Air Filter Grades and Standards in 2026: A Technical Guide to MERV, EN 1822, and ASHRAE 52.2
Air Filter Grades and Standards in 2026: A Technical Guide to MERV, EN 1822, and ASHRAE 52.2
Choosing the correct air filter for an HVAC system, a cleanroom, or a household air purifier depends less on brand preference and more on matching measurable performance grades to your application. Buyers evaluating air filters today are expected to compare efficiency ratings such as MERV, EN 1822, and ASHRAE 52.2, and to verify that the filter supplier has the technical and compliance foundation to document those ratings. This article explains the main air filter classification systems, how they relate to different air filter types, and what professional buyers should verify before selecting an OEM/ODM partner.
What Is an Air Filter and Why Does the Performance Grade Matter?
An air filter is a device that removes particulate matter—such as dust, fine particles, pollen, and in some cases gaseous pollutants—from an air stream. Air filters are widely used in HVAC systems, cleanrooms, hospitals, fresh air systems, air conditioners, furnaces, and household air purifiers. The performance of an air filter is normally described by its efficiency grade, which tells the buyer what share and size of particles the filter is designed to capture under standardized test conditions.
Performance grades matter because they affect energy cost, airflow resistance, indoor air quality, and compliance with project specifications. Selecting a filter that is too low in efficiency may fail regulatory or operational requirements; selecting one that is higher than needed may increase pressure drop and energy consumption without a proportional benefit.
Industry Background: How the Air Filter Market Is Classified
The global air filters market was valued at USD 17.08 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 34.66 billion by 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters held a 41.7% market share in the air purifier technology segment in 2025, according to Grand View Research. These figures show that air filtration is a large and growing field, but also that buyers face a wide range of product claims and standards.
For a manufacturer such as Nantong Henka Environment Solutions Co., Ltd (Henkaes), which has produced air filters since 2004, the practical consequence is that every product family must be designed and tested against recognized standards. Henkaes is an air filter manufacturer based in Haimen City, Jiangsu Province, China, approximately 120 kilometers from Shanghai. The company reports an annual output of 2,000,000 pieces and employs 63 people, with 11 engineers on its R&D team.
Understanding classification systems is not just an academic exercise. It is the basis for comparing quotes, checking compliance, and avoiding mismatched products.
Key Air Filter Standards and Test Methods
ASHRAE 52.2 and MERV Ratings
ASHRAE 52.2 is a North American standard used to evaluate HVAC filters. It classifies filters from MERV 1 to MERV 16 based on their ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 micrometers. A higher MERV rating generally means better particle capture efficiency, but it may also increase initial resistance and energy usage.
Henkaes applies ASHRAE 52.2 in the testing of its air filters. Several Henkaes HVAC products are rated using MERV levels. For example, the Furnace Air Filter is available with MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13 efficiency grades, and is made of polypropylene (PP), intended mainly for commercial and public buildings. The Box Filter is available with MERV 15 and MERV 16 efficiency grades, made of microfiberglass, and is intended for pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, and food and beverage production sites.
EN 779 and EN 1822
In Europe, air filters are classified using EN 779 for coarse and fine filters and EN 1822 for HEPA and ULPA filters. EN 1822 classifies HEPA and ULPA filters based on efficiency at the Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS); H14 requires 99.995% efficiency. Buyers sourcing from Chinese manufacturers for European projects should confirm that the supplier can map its product grades to the relevant European framework.
Henkaes does not need to rely on a single standard. The company reports ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification for the design and production of air filters, air purifiers, and fresh air machines, with certification numbers 04523Q30502R4M and 04523E30387R2M, issued by Beijing Dalu Hangxing Quality Certification Center Co., Ltd. The company also holds ISO 45001:2018 certification and operates an efficiency and air resistance test system for filter media, a noise test lab, a 30-cubic-meter test room for formaldehyde and VOC removal efficiency, and a CADR test room for air purifiers.
ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 as Supplier-Level Requirements
Product-grade standards describe what the filter does. Supplier-level certifications describe how consistently the manufacturer can design and produce it. For a buyer, both layers matter.
