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Activated carbon filters for ventilation units: what they are and how they work

date_range 19 September 2025
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Many people ask whether activated carbon filters are worth choosing, how they differ from standard filters and how long they last. Here’s a quick explanation.

Standard filters – designed for dust and pollen

Standard G4, M5 and F7 filters capture dust, insects, pollen, soot and fine particles (PM10, PM2.5, PM1). They are an essential part of every ventilation unit.

Brink Flair 450/600 G4+G4...

Brink Flair 450/600 G4+G4 Filter set (Standard)

Price £6.35

Ex VAT: £5.29

Manufacturer of MVHRBrink
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unit
  • Brink Flair 450
  • Brink Flair 600
Filter dimensions595x200
Class EN779G4+G4
Class ISO16890Coarse 65%
Protection levelBasic: larger solid particles, dust, fluff.
Quantity of filters2
Advantages
  • Low airflow resistance: longer servicing term, lower energy consumption.
  • Made in the EU.
  • Premium class certified synthetic filtering material (SANDLER AG, Germany)
  • Tested according to ISO16890 at the accredited laboratory in Germany.
Manufacturer product number1669551
RemarksThe filter set is designed to protect the MVHR from bigger particles. If you want to clean the supply air from small particles such as pollen and smog, choose the F7 class supply air filter. It is available in our shop.
Domekt R 300 V M5 filter Komfovent

Domekt R 300 V M5+M5 Filter set (Standard)

Price £14.92

Ex VAT: £12.43

Manufacturer of MVHRKomfovent
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unitDomekt R 300 V
Filter dimensions290x205x46
Class EN779M5+M5
Class ISO16890ePM10 55%
Protection levelAverage: medium-sized solid particles, dust, fluff, pollen, mold spores.
Quantity of filters2
Advantages
  • Low airflow resistance: longer servicing term, lower energy consumption.
  • Made in the EU.
  • Premium class certified synthetic filtering material (SANDLER AG, Germany)
  • Tested according to ISO16890 at the accredited laboratory in Germany.
Manufacturer product number774100137
RemarksHigh-quality analogue: certified materials (Germany, SANDLER AG) and tested parameters. Reliable air filtration and optimum usage period.
Zehnder ComfoAir Q 350/450/600 F7+G4 Filter set

Zehnder ComfoAir Q 350/450/600 F7+G4 Filter set (Efficient)

Price £16.72

Ex VAT: £13.93

Manufacturer of MVHRZehnder
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unit
  • ComfoAir Q 450
  • ComfoAir Q 350
  • ComfoAir Q 600
Filter dimensions500x159x22
Class EN779F7+G4
Class ISO16890ePM1 65%
Protection levelHigh: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, smog particles, insecticide dust.
Quantity of filters2
Advantages
  • Premium analog filters: tested efficiency, certified quality, and German filtering materials.
  • Made in the EU – quality and safety.
  • ISO 16890 tested – proven efficiency in accredited German lab.
  • Energy efficient. New generation low resistance filtering material enables to lower energy consumption and prolongs filter service term up to 25% (comparing with filters of previous generation).
  • High filtering efficiency – ePM1 65% (most analog filters from China – ePM10 70%).
Manufacturer product number
  • 400502013
  • 400502015
  • 400100118

The hidden problem: invisible pollutants

Besides dust, the air also contains gases and volatile compounds that are thousands of times smaller than PM1, such as:

✅ Vehicle exhaust fumes (NO₂, benzene, toluene)

✅ Smoke from stoves and fireplaces (SO₂, aldehydes, PAHs)

✅ Fumes from resins and glues (for example, when burning furniture, chipboard or plywood)

❌ Standard filters cannot stop these pollutants.

How activated carbon works

Activated carbon is made by heating normal carbon at very high temperatures, creating millions of tiny pores. This gives it an enormous surface area – one gram can cover the size of a football pitch.

When air passes through the filter, molecules of gases, odours and harmful compounds stick to the surface of the carbon. This process is called adsorption (not absorption) – the pollutants attach to the surface instead of being soaked inside.

What activated carbon filters can capture

Pollutant Examples Effect
Odours Smoke, cooking smells, mould ✅ Effectively removed
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) Formaldehyde, benzene, toluene ✅ Reduced significantly
PAHs Tar compounds, benzo[a]pyrene ✅ Largely captured
Ozone (O₃) Traffic pollution, electronics ✅ Concentration reduced
Sulphur compounds SO₂, H₂S ⚙️ Partially captured
Nitrogen oxides NO, NO₂ ⚙️ Only a small amount removed
Pesticide fumes Spraying in fields ⚙️ Helps reduce exposure

How long do they last?

