line or factory stock, ensuring the product tested is exactly the same as those leaving the production line.

As all air filters go through the same process, decision makers can directly compare this data when making product decisions, via the free to access certified product directory.

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Discover more about the Air Filters programme