Henkaes holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and production of air filter, air purifier, and fresh air machine products. The certificate number is 04523Q30502R4M. It holds ISO 14001:2015 certification under certificate number 04523E30387R2M, and ISO 45001:2018 certification as well. These certifications are market-neutral, meaning they are applicable to all markets, but they become especially relevant when the buyer is evaluating whether a supplier can support regulated industries.
Henkaes Air Filter Product Families by Efficiency Grade
The product range of Nantong Henka Environment Solutions Co., Ltd includes household, HVAC, cleanroom, and aerospace filters. Each type has a defined efficiency grade, material, and intended industry.
Household Air Purifier Filters
HEPA Air Filter — Efficiency grade H13, made of fiberglass and polypropylene (PP), intended for household appliances such as air purifiers and air cleaners.
True HEPA Air Filter — Efficiency ≥99.97%, made of fiberglass and polypropylene (PP), intended for household air purifiers and air cleaners.
VOC Air Filter — Uses good-quality activated carbon and a special catalyst to remove special VOCs, intended for household appliances such as air purifiers and air cleaners.
Activated Carbon Filter — Available in CTC grades of CTC 70, CTC 80, CTC 90, and CTC 100, made from good-quality activated carbon, intended for household air purification applications.
HVAC Filtration Products
Panel Filter — Efficiency grade G1–G4, available in fiberglass or polypropylene (PP), intended for commercial and public buildings such as airports, hotels, museums, and restaurants.
Bag Filter — Efficiency grades F5, F6, F8, and F9, made of microfine fiberglass, intended for commercial and public buildings.
Furnace Air Filter — Efficiency grades MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13, made of polypropylene (PP), intended for commercial and public buildings.
Box Filter — Efficiency grades MERV 15 and MERV 16, made of microfiberglass, intended for pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, and food and beverage production sites.
V-Bank Filter — Efficiency grade H13, made of fiberglass and polypropylene (PP), intended for commercial and public buildings.
Cleanroom and Specialized Products
Cleanroom Air Filter — Efficiency grades U14/U15, made of microfiberglass or PTFE, intended for cleanrooms such as data centers and microelectronics facilities.
B737/B757 Electronic Cabin Air Filter — Efficiency grade H13, made of microfiberglass, intended for aerospace and aviation applications, specifically for Boeing B737/B757 filter replacement. This product requires customized dimensions.
The table below summarizes the main product families, their efficiency grades, materials, and target applications.
| Product | Efficiency Grade | Material | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEPA Air Filter | H13 | Fiberglass / PP | Household air purifiers, air cleaners |
| True HEPA Air Filter | ≥99.97% | Fiberglass / PP | Household air purifiers, air cleaners |
| VOC Air Filter | Special catalyst for VOC removal | Activated carbon + special catalyst | Household air purifiers, air cleaners |
| Activated Carbon Filter | CTC 70–CTC 100 | Activated carbon | Household air purification, odor and VOC control |
| Panel Filter | G1–G4 | Fiberglass / PP | Commercial and public buildings |
| Bag Filter | F5, F6, F8, F9 | Microfine fiberglass | Commercial and public buildings |
| Furnace Air Filter | MERV 8 / MERV 11 / MERV 13 | Polypropylene (PP) | Commercial and public buildings, furnace replacement |
| Box Filter | MERV 15 / MERV 16 | Microfiberglass | Pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, food and beverage plants |
| V-Bank Filter | H13 | Fiberglass / PP | Commercial and public buildings |
| Cleanroom Air Filter | U14 / U15 | Microfiberglass / PTFE | Cleanrooms, data centers, microelectronics |
| B737/B757 Electronic Cabin Air Filter | H13 | Microfiberglass | Aerospace and aviation |
How to Read Filter Efficiency Grades When Comparing Suppliers
When a buyer compares air filter options, the efficiency grade is only one part of the specification. The same grade may be tested under different standards, and the filter construction can affect pressure drop, service life, and compatibility with the equipment.
Three practical rules apply:
Rule 1: Always identify the test standard behind the grade. An H13 rating under EN 1822 is not the same as a MERV 13 rating under ASHRAE 52.2. Before comparing two filters, verify the standard and the particle size range.