Typically 3-4 months, depending on outdoor air quality. During the heating season most households will need around 3 filters. Once the carbon is saturated, the filter still works as a particle filter, but its resistance is slightly higher.

Pros and cons of activated carbon filters

  • 💰 About twice the price of an F7 particle filter
  • ⚙️ Higher airflow resistance – slightly lower ventilation rate and higher energy use
  • ⏳ Shorter lifespan – around half as long as a standard F7 filter
  • ❌ Particle filtration efficiency is usually lower than pure particle filters

When should you choose an activated carbon filter?

Filter summary

Filter Purpose / captures Notes
G4 Large dust, insects Basic pre-filter
M5 Pollen, PM10 Good for allergy sufferers
F7 ePM1 ≥ 50% Fine particles PM2.5 & PM1, smog, pesticide dust Best protection in cities
Activated carbon Gases and odours: smoke, VOCs, food, tobacco Requires 2–3 per season

Why choose CleanFilter?

  • ✅ Made in the EU from safe materials
  • ✅ Filter media manufactured in Finland, adapted to European climate
  • ✅ Delivered directly from the factory – you get the same filters cheaper
Domekt R 450 V C6M 1xF7/AC Aktyvintos anglies filtras (kvapų)

Domekt R 450 V C6M 1xF7/AC Activated carbon filter (Odor)

Price £31.12

Ex VAT: £25.93

Manufacturer of MVHRKomfovent
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unitDomekt R 450 V C6M
Filter dimensions517x278x46
Class EN779F7/AC
Class ISO16890ePM1 70%
Protection levelParticles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases.
Quantity of filters1
Advantages
  • Made in the EU – quality and safety.
  • German filtration material – hygienic (VDI 6022) and PFAS-free for cleaner, safer air.
  • ISO 16890 tested – proven efficiency in accredited German lab.
  • Absorbs volatile particles (odors) and harmful gases as NOx, O3, etc.
Remarks
  • ⚠️ Suitable only for C6M models (from 10/2020). Please check model or filter dimensions before ordering.
  • 🌟 High-quality replacement filter: made from certified materials (Germany, SANDLER AG) with tested performance. Provides reliable air filtration and optimal service life.
SAVE VSR 300 (PF) F7/AC+M5...

SAVE VSR 300 (PF) F7/AC+M5 Activated carbon filter (Odor)

Price £31.28

Ex VAT: £26.06

Manufacturer of MVHRSystemair
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unitSAVE VSR 300 (PF)
Filter dimensions
  • 398x210x24
  • 397x277x24
Class EN779F7/AC+M5
Class ISO16890ePM1 70%
Protection levelParticles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases.
Quantity of filters2
Advantages
  • Made in the EU – quality and safety.
  • German filtration material – hygienic (VDI 6022) and PFAS-free for cleaner, safer air.
  • ISO 16890 tested – proven efficiency in accredited German lab.
  • Absorbs volatile particles (odors) and harmful gases as NOx, O3, etc.
Zehnder ComfoAir Q...

Zehnder ComfoAir Q 350/450/600 1xF7/AC Activated carbon filter (Odor)

Price £16.91

Ex VAT: £14.09

Manufacturer of MVHRZehnder
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unit
  • ComfoAir Q 450
  • ComfoAir Q 350
  • ComfoAir Q 600
Filter dimensions500x159x22
Class EN779F7/AC
Class ISO16890ePM2.5 60%
Protection levelParticles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases.
Quantity of filters1
Advantages
  • Made in the EU – quality and safety.
  • German filtration material – hygienic (VDI 6022) and PFAS-free for cleaner, safer air.
  • ISO 16890 tested – proven efficiency in accredited German lab.
  • Absorbs volatile particles (odors) and harmful gases as NOx, O3, etc.
  • Premium analog filters: tested efficiency, certified quality, and German filtering materials.
Remarks⚠️ Please do not confuse ComfoAir with ComfoAir Q. These are different models with different dimensions – they are not interchangeable. Before ordering, carefully check which version you have to ensure correct fit.
Blauberg KOMFORT EC SB 350...

