Last updated: June 17, 2026
Just a few years ago, discussions about homes focused primarily on heating costs and energy efficiency. Today, however, the focus is shifting. From 2026, updated EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requirements will place increasing emphasis not only on energy efficiency but also on occupants’ health and wellbeing.
That is why the term IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) is becoming increasingly important.
The new EU legislation makes it clear that an airtight, energy-efficient building can no longer be considered high quality if it fails to provide healthy indoor air. As a result, demand for high-performance F7 and HEPA filters is growing rapidly across Europe.
What Is IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air inside buildings and includes factors such as:
- Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1)
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels
- Humidity
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Allergens
- Mould spores
- Bacteria and other biological contaminants
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), people spend around 90% of their time indoors. This means that the air we breathe inside our homes often has a greater impact on our health than outdoor air.
Why Is the EU Changing the Requirements?
By May 2026, all EU Member States must fully transpose the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) into national legislation.
The key change is that energy efficiency and indoor air quality are now considered inseparable. In other words, building an airtight home is no longer enough. It must also be equipped with an effective MVHR system that provides continuous ventilation and protects occupants from airborne pollution.
In addition, the revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive (EU 2024/2881) introduces significantly stricter limits for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
This means that the air entering buildings must now be filtered more effectively than ever before.
Why Are M5 Filters No Longer Enough?
For many years, most MVHR systems were fitted with G4 or M5 filters. However, increasing levels of urban air pollution have created new challenges.
M5 filters are effective at capturing larger dust particles, insects and some pollen, but they are not efficient enough at filtering the smallest PM2.5 and PM1 particles, which pose the greatest health risks.
This is why many ventilation specialists now recommend F7 MVHR filters.
Why Are F7 Filters Becoming the New Standard?
According to the latest ISO 16890 classification, F7 filters generally correspond to ePM1 filters and are capable of capturing:
- More than 65–70% of PM2.5 particles
- More than 50% of PM1 particles
- The majority of airborne pollen
- Smog particles
- A proportion of bacteria-carrying aerosols
This is particularly important for people living in major Lithuanian cities such as Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, as well as those living near busy roads or industrial areas.
Scientific research shows that mechanical ventilation equipped with high-efficiency filters can reduce occupants’ exposure to fine particulate matter by 50–90%, depending on the type of system and the filter class.
When Are HEPA Filters Necessary?
HEPA filters are among the most efficient air filtration solutions available. Depending on their classification (H13 or H14), they can capture 99.95–99.995% of extremely fine airborne particles, including:
- PM2.5 and PM1 particles
- Bacteria
- Mould spores
- Many virus-carrying aerosols
They are most commonly used in:
- Hospitals and operating theatres
- Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical and electronics manufacturing
- Cleanroom environments
- Homes of people with severe allergies, asthma or highly sensitive respiratory systems
However, this exceptional filtration performance comes with a trade-off.
HEPA filters create significantly higher airflow resistance than standard MVHR filters. As a result:
- Airflow decreases
- Fans operate under greater load
- Electricity consumption increases
- Not all MVHR units are designed to operate efficiently with HEPA filters
For this reason, F7 (ISO ePM1) filters remain the optimal choice for most homes and flats.
They effectively capture the majority of health-hazardous fine particles, pollen, smog and allergens, while maintaining good airflow, lower energy consumption and efficient MVHR performance.
This is why F7 filters are now widely regarded as the ideal balance between air quality, comfort and system efficiency.
What Does This Mean for MVHR Owners?
If your home is equipped with an MVHR system, it is worth checking which class of MVHR filters you are currently using.Even the most advanced MVHR unit cannot provide good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) if the filters are unsuitable or not replaced on time.
The new EU requirements point in a clear direction: the future standard is not only about saving energy, but also about creating healthier indoor environments. As a result, replacing MVHR filters is no longer simply a maintenance task – it is an investment in your family’s health.
If you want to improve your home’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), choosing high-quality F7 filters – or other filters recommended for your specific MVHR system – is a sensible place to start.
You can find the right MVHR filters for your unit, based on its model, dimensions and filtration class, in the Filtrų pasaulis range.