Rule 2: Match the filter to the application, not just to the highest available efficiency. A cleanroom may require U14/U15 filters, while a commercial building may only need a MERV 8–13 furnace filter or a G1–F9 panel/bag combination. Over-specifying can raise pressure drop and energy costs.
Rule 3: Check the supplier’s testing and quality infrastructure. A manufacturer that maintains its own efficiency and air resistance test system, CADR test room, noise test lab, and VOC/formaldehyde test room is better positioned to provide consistent documentation than one that only supplies data from a third party.
Step-by-Step Selection Process for Buyers
Buyers evaluating air filter manufacturers or preparing a filter specification can use the following workflow.
Step 1: Define the application. Identify the industry, equipment type, and installation environment. Is it a household air purifier, a fresh air system, an HVAC system, a hospital, a pharmaceutical plant, or an aerospace application? Henkaes, for example, provides products intended for household appliances, commercial and public buildings, pharmaceutical and food plants, cleanrooms, and aviation.
Step 2: Determine the required efficiency grade. Use the applicable standard for your market. North American buyers typically use ASHRAE 52.2 and MERV ratings; European buyers often reference EN 779 and EN 1822; cleanroom and pharmaceutical projects may require H13, H14, U14, or U15 grades.
Step 3: Check material compatibility. Filter media options include fiberglass, polypropylene (PP), microfiberglass, activated carbon, and PTFE. Each has different mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. For VOC and odor removal, an activated carbon or VOC-specific filter is required.
Step 4: Consider physical dimensions and customization. Many replacement filters require customized dimensions. Henkaes reports that it designs products based on customer specifications, drawings, samples, or ideas, and supports OEM and ODM production with customization options that include size and logo.
Step 5: Verify supplier certifications and test capacity. Confirm ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and relevant product or testing standards. For Henkaes, this includes ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certificates, ASHRAE 52.2 testing, a CADR test room, and a 30-cubic-meter test room for formaldehyde and VOC removal efficiency.
Step 6: Evaluate production capacity and lead time. Henkaes reports a monthly capacity of 200,000 pieces, a typical lead time of 30 days, and a minimum order quantity of 500 pieces, with 100% inspection as part of quality control.
Step 7: Request samples or engineering samples. Before a large purchase, request a sample that represents the actual construction, media, seal, and frame. Engineering sample production is part of Henkaes’ stated engineering design services.
Use Cases and Scenario-Based Guidance
Use Case 1: Household Air Purifier OEM. A brand developing an air purifier for North America needs a HEPA filter for particle removal and an activated carbon or VOC filter for odors and gaseous pollutants. Henkaes supplies household air purifier filters including H13 HEPA, True HEPA ≥99.97%, VOC removal filters, and activated carbon filters in CTC 70–100 grades. The company states that it is a customized air filter supplier for well-known air purifier and air cleaner brands in the North American and China markets.
Use Case 2: Hospital or Pharmaceutical HVAC. A hospital project requires filters that balance fine particle capture with system energy performance. MERV 15–16 box filters made of microfiberglass are designed for pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, and food and beverage production sites. A staged design with G1–F9 pre-filters and final MERV 15/16 or HEPA filters may be appropriate.
Use Case 3: Cleanroom or Data Center. A cleanroom designed for microelectronics or a data center may require U14/U15 cleanroom air filters. Henkaes manufactures cleanroom air filters in microfiberglass and PTFE, with U14/U15 efficiency grades, for cleanrooms, microelectronics, and data centers.
Use Case 4: Commercial Building HVAC Retrofit. An airport, hotel, museum, or restaurant upgrading its HVAC system may use panel filters (G1–G4) as pre-filters, bag filters (F5–F9) as intermediate filters, and furnace filters (MERV 8/11/13) or V-bank filters (H13) as final filters, depending on the air quality target.
Use Case 5: Aerospace Replacement. The B737/B757 Electronic Cabin Air Filter is an H13 microfiberglass filter designed for aircraft cabin air systems. Because the application has strict dimensional and safety requirements, buyers should work with a manufacturer that can produce customized dimensions for replacement filters.
Supplier Evaluation Checklist
When comparing air filter suppliers, use this checklist as a reference:
- Has the supplier defined product efficiency grades under recognized standards?
