Which filters are best for your air handling unit in autumn? Discover what installers recommend

Why it’s important to replace ventilation filters in autumn

Dust, pollen, soot and other fine particles are often invisible to the eye (PM2.5 / PM1), yet these are the ones that most affect both your health and the efficiency of your system. Choosing the right filters for your ventilation unit improves indoor air quality and extends the lifespan of the device.

1. G4 class filters – the main protection for your ventilation unit

G4 class filters are designed to protect the heat exchanger and fan blades from larger dust particles. The air channels in the heat exchanger are usually about 2–4 mm wide, so a G4 filter captures particles larger than 20–30 microns.

  • Suitable for clean environments – rural areas with low air pollution.
  • Service life: around 6–8 months.

Note: Mesh or fabric filters should be vacuumed every 2–3 months and replaced after several cleanings – roughly every 6–8 months.

2. The more air-permeable the filter, the lower the airflow resistance

More permeable filters put less strain on the fans, which reduces electricity consumption and extends the lifespan of your ventilation unit.

Average filter service life:

  • G4 – 6–8 months
  • M5 – 5–7 months
  • F7 – 4–6 months
  • Activated carbon – 3–4 months

If your surroundings are clean and you want to save on costs, a G4 filter will be sufficient.

3. F7 filters for ventilation units – essential if neighbours use solid fuel heating

An F7 class filter captures fine particles of carbon, soot, and combustion residues. If you notice stronger odours, use an activated carbon filter, which absorbs smells and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

➡️ Read more about activated carbon filters here

4. Additional tips from installers

  • For city centres – use F7 or higher class filters, as urban air is polluted not only during the heating season but also due to vehicle emissions.
  • In valleys or low-lying areas – air circulation is weaker in winter, and smog tends to linger longer, so choose F7 or activated carbon filters.
  • If your filters clog too quickly – this usually indicates excess coarse dust from nearby construction or gravel roads. Install a pre-filter box with a cheaper G4 filter to protect the main one. Some ventilation unit manufacturers such as Blauberg, Brofer, Maico, Recom and Vallox already include a G4 filter before the F7 supply filter. Zehnder also offers an external preheater box with an integrated primary filter.

Filter class comparison

Filter class Particle type Recommended environment
G4 (Coarse) Coarse dust, insects Clean environment, rural areas, no solid fuel heating nearby
M5 (ePM10) Medium dust, pollen Suburban or low-pollution areas
F7 (ePM1) Fine particles, pollen, soot City centres, industrial zones, or areas with solid fuel heating
Activated carbon Odours, smoke, VOCs Polluted or “smelly” environments with smoke or exhaust gases

Monitor the air quality in your area

Check real-time air pollution levels on the European air quality map. Even within the same city, air quality can vary significantly — sometimes a single neighbour’s chimney can noticeably affect how your ventilation system performs.

⚙️ Proper maintenance means a longer service life

Clogged filters put extra load on the fans, causing the unit to work harder, consume more electricity, and wear out faster. When air can no longer pass through dirty filters, it starts leaking through joints and gaps, bypassing filtration altogether.

A well-maintained ventilation unit can reliably serve you for 10–15 years.

Need help choosing the right ventilation filters?

Contact us – we’ll help you find the best solution for your ventilation unit.

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Why choose CleanFilter

  • ✅ Wide selection of filters for the most popular ventilation unit models (Brink, Komfovent, Oxygen, Paul, Systemair, Zehnder, and more).
  • ✅ Seasonal filter options – G4, M5, F7, and activated carbon filters for every need.
  • ✅ Fast delivery and easy filter selection by ventilation unit model.
  • ✅ German-quality filter media and installer-recommended solutions.