Multifunctional Ventilation Unit Testing: Independent Documentation for European Compliance and Market Access - Frequently asked questions
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Frequently Asked Questions About Multifunctional Ventilation Unit Testing
Do you have questions regarding test standards (EN 13141-7, EN 16573, EN 14511), dual Ecodesign compliance (EU 1253/2014 & EU 813/2013), acoustic testing in climate chambers, or the handling of flammable refrigerants like R290?
Explore our dedicated FAQ section on the next page for in-depth technical answers and insights into our accredited testing procedures.
Got other questions?
Don't hesitate to reach out to Preben Eskerod, Business Manager.
Testing of multifunctional ventilation units requires a harmonised combination of ventilation, thermodynamic, and acoustic standards. Aerodynamic performance, specific fan power, and internal or external air leakage are evaluated in accordance with EN 13141-7 and EN 13141-8. Performance testing of the integrated thermodynamic cycles and heat recovery is governed by EN 16573 alongside EN 14511 and EN 14825 for heating, cooling, and seasonal energy efficiency. For units equipped with domestic hot water production, EN 16147 defines the tapping profiles and water-heating energy efficiency. Sound power levels transmitted through ductwork and radiated from the casing are measured according to EN 12102-2 and EN ISO 5136. Because multifunctional units deliver both mechanical ventilation and active space heating or hot water production, they often fall under multiple European regulatory directives simultaneously. These include Commission Regulation (EU) No 1253/2014 and Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1254/2014 for residential ventilation units, as well as Commission Regulation (EU) No 813/2013 and Delegated Regulation (EU) No 811/2013 for space heaters and combination heaters. Our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test reports deliver the complete, multi-parameter datasets required to document compliance across all applicable regulations, covering Specific Energy Consumption, seasonal space heating energy efficiency, and domestic hot water tapping ratings. Multifunctional ventilation units generate acoustic emissions that radiate directly through the unit casing into the surrounding room, as well as sound waves transmitted through the connected ductwork into living areas. In our dedicated acoustic climate chambers, we evaluate both transmission paths independently. In-duct sound power levels are determined across all four air connections- supply, extract, exhaust, and outdoor - using calibrated duct terminations and microphone arrays pursuant to EN ISO 5136 and EN 12102-2, while casing-radiated sound power is measured separately in a reverberant or semi-anechoic environment. Thermal heat recovery performance is evaluated in calibrated test rigs where supply and extract airflows, temperatures, and relative humidities are regulated to precise equilibrium conditions. The temperature and humidity recovery efficiency is measured under dry and condensing states while accounting for fan heat dissipation. Internal and external casing leakage rates are quantified under positive and negative test pressures according to EN 13141-7 to ensure that extract air does not recirculate into the supply airstream and degrade indoor air quality. Yes. For multifunctional systems that incorporate an active heat pump circuit using low-GWP refrigerants, our test facilities are engineered to safely handle flammable A3 fluids such as Propane (R290) and mildly flammable A2L alternatives. The climate chambers and aerodynamic test stations are fitted with continuous combustible gas monitoring arrays, zoned ATEX mechanical emergency ventilation, and spark-free electrical interfaces to maintain safe operation throughout extensive thermodynamic mapping. The final accredited test report provides a legally traceable account of all measured variables. It includes complete product identification data, component specifications, refrigerant charge details, and rating plate documentation. The report presents calibrated airflow-pressure curves, specific fan power calculations, temperature and humidity efficiency figures, dynamic heating and cooling capacities, domestic hot water tapping curves, third-octave acoustic sound power spectra for casing and duct paths, and full measurement uncertainty evaluations.Which specific standards apply to the testing of multifunctional ventilation units?
How are dual Ecodesign and Energy Labelling requirements handled for multifunctional units?
How does the laboratory measure casing-radiated noise versus in-duct sound power?
How are thermal heat recovery efficiency and air leakage rates verified?
Can the laboratory test multifunctional units equipped with flammable refrigerants like R290?
What detailed documentation is provided in the final ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test report?