Vaillant replacement filter set G4/F7 for recoVAIR 260/4 and 360/4

Product detailed description

Vaillant replacement G4/F7 filter set for recoVAIR 260/4 and 360/4

The replacement G4/F7 filter set (manufacturer part number 0020180809) is genuine accessory shared by the pair of heat recovery units Vaillant recoVAIR VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 - i.e. the mid-power and highest-power models of the recoVAIR /4 generation range, which share the same filter compartment dimensions and therefore use one and the same replacement filter set. The set contains two filters of different filtration classes - a coarser pre-filter of class G4 (captures larger coarse impurities such as dust, fibres, insects and larger pollen particles) and a finer filter of class F7 (captures finer particles including most pollen allergens, fine dust and part of bacteria carried on larger particles).

The filters in the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units are not just an ordinary consumable - their condition directly affects the quality of the air supplied into living spaces, as well as the overall performance and lifespan of the unit itself. Due to the higher maximum air flow rate of these two models (260 and 360 m³/h respectively), a larger volume of air passes through the filters than in the compact VAR 150/4 model, which, if replacement is neglected, can lead to a more noticeable drop in performance and increased fan noise compared to the smaller unit.

Technical characteristics

• Device type: replacement filter set (2 pcs) for the recoVAIR unit
• Manufacturer order number: 0020180809
• Set contents: 1× class G4 filter (pre-filter, coarse impurities) + 1× class F7 filter (fine filter, pollen allergens and fine dust)
• Intended for: shared for both the recoVAIR VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units (including "E" variants with enthalpy exchanger)
• Recommended replacement interval: generally once a year, depending on the level of contamination of the ambient air and the service interval indication of the unit/controller
• Position in the air duct route: at the intake of supplied outdoor air and at the intake of extracted indoor air into the unit
• Alternative for more demanding environments: F9/G4 filter set (higher fine filter class, suitable for polluted environments), available separately in our range (code 0020180873)
• Material: non-woven filter fabric in a frame adapted to the dimensions of the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units
• Compatible units - parameters: VAR 260/4 (max. 260 m³/h) and VAR 360/4 (max. 360 m³/h)
• Country of origin: Germany / EU (Vaillant Group)
• Warranty: 2 years

Why one filter set fits two different models

The VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models share, structurally, the same external unit housing dimensions (885 × 595 × 631 mm) and the same type of air duct connections (Ø 180/210 mm) - they differ mainly in fan performance, motor and, in some versions, the configuration of the heat exchanger, which determines their maximum air flow rate (260 and 360 m³/h respectively). Since the filter compartment and filter dimensions are identical for both models, the manufacturer offers a single shared replacement G4/F7 filter set for both units, which simplifies spare parts stocking and ordering for installation companies and service technicians who service both models.

For the end customer, this means that regardless of whether they have a VAR 260/4 or VAR 360/4 model installed at home, they order the same product with order number 0020180809 - so there is no need to deal with different filter codes depending on the exact model of the unit.

Installation and filter replacement

Replacing the filters in the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units is one of the simpler maintenance tasks - the filter inserts are accessible after opening the unit's service cover without the need for special tools. Since both models are usually wall-mounted (unlike the ceiling-mounted compact VAR 150/4 model), sufficient free space in front of the unit must be available when replacing filters, to safely remove and insert the filter frames. We recommend performing the first replacement together with a technician during a scheduled service visit, so the user becomes familiar with the correct procedure and orientation of both types of filters.

Due to the higher air flow rate of both models (compared to the compact VAR 150/4), we recommend paying extra attention to the correct seating of the filter frames in the unit's guide rails when replacing filters - even a small gap around the edge of the filter can cause a more noticeable bypass of unfiltered air at higher flow rates than in a smaller unit.

Compatibility

This G4/F7 filter set is intended jointly for the recoVAIR VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models, including their variants with an enthalpy heat exchanger (the "E" designation). For the smaller VAR 150/4 model, a separate, smaller-dimensioned G4/F7 filter set (code 0020180808) is available in our range - filters cannot be interchanged between this smaller unit and the pair of VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4, as they differ in dimensions corresponding to the size of the filter compartment.

Comparison of G4/F7 and F9/G4 filtration classes for the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models

The higher price of this set compared to the set for the smaller VAR 150/4 model corresponds to the larger filter dimensions adapted to the higher air flow rate of the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units. The choice between the standard G4/F7 set and the more demanding F9/G4 set depends, as with the smaller model, primarily on the quality of the ambient air at the installation site.

Filter class classification and what it means in practice

The G4 and F7 filtration classes are based on European air filter classification standards (historically EN 779, now superseded by EN ISO 16890, which classifies filters according to the efficiency of capturing particles of various sizes - e.g. PM10, PM2.5, PM1). Class G4 corresponds to a coarse dust filter that captures mainly larger particles with a diameter roughly above 10 micrometres - coarse dust, textile fibres, insect parts and larger pollen grains. Class F7 belongs to the fine filter category and can capture a substantial proportion of particles with a diameter as small as approximately 1 micrometre, which includes most common pollen allergens, fine dust from roads and industrial activity, as well as some bacteria carried on larger dust particles.

In practice, this means that the combination of G4 (pre-filter) + F7 (fine filter) in one set provides two-stage filtration: the coarser G4 filter, as the first stage, extends the life of the more expensive and finer F7 filter by capturing most coarse impurities before they would otherwise clog the finer filtration layer. In the larger VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models with higher air flow, this multi-stage filtration is especially important, since the larger volume of air passing through the unit also brings a greater absolute amount of captured impurities per unit of time.

