Ventilation Testing

Ventilation testing is a key requirement under Building Regulations Part F to confirm that a building’s ventilation system has been installed correctly and delivers adequate airflow to maintain indoor air quality. Proper ventilation is essential for occupant health, moisture control, and overall building performance.

This service provides fully compliant ventilation testing and commissioning, with clear documentation accepted by all local authority and approved Building Control bodies across England and Wales.

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What Is Ventilation Testing?

Ventilation testing measures the actual airflow rates of installed ventilation systems to confirm they meet the minimum requirements set out in Approved Document F.

Testing verifies that:

Adequate fresh air is supplied
Moist air is effectively extracted
Ventilation systems operate as designed

Results are recorded and submitted to Building Control as part of the compliance process.

When Is Ventilation Testing Required?

Ventilation testing is required for:

Without compliant ventilation test results, Building Control will not issue a completion certificate.

New Build Dwellings

All new buildings must have an EPC before completion and occupation.

Residential Conversions

- Office-to-residential conversions - Change of use developments - Subdivision of existing dwellings

Dwellings with Mechanical Ventilation

- MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) - MEV (Mechanical Extract Ventilation) - Intermittent extract systems

Ventilation Testing & Part F Compliance

Approved Document F sets minimum ventilation rates for:

Whole dwelling ventilation
Background ventilation
Extract ventilation

Ventilation testing confirms that the installed system achieves:

Required airflow rates
Correct balancing (where applicable)
Compliance with system-specific standards

Test results are compared directly against Part F targets.

Types of Ventilation Systems Tested

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

MVHR systems require:

Supply and extract airflow testing
Balancing of airflows
Confirmation of heat recovery efficiency (where applicable)

Accurate commissioning is critical for both energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV)

MEV systems are tested to confirm:

Continuous extract rates
Correct operation in wet rooms
Compliance with Part F flow rates

Intermittent Extract Ventilation

Including:

Bathroom extract fans
Kitchen extract fans

Testing confirms:

Minimum extract rates are achieved
Fans operate correctly in boost mode

Ventilation Testing & SAP Calculations

Ventilation system performance directly affects:

SAP calculations
Energy efficiency ratings
Part L compliance

Incorrect ventilation rates can:

Reduce SAP performance
Increase energy use
Cause compliance failures

Coordinated ventilation testing ensures consistency between Part F and Part L submissions.

Design Stage Ventilation Strategy Review

Although ventilation testing is carried out post-installation, early review of the ventilation strategy helps prevent problems later.

Design stage review can identify:

Inadequate airflow allowances
Conflicts with airtightness targets
System suitability for dwelling type

Early guidance helps ensure systems pass first time.

Ventilation Testing Process

1. Site Readiness Check

Confirmation that:

Systems are fully installed
Power is available
Dwellings are safe to test

2. Airflow Measurements

Airflows are measured using calibrated equipment at:

Supply terminals
Extract terminals

3. System Balancing (Where Required)

Adjustments are made to achieve correct airflow distribution.

4. Test Report & Commissioning Certificate

A full report is issued, suitable for:

Building Control submission
Handover documentation

Common Ventilation Testing Issues

Low Airflow Rates

Incorrect duct sizing
Poor installation
Blocked or restricted terminals

Poor System Balancing

Uneven airflows can reduce system efficiency and comfort.

Conflicts with Airtightness

High airtightness requires effective ventilation to maintain air quality.
Where issues are identified, clear guidance is provided to rectify them.

Ventilation Testing for Developers & Contractors

Ventilation testing is frequently required for:

Multi-plot housing developments
Apartment buildings
Residential conversions

This service supports:

Flexible site scheduling
Multiple unit testing
Consistent reporting across developments

Coordinated testing reduces delays and retests.

What Is Required Before Testing?

To carry out ventilation testing, the following must be in place:

Ventilation systems fully installed
Power available
Access to all rooms and terminals
Manufacturer commissioning data (if applicable)

Clear preparation guidance is provided ahead of attendance.

Ventilation Testing & Other Compliance Services

Ventilation testing often links closely with:

Air tightness testing
SAP calculations
BREL / Part L documentation
Overheating assessments

Managing these services together helps maintain compliance across multiple regulations.

Why Use a Specialist Ventilation Testing Service?

Qualified ventilation testers

Calibrated measurement equipment

· Fully compliant with Part F

Clear commissioning documentation

Reports accepted by all Building Control bodies

Fast turnaround

The focus is on accurate testing and first-time compliance.

Ventilation Testing & Commissioning for Building Regulations Part F Compliance