The year 2018 raised the bar for the entire HVAC industry. Since then, every air handling unit, rooftop, or heat recovery system introduced to the EU market must comply with the Ecodesign Directive. In practice, this means lower energy consumption for fans, mandatory heat recovery, and transparent energy labeling—all aimed at significantly reducing the energy required for equipment operation.
How were these regulations introduced?
The core principle is simple: design and manufacture equipment so that it is no longer energy-intensive.
Legal Framework at a Glance:
Key Ecodesign Requirements since 2018
Note: If a device does not meet these criteria, it cannot be sold or installed within the EU.
| Criteria | Minimum level | Purpose |
| SEC for residential units | ≤ ‑20 kWh/(m²·year) | Shows the real energy balance- the lower the value, the more profitable the heat recovery. |
| Thermal Efficiency | ≥ 73 % (Counterflow/Rotary); ≥ 68 % Run-around coil | Allows for smaller boilers and heaters |
| SFPint (Internal Fan Power) | 800–1 600 W/(m³/s) based on capacity | Quiet, efficient EC fans instead of high-consumption older motors. |
| Speed Control / VSD | Mandatory | The unit cannot run at full power 24/7. |
| Heat Exchanger Bypass | Mandatory | Enables free night cooling (free-cooling).) |
| Filter Clog Signaling | Mandatory (light or alarm) | Eliminates "choked" recovery systems. |
| Energy Label (A+ to G) | Units up to 1,000 m3/h | Helps compare devices (similar to refrigerators). |
1. Check the CE Declaration – The "Standards" section should list "1253/2014" (and potentially "327/2011").
2. Request the Product Fiche / Ecodesign Data Sheet – It must include SEC, SFPint, heat recovery efficiency, and filter class.
3. Review the Energy Label (RVU only) – A class ≥ D with SEC ≤ -20 kWh/(m2*year) is the minimum requirement.
4. Check for a Bypass – The electrical diagram should show an actuator symbol or a "rotor stop" function. Without it, the unit will not pass inspection.
5. Filter Pressure Switch – Ask where the pipes for the $\Delta p$ sensor are connected; this is a requirement, not an option.
Ratherm Solutions and Ecodesign 2018
Our XK (Compact) and XD (Rooftop) series were designed with 2018 thresholds in mind from the start, featuring heat recovery, standard bypasses, EC fan walls, and filter alarms. For every unit, you receive a ready-made Ecodesign data sheet along with an energy label (where applicable), significantly streamlining the formal commissioning process.
Choose Sustainable and Responsible Technologies
The Ecodesign 2018 Directive is essentially a "Code of Best Practices": efficient fans, high heat recovery, intelligent control, and honest information for the client. Understanding these requirements allows for the selection of equipment that not only passes regulatory audits but also actively reduces corporate bills and CO2 emissions.
We invite you to contact Ratherm for expert advice on compliant HVAC solutions.