Effect of filtration quality on health and comfort in larger households

Due to their higher air flow rate, the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models are used mainly in larger family houses with multiple living rooms. High-quality F7-level filtration in such an environment ensures that pollen allergens and fine dust from the surrounding air do not enter all living spaces of the house at once in large quantities - since one central unit supplies fresh air to several rooms simultaneously, the quality of filtration directly affects the comfort of the whole household, not just a single room.

Practical recommendations for larger households with allergy sufferers

In larger family houses with several occupants, where the probability that at least one household member suffers from seasonal allergies or dust sensitivity is somewhat higher, we recommend strictly following the recommended filter replacement interval, and in locations with a higher air pollution burden, consider switching to the more demanding F9/G4 set. Due to the higher air flow rate of the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units, the effect of high-quality filtration is even more pronounced in these larger households, since the volume of filtered air supplied into the house is higher than with the compact VAR 150/4 model.

When it is time to replace the filters

The manufacturer recommends an indicative replacement interval of approximately once a year, but the exact time depends on the level of contamination of the surrounding air and the intensity of operation of the unit - in the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models, which are generally used in larger family houses with a higher air flow requirement, filters may clog faster at a higher average power level than in a smaller unit operated at a lower level. If the unit is equipped with a VAZ S4/1 controller or a VAZ CO/1 CO2 sensor, rely on its service interval indication instead of a purely visual assessment of filter clogging.

Maintenance and care

At every filter replacement, we also recommend checking the condition of the filter frame seal and adjacent surfaces in the unit, to prevent air from bypassing the filter insert. Old, used filters can be disposed of as ordinary household waste. Due to the larger dimensions of the filters in this set (compared to the VAR 150/4 model), we recommend taking care during handling and storage of the replacement set to ensure that the filters are not mechanically damaged or deformed before installation, as this could affect their correct fit into the unit's frame.

Why choose this filter set

This filter set is a genuine accessory directly from the manufacturer, made precisely to fit the dimensions of the filter compartment of the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units. Compared to non-genuine or universal third-party filters, it guarantees a correct fit into the frame without gaps, maintains the declared filtration class, and preserves the warranty conditions for the entire controlled ventilation system - with the additional benefit of a single order number valid for both models, which simplifies future spare parts ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Is this filter set really the same for both the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models?

Yes, both models share the same filter compartment dimensions, so one and the same replacement filter set with order number 0020180809 fits both.

How often do the filters need to be replaced?

Approximately once a year, the exact interval depends on the level of contamination of the ambient air and the intensity of operation - a unit with a signalling controller will notify you automatically.

What is the difference between the G4 and F7 filter?

G4 is a coarser pre-filter capturing larger impurities, F7 is a finer filter capturing smaller particles including most pollen allergens and fine dust.

Can I replace the filters myself?

Yes, after being trained during the first replacement, it is a simple task that even the user themselves can manage, since both units are usually wall-mounted with good access to the service cover.

Is it worth switching to the F9/G4 set even without a signal from the unit?

Yes, if you are located in an area with higher dust levels, near a busy road, or suffer from allergies, we recommend considering switching to the more demanding F9/G4 set (code 0020180873) regardless of the service indication.

Is this filter set more expensive than the set for the VAR 150/4 model?

Yes, due to the larger filter dimensions adapted to the higher air flow rate of the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units, this set is somewhat more expensive than the set for the compact VAR 150/4 model.

What is the warranty on this filter set?

We provide a standard 2-year warranty, the same as for other accessories and parts for Vaillant recoVAIR units.

What happens if I don't replace the filters in time?

Clogged filters increase airflow resistance, leading to higher energy consumption, increased fan noise and lower actual air flow rate of the unit - in the larger VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models, this drop in performance may be more noticeable due to the higher standard air flow.

Do you recommend always keeping a replacement filter set at home?

Yes, given that the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models are used in larger family houses, where the operation of the unit is key to the comfort of several living rooms, we recommend having a replacement filter set prepared in advance at home, so the replacement can be carried out immediately after the service interval is signalled, without waiting for delivery.

Does filter lifespan differ between the VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 models?

Since the VAR 360/4 model has a higher maximum air flow rate, at a comparable operating power level the filters may clog somewhat faster than in the VAR 260/4 model - however, the exact replacement interval always also depends on the level of contamination of the surrounding air and the selected power level, so we recommend following the unit's service interval indication.

Note: we recommend always consulting the exact recommended filter replacement interval for your specific house and location with an installation company or a Vaillant service technician, as it depends on local air pollution conditions as well as the selected power level of the unit.

When ordering, it is enough to state that you own one of the VAR 260/4 or VAR 360/4 models - the filter set is completely identical for both models.

Summary

The replacement G4/F7 filter set is a basic, regularly replaced consumable shared by the Vaillant recoVAIR VAR 260/4 and VAR 360/4 units, which significantly affects the quality of the supplied air as well as the energy efficiency and lifespan of the unit itself. As a genuine accessory directly from the manufacturer, it guarantees an exact dimensional fit, the declared filtration efficiency, and preservation of the warranty conditions for the entire system - with the benefit of a single shared code for both models. In the event of increased ambient air pollution or allergen sensitivity, we also recommend considering the more demanding F9/G4 filter set, available separately in our range.

Note: we recommend consulting the exact recommended filter replacement interval for your specific property and location with an installation company or a Vaillant service technician, as it depends on local air pollution conditions and the selected power level of the unit.