New requirements under Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 on ecodesign (ErP) for industrial fans will take effect on July 24, 2026. The changes apply to fan manufacturers, HVAC equipment manufacturers, and all companies responsible for bringing such products to the European Union market.
For many companies, this will be one of the biggest changes in ventilation equipment design in many years. The new regulations require not only stricter energy efficiency standards but also a shift in how components are selected and who is responsible for ensuring the entire device complies.
What is ErP 2026?
ErP (Energy-related Products) is a European regulation concerning the ecodesign of energy-related products. Its aim is to decrease energy consumption, lower CO₂ emissions, and improve the energy efficiency of equipment available in Europe.
The new Regulation (EU) 2024/1834 updates requirements for fans with power ranging from 125 W to 500 kW. It applies to both the fans themselves and the devices they are part of, including air handling units, air conditioning units, rooftops, and heat pumps.
Importantly, the responsibility for regulatory compliance lies with the entity that places the product on the market. This means HVAC equipment manufacturers must ensure their fans meet all applicable regulatory requirements.
What are the new requirements?
The main goal of the new rules is to increase minimum energy efficiency standards for fans. This means that many solutions that were previously available will no longer be sold in the European Union.
The changes include:
- higher energy efficiency standards,
- new rules for evaluating the efficiency of the entire fan,
- the requirement to provide proper technical documentation,
- the need to verify product compliance with applicable standards.
This isn’t just a change to a single technical parameter. ErP 2026 affects the entire device design process – from fan selection, through documentation, to product launch.
Does ErP 2026 mean the end for AC fans?
One of the most common questions is whether the new regulations fully eliminate AC fans.
Formally, the regulation does not prohibit the use of a specific type of motor. However, in practice, the stricter efficiency requirements mean that many fans with AC motors (ranging from 125 W to 500 kW) will not be able to meet the new minimum energy efficiency levels.
New requirements are speeding up the shift in the HVAC market toward solutions based on EC (Electronically Commutated) technology, which is becoming the new standard in modern equipment design.
EC fans deliver much higher efficiency, smooth speed control, lower energy use, and easier integration with modern building management systems. They also decrease operating costs while maintaining top performance levels.
It’s also important to note the transitional periods outlined in the regulation. It will still be possible to market certain devices with fans covered by the transitional provisions until July 24, 2027, but after that date, the use of existing solutions will be considerably restricted. Moreover, until July 24, 2037, an exemption is available for fans intended solely as spare parts for existing devices. This means that in the coming years, the market will mainly rely on energy-efficient EC fans.
How to get ready for change?
Although the new regulations will take effect on July 24, 2026, manufacturers should start analyzing their devices today.
It’s worth checking:
- if the fans currently in use meet the new requirements,
- if the technical documentation is complete,
- if the device design needs structural changes,
- what solutions will be adopted in future product generations.
Taking prompt action makes it easier to prevent issues with component availability, redesigns, or delays in product launch.
AFL Motors Europe is ready for ErP 2026
At AFL MOTORS EUROPE, we’ve been developing our portfolio with these upcoming changes in mind from the beginning. We offer energy-efficient EC fans compliant with ErP 2026 requirements and assist HVAC equipment manufacturers in safely adapting to the new regulations.
Our team helps with:
- choosing the right fans,
- analyzing design needs,
- providing technical advice,
- preparing documentation,
- selecting solutions that meet applicable regulations.
This allows our partners to focus on developing their products, confident that the solutions they implement meet the current needs of the European market.
Learn more
We’ve created a dedicated page for ErP 2026, where we explain the most important issues related to the new regulations and present key deadlines.
ErP 2026: https://aflmotors.com/en/erp-2026/
If you’re unsure whether your equipment meets the new requirements, contact us. We’ll assist you in selecting the right EC fans and preparing your products for the upcoming industry standards in HVAC.
You need a backup plan. We will back you up!
Author: Marek Skarżyński, Technical Support Manager, AFL MOTORS