Exhaust Air Heat Pump Testing: Independent Documentation for European Compliance and Market Access - Frequently asked questions
Select Page
Frequently Asked Questions About Exhaust Air Heat Pump Testing
Find answers to some of the most common questions about accredited exhaust air heat pump testing, applicable EN standards, ventilation integration, climate chamber facilities, and certification processes at Danish Technological Institute.
Got other questions?
Don't hesitate to reach out to Preben Eskerod, Business Manager.
Testing of exhaust air heat pumps involves a combination of heating and ventilation standards. Thermal capacity, COP/SCOP, and energy efficiency are tested under EN 14511 and EN 14825. Aerodynamic performance, specific fan power (SFP), and internal/external leakage are evaluated in accordance with EN 13141-7. Acoustic sound power levels are measured according to EN 12102-2 (for casing radiation and in-duct sound power). For combination appliances with integrated domestic hot water storage, EN 16147 defines the tapping cycles and water heating energy efficiency(ηwh). Because exhaust air heat pumps function as both ventilation devices and space/water heaters, they often fall under two distinct European regulatory frameworks: Commission Regulation (EU) No 1253/2014 (Ecodesign for residential ventilation units) and Commission Regulation (EU) No 813/2013 (Ecodesign for space heaters and combination heaters). Our accredited test reports provide the comprehensive data sets required to document compliance with both regulations, covering specific energy consumption (SEC), seasonal space heating energy efficiency (ηs), and domestic hot water tapping efficiency. Exhaust air heat pumps generate sound radiated through their external casing into the installation room, as well as acoustic waves transmitted directly through the connected ventilation ducts into living spaces. In our dedicated acoustic test chambers, we measure both sound pathways independently pursuant to EN 12102-2 and EN ISO 5136. Duct sound power is measured using specialized in-duct microphone arrays or reverberation room terminations, while casing radiation is evaluated separately. Yes. With the industry moving toward low-GWP refrigerants, many modern exhaust air units utilise Propane (R290). Our climate chambers and test stations are fully equipped with ATEX-certified safety architecture, continuous refrigerant gas leak monitoring, high-capacity emergency ventilation, and explosion-protected equipment, allowing safe performance and acoustic testing of A3 and A2L charged systems. The final report delivers a comprehensive, legally valid account of all measured variables. It includes unit identification (serial numbers, components, refrigerant charge, rating plates), air temperature and humidity logs from the climate chamber, measured volumetric and mass airflow rates, electrical power inputs, thermal output curves, calculated COP/SCOP/SEC figures, in-duct and casing sound power spectra (1/3 octave bands), and complete measurement uncertainty budgets.Which specific standards apply to performance and acoustic testing of exhaust air heat pumps?
How are dual Ecodesign requirements handled for exhaust air heat pumps?
How does the laboratory measure in-duct vs. casing-radiated noise?
Can the laboratory test exhaust air heat pumps charged with flammable refrigerants like R290 in climate chambers?
What data is included in the final ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test report?