Domestic Ventilation Testing & Commissioning

Whether it is single fan or a full ventilation system a Ventilation Test ensures that the ventilation systems in your building are configured so that the air flow provides the specified standard of indoor air quality.

Why Do I Need my Ventilation System Commissioned?

Every new build property and some conversions will have to be tested or commissioned in order to meet Part F (England & Wales) of The Building Regulations. This part of The Building Regulations is concerned with indoor air quality. Click here for PART F.

Do I get a certificate for Building Regulations?

Once the Ventilation Testing/Commissioning is complete you will be provided with a certificate showing the results. This certificate will be lodged with ATTMA which if compliant will also satisfy the conditions of the Building Regulations part F. Passiv/low energy properties will also receive 3D modelled drawings and calculations for their files.

When Should Ventilation Testing/Commissioning Be Carried Out?

Ventilation Testing/Commissioning should be carried out once power is available and you have fully installed the ventilation systems. We recommend carrying out Ventilation Testing at the same time as your final Air Tightness Test.

Combined tests are offered at discounted rates.

What are the benefits of Ventilation Testing?

A healthier enviroment for its residents by removal of stale air
Moisture levels, if not properly ventilated can lead to mould growth
Removal of pollutants/odours from cooking and washing
Removal of harmful VOCs contained within many household products
Proper ventilation can improve your cognitive function
Reduce the spread of airborne pathogens
Can help to maintain a balanced temperature (alongside other measures)
Manage the 'fresh air' entering a building which may contain pollen, dust etc (MVHR systems only)
Over ventilating will affect heating costs
Condensation forming on or within the building fabric leading to property damage
Maintain optimal healthy humidity levels between 40-60%

Types of ventilation we test/commission

SYSTEM 1 - Natural ventilation. This is the most common with intermittent extract fans to all wet rooms and supply air being provided by trickle vents on windows.
SYSTEM 3 - MEV (Mechanical Extract Ventilation). MEV systems run continuously slowly removing air from all wet rooms with a boost function when cooking/washing, supply air is provided by trickle vents on windows. MEV systems are usually a single centrally located unit with duct runs to extract terminals.
SYSTEM 4 - MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery). MVHR systems are similar to MEV extract, but the 'fresh air' is provided by continuous supply to all habitable rooms with the supply air being warmed by the extract air via a heat exchanger within the unit. MVHR systems are usually a single centrally located unit with duct runs to both supply and extract terminals.
DMEV (Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation) - As system 3 without the need for duct runs, individual extract fans are used instead of one central unit.
DMVHR (Decentralised Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery) - As system 4 without the need for duct runs, The central MVHR unit and all ducting is replaced with individual supply/extract terminals.

How Is Ventilation Testing/Commissioning Done?

Once the full details of your ventilation system and plans are received we work out your ventilation requirements based on a number of factors using 3D modelling. This is done prior to attending site. On the day of the test / commissioning we will adjust/balance the supply/extract terminals on MVHR systems, adjust extract terminals on MEV systems and measure the flow rates of your ventilation system using a UKAS calibrated automatic air volume flow meter. This is the only method to properly commission/balance MVHR systems and ensure compliance.

How long will Ventilation Testing/Commissioning take?

Once we have worked out your ventilation requirements off site, a typical MVHR unit should be around 2-3 hours to commission/balance, and a typical property with upto 5 intermittent extract fans should be completed in about 1 hour.

Tips to help your ventilation system comply

At least 10mm undercuts to internal doors.
Check for restrictions at supply/exhaust grilles.
Keep intermittent fan duct runs as short as possible.
Make sure duct runs are straight - not kinked/sagging.
Check connections are tight between fan and duct.
Use the right fan and configure it correctly.
Make sure MVHR/MEV units are installed to allow for servicing.
Make sure MVHR/MEV duct runs are accessible for cleaning.
Use of semi rigid radial ducting for MVHR/MEV duct runs.