Ventilation Testing and Commissioning

SAP Calculations Overheating Calculations SBEM Calculations Energy Statements Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Sound Insulation Testing Water Efficiency Calculations Ventilation Testing and Commissioning Air Tightness Testing Asbestos Surveys Fire Risk Assessment Planning Application
SAP Calculations Overheating Calculations SBEM Calculations Energy Statements Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Sound Insulation Testing Water Efficiency Calculations Ventilation Testing and Commissioning Air Tightness Testing Asbestos Surveys Fire Risk Assessment Planning Application

Extract Ventilation Testing and Commissioning

Approved document F of the building regulations provide rules and guidance relating to ventilation standards in both domestic and non-domestic new build properties. These rules are in place to ensure good air quality and prevent condensation which can lead to black mould, which can have a negative effect on the occupant’s health. So, it is very important to comply with the rules and regulations set out in Part F.

As buildings become better insulated and more airtight it is essential that they are designed to breathe allowing fresh air in and water vapour out. If a building does not have sufficient ventilation it will suffer with condensation which can lead to black mould issues.

Types of Ventilation Systems

In part F of the building regulations, there are four types of ventilation systems. Before Testing a system, it is important to identify the type of system in situ.

  • Intermittent Extract Fans with Background Ventilators
  • Passive Stack Ventilation (PSV) *
  • Continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV)
  • Continuous Balanced Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR)

 

Passive Stack Ventilation is used very rarely therefore we carried out testing and commissioning of types 1, 3 and 4. The assessment of ventilation is undertaken using a UKAS calibrated anemometer which measures an airflow rate in l/s (liters per second). Different levels of flow rate are applied to different rooms according to their purpose and the equipment within them. Minimum extract ventilation rates are specified in the following tables:

Table 1.1 Minimum extract ventilation rates for intermittent extract systems
Room Intermittent extract rate (l/s)
Kitchen (cooker hood extracting to the outside) 30
Kitchen (no cooker hood or cooker hood does not extract to the outside)? 60
Utility room 30
Bathroom 15
Sanitary accommodation 6
NOTES:
1. See Diagram 1.1.
2. See Diagram 1.2.
3. As an alternative for sanitary accommodation, the purge ventilation guidance may be used.
Table 1.2 Minimum extract ventilation rates for continuous extract systems(1)
Room High rate (l/s) Continuous rate
Kitchen 13 The sum of all extract ventilation in the dwelling on its continuous rate should be at least the whole dwelling ventilation rate given in Table 1.3
Utility room 8
Bathroom 8
Sanitary accommodation 6
NOTES:
1. If the continuous rate of ventilation provided in a room is equal to or higher than the minimum high rate specified in the table, no extra ventilation is needed.
Table 1.3 Minimum whole dwelling ventilation rates determined by the number of bedrooms
Number of bedrooms(2) Minimum ventilation rate by number of bedrooms (l/s)
1 19
2 25
3 31
4 37
5 43
NOTES:
1. If the dwelling only has one habitable room, a minimum ventilation rate of 131/s should be used.
2. For each additional bedroom, add 61/s to the values in Table 1.3.

How can we help?

Our experienced and  NICEIC qualified engineers are testing to the latest standards and using UKAS calibrated equipment. In addition to that, our experienced team is here to offer advice to help in achieving the required results for building completion.

Need help with vent testing for your projects? Call our experienced team of ventilation test engineers on Please Call 0333 577 5020 or email at info@camsons.co.uk.

Our Links

our services

CONTACT US

About us

We are a leading Building Compliance Company operating nationwide. We provide a range of building compliance and testing services to Landlords, Estate Agents, Home Owners, Building Contractors and Developers.

©CAMSONS 2024