The filters for a Brink Flair 325 also fit the Flair 400

The Flair 325 and 400 use the same filter size

A Brink Flair 325 takes two filters measuring 245 × 510 mm, and the Brink Flair 400 uses the same size. One filter sits on the supply side, where fresh air enters the home, and the other sits on the extract side, where stale air leaves the rooms.

Although both filters have the same dimensions, they do not necessarily do the same job. A common arrangement is a fine F7 filter on the supply air and a coarser G4 filter on the extract air. The F7 catches pollen and fine particles from incoming air, while the G4 helps protect the heat exchanger from dust carried by the extracted air.

Check the exact model on the ventilation unit’s identification plate before ordering. Flair model names look rather similar when viewed from the floor of a utility room, but their filters are not all alike.

References 532702 and 532716 identify this filter format

The reference numbers people most often search for are 532702 and 532716. Both are among the Brink references encountered for filters used with the Flair 325 and Flair 400. References 883248 and 883266 are also associated with filters for these two units.

Do not use those numbers alone to decide which filter class goes on the supply or extract side. The available reference information does not establish which number belongs to which class. Start with the exact ventilation model, then check the 245 × 510 mm dimensions and the specification of the filter you are selecting.

You can find VMCDirect-brand filters for the Brink Flair 325 and 400 on VMCDirect by model, reference or dimensions. This is useful if the model plate is easy to read but the old filter reference has faded, or the other way round.

Supply and extract positions must stay clear

Heat recovery ventilation (MVHR) has at least two filters: a supply filter for incoming air and an extract filter for outgoing air. On the Flair 325 and 400, both positions take the same 245 × 510 mm format, so size alone will not tell you which filter belongs in which position.

If your set contains two different filter classes, establish which side is supply and which is extract before removing anything. Use the ventilation unit’s manual to identify the positions rather than guessing from left and right, as the relevant arrangement is not stated here. A G4 on extract and F7 on supply is common, while F7 on both sides is possible but restricts airflow more.

Look for an airflow arrow on the filter frame. It must point in the direction in which air travels through the unit. A filter fitted backwards may filter poorly and can deform, which rather defeats the point of carefully buying the right size.

Replace both filters methodically

The opening mechanism for the Flair unit is not described here, so follow the Brink manual when accessing the filters. The same applies to any covers or controls that must be operated before or after the work.

Work through the two positions separately. That reduces the chance of swapping a supply filter and an extract filter when they share the same dimensions.

1. Check the identification plate and confirm that the unit is a Flair 325 or Flair 400.
2. Prepare two 245 × 510 mm filters, one for the supply position and one for the extract position.
3. Open the ventilation unit and access the filter compartments as described in its manual.
4. Identify the supply and extract positions before removing the old filters. If necessary, use the manual rather than relying on their left or right position.
5. Remove one old filter and note the airflow direction shown by the arrow on its frame.
6. Fit the replacement in the correct position, with its arrow following the airflow direction.
7. Repeat the process for the second filter, keeping any different filter classes in their intended supply and extract positions.
8. Close the unit according to the manual, then reset the filter timer using the relevant display, controller or application.

The filter message still needs resetting

Many ventilation units display a filter message according to elapsed time rather than measuring how dirty the filters really are. The warning can therefore appear before the filters look heavily loaded, or after conditions in the home have already made them dirty. Once both filters have been replaced, reset the counter in the unit display, controller or application, depending on the installation; the manual gives the exact menu.

Most manufacturers advise changing MVHR filters about every six months and checking them in between, with more frequent attention near a busy road, during building work, in pollen season in the countryside or where animals add dust and hair.

A fine F7 filter should not be washed or vacuumed because this can damage the filtering material. Vacuuming a G4 between replacements may help, but it does not take the place of fitting a new filter. If airflow has dropped or the unit has become noisier, dirty filters are one possible cause because the fans have to work harder.

The Flair 225, 450 and 600 use different sizes

The shared 245 × 510 mm format applies to the Brink Flair 325 and Flair 400. It does not apply across the whole Flair range, despite the similar model names.

The Flair 450 and Flair 600 use a different filter format measuring 595 × 195 mm. The Flair 225 uses one 400 × 215 mm filter. Neither format is the same as the filters for the Flair 325 and 400.

This distinction matters when searching by reference alone. If you can reach the identification plate, use the full model name first. You can then compare the dimensions with the old filter or use the reference printed on its frame as an additional check.

• Flair 325: two filters, 245 × 510 mm
• Flair 400: two filters, 245 × 510 mm
• Flair 450: different format, 595 × 195 mm
• Flair 600: different format, 595 × 195 mm
• Flair 225: one filter, 400 × 215 mm

Frequently asked questions