Blauberg KOMFORT EC SB 350 1xF7/AC Activated carbon filter (Odor)

Price £21.77

Ex VAT: £18.14

Manufacturer of MVHRBlauberg
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unitKOMFORT EC SB 350
Filter dimensions500x196x40
Class EN779F7/AC
Class ISO16890ePM2.5 60%
Protection levelParticles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases.
Quantity of filters1
Advantages
  • Made in the EU.
  • Premium class certified synthetic filtering material (SANDLER AG, Germany)
  • Tested according to ISO16890 at the accredited laboratory in Germany.
  • Absorbs volatile particles (odors) and harmful gases as NOx, O3, etc.
Paul Novus 300/450 1xF7/AC aktyvuntos anglies filtras (Kvapų)

Paul Novus 300/450 1xF7/AC Activated carbon filter (Odor)

Price £16.74

Ex VAT: £13.95

Manufacturer of MVHRPaul
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unit
  • Paul Novus 300
  • Paul Novus 450
Filter dimensions180x475x50
Class EN779F7/AC
Class ISO16890ePM2.5 60%
Protection levelParticles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases.
Quantity of filters1
Advantages
  • Made in the EU – quality and safety.
  • German filtration material – hygienic (VDI 6022) and PFAS-free for cleaner, safer air.
  • ISO 16890 tested – proven efficiency in accredited German lab.
  • Absorbs volatile particles (odors) and harmful gases as NOx, O3, etc.
ENSY AHU 350/400 1xF7/АC aktyvintos anglies filtras (Kvapų)

ENSY AHU 350/400 1xF7/AC Activated carbon filter (Odor)

Price £24.68

Ex VAT: £20.56

Manufacturer of MVHRENSY
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unit
  • AHU 400 BH
  • AHU 400 BV
  • ENSY AHU 350
  • ENSY AHU 400
  • AHU 350 BH
  • AHU 350 BV
Filter dimensions165x370x94
Class EN779F7/AC
Class ISO16890ePM1 70%
Protection levelParticles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases.
Quantity of filters1
Advantages
  • Made in the EU – quality and safety.
  • German filtration material – hygienic (VDI 6022) and PFAS-free for cleaner, safer air.
  • ISO 16890 tested – proven efficiency in accredited German lab.
  • Absorbs volatile particles (odors) and harmful gases as NOx, O3, etc.
Manufacturer product number1460-862
Oxygen X-Air C 1xF7/АC aktyvintos anglies filtras (Kvapų)

Oxygen X-Air C180,C200,C250 / Easy C150,C200,C250 1xF7/AC Activated...

Price £10.48

Ex VAT: £8.73

Manufacturer of MVHROxygen
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unit
  • Oxygen Easy C200
  • Oxygen Easy C250
  • Oxygen X-Air C180
  • Oxygen X-Air C200
  • Oxygen X-Air C250
  • Oxygen Easy C150
Filter dimensions205x205x46
Class EN779F7/AC
Class ISO16890ePM2.5 60%
Protection levelParticles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases.
Quantity of filters1
Advantages
  • Made in the EU – quality and safety.
  • German filtration material – hygienic (VDI 6022) and PFAS-free for cleaner, safer air.
  • ISO 16890 tested – proven efficiency in accredited German lab.
  • Absorbs volatile particles (odors) and harmful gases as NOx, O3, etc.
FLEXIT Nordic S2/S3 1xF7/AC...

FLEXIT Nordic S2/S3 1xF7/AC Activated carbon filter (Odor)

Price £11.27

Ex VAT: £9.39

Manufacturer of MVHRFlexit
ManufacturerCleanFilter
Air handling unit
  • FLEXIT Nordic S2
  • FLEXIT Nordic S3
Filter dimensions166x272x48
Class EN779F7/AC
Class ISO16890ePM2.5 60%
Protection levelParticles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases.
Quantity of filters1
Advantages
  • Low airflow resistance: longer servicing term, lower energy consumption.
  • Made in the EU – quality and safety.
  • ISO 16890 tested – proven efficiency in accredited German lab.
  • Absorbs volatile particles (odors) and harmful gases as NOx, O3, etc.
Manufacturer product number
  • 116597
  • 116597
Tags: activated carbon filter carbon filter for home ventilation carbon filter for ventilation odour removal filter smoke filter ventilation ventilation unit carbon filter VOC air filter |
Categories: Indoor air quality