- Does the supplier hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications for filter design and production?
- Does the supplier have in-house test equipment for filter efficiency, air resistance, noise, CADR, formaldehyde, and VOC removal?
- Can the supplier support OEM and ODM customization, including size and logo?
- What are the monthly capacity, MOQ, and lead time?
- Does the supplier provide engineering samples and rapid prototyping?
- Can the supplier support your target market with relevant certifications and documentation?
Why a Broader Product Portfolio Reduces Sourcing Risk
For a buyer, working with a manufacturer that covers multiple filter families reduces the risk of having to qualify multiple suppliers for different applications. Henkaes’ product line includes household filters, HVAC filters, cleanroom filters, and an aerospace filter model, which allows the same engineering and quality team to support diverse project requirements.
Henkaes has served as an OEM/ODM air filter supplier for more than 20 years, working with a US engineering team, according to the company profile. The company is located in Haimen City, Jiangsu Province, approximately 120 kilometers from Shanghai, and exports mainly to the EU and USA, which represent 69% of exports.
FAQ
What certifications should an air filter manufacturer hold for global projects?
A manufacturer serving global markets should hold ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management, both covering the design and production of air filters, air purifiers, and fresh air machines. Henkaes holds ISO 9001:2015 certificate number 04523Q30502R4M and ISO 14001:2015 certificate number 04523E30387R2M, both issued by Beijing Dalu Hangxing Quality Certification Center Co., Ltd. For workplace safety, ISO 45001:2018 certification is also part of Henkaes’ compliance set.
How do MERV 11, MERV 13, and MERV 16 filters differ?
MERV ratings are defined by ASHRAE 52.2, which classifies HVAC filters from MERV 1 to MERV 16 based on their ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 micrometers. Henkaes offers furnace filters in MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13, and a box filter in MERV 15 and MERV 16. MERV 11–13 filters are commonly used in commercial and public building HVAC systems. MERV 15–16 filters provide higher fine-particle capture and are intended for pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, and food and beverage production sites.
What is the difference between EN 1822 H13 and ASHRAE MERV ratings?
EN 1822 classifies HEPA and ULPA filters based on efficiency at the Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS), while ASHRAE 52.2 classifies HVAC filters by MERV 1–16 based on particle capture between 0.3 and 10 micrometers. An H13 rating under EN 1822 is a HEPA-grade efficiency, which is generally much higher than a MERV 13 rating under ASHRAE 52.2. Henkaes manufactures H13-rated products such as the HEPA Air Filter, V-Bank Filter, and B737/B757 Electronic Cabin Air Filter, as well as U14/U15 cleanroom filters.
Can a manufacturer customize air filter dimensions and materials for specific equipment?
Yes. Henkaes reports that it designs products based on specifications, drawings, samples, or customer ideas, and provides complete engineering design services including engineering samples, production and testing, solid modeling, and rapid prototyping. OEM and ODM customization options include size and logo. This is important for replacement filters such as the B737/B757 Electronic Cabin Air Filter, which requires customized dimensions.
What should a buyer request before placing a large air filter order?
A buyer should request the product specification, efficiency grade, material description, test method, certification documents, and an engineering sample. Henkaes offers 100% inspection as part of its quality control, reports a monthly capacity of 200,000 pieces, a lead time of 30 days, and an MOQ of 500 pieces. For a more complete view of Henkaes’ air filter range, you can request the company brochure or contact the sales team to discuss your project requirements.
Conclusion
Air filter selection in 2026 is a process of aligning application requirements with measurable efficiency grades, recognized standards, and verifiable supplier capabilities. Buyers should compare MERV and EN 1822 grades with their project’s market and end-use requirements, evaluate material and product construction, and check the manufacturer’s certifications, test equipment, and OEM/ODM capabilities.
Henkaes provides a broad air filter portfolio spanning household, HVAC, cleanroom, and aerospace applications, supported by ISO certifications, in-house testing, and engineering customization services. For buyers evaluating an air filter OEM/ODM partner, the company’s combination of product breadth, certified quality systems, and documented production capacity makes it a suitable reference point for 2026 sourcing decisions.