Serving Luton and surrounding areas
Building Regulations Part F
Ventilation Testing in Luton and Surrounding Areas
Professional ventilation commissioning and air flow rate testing to demonstrate Part F compliance. We test MEV, MVHR, and intermittent extract systems for residential and commercial developments.
ATTMA accredited
Calibrated equipment
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Fixed price upfront
Luton & 50-mile area
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Accreditations
- Elmhurst
- ATTMA
What Is Ventilation Testing?
Ventilation testing is the measurement and verification of air flow rates delivered by mechanical ventilation systems in buildings. Under Building Regulations Approved Document Part F (Means of Ventilation), all new dwellings must have adequate provisions for ventilation to maintain indoor air quality and control condensation.
Testing involves measuring the air flow rate at each extract terminal using calibrated flow measurement equipment. Results are compared against the minimum flow rates specified in Part F and the system’s commissioning specification.
The test applies to all types of mechanical ventilation including intermittent extract fans (System 1), continuous mechanical extract ventilation or MEV (System 3), and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery or MVHR (System 4). Background ventilators and passive stack ventilation may also need verification.
Who Needs Ventilation Testing?
All new dwellings with mechanical extract fans
Properties with MEV (Mechanical Extract Ventilation) systems
Properties with MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery)
Commercial buildings with mechanical ventilation
Conversions and refurbishments with new ventilation systems
Buildings aiming for enhanced air quality standards
The Testing Process
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1
System Inspection
We visually inspect the ventilation system, ductwork, and terminals to confirm correct installation and identify any obvious defects or blockages.
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2
Flow Rate Measurement
Using calibrated anemometers and flow hoods, we measure the air flow rate at each supply and extract terminal. Measurements are taken at both boost and trickle speeds where applicable.
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3
System Balance Check
For whole-house systems (MEV/MVHR), we verify that the system is correctly balanced to deliver the required flow rates to each room.
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4
Commissioning Certificate
A detailed commissioning report is produced, documenting measured flow rates against design flow rates and Part F requirements. Pass/fail status is clearly stated.
How Does the Air Tightness Test Process Work?
What is ventilation testing?
Ventilation testing measures the air flow rates delivered by mechanical ventilation systems in buildings. It verifies that systems are correctly installed and commissioned to provide adequate indoor air quality as required by Building Regulations Part F.
Who needs ventilation testing?
Ventilation testing is required for all new dwellings with mechanical ventilation or extract systems. This includes intermittent extract fans in kitchens and bathrooms, continuous mechanical extract ventilation (MEV), and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems.
What flow rates need to be achieved?
Required flow rates depend on the system type and room. For example, a kitchen intermittent extract fan must achieve 60 l/s (adjacent room) or 30 l/s (elsewhere), while a bathroom extract must achieve 15 l/s. Whole-house systems have different requirements based on the number of bedrooms.
When should ventilation testing be carried out?
Testing should be done after the ventilation system is fully installed and commissioned, and before building control final inspection. Systems must be in their final operating condition with all ductwork connected and terminals fitted.
What happens if ventilation rates are too low?
If measured flow rates are below the minimum requirements, the system may need adjustment, cleaning, or redesign. Common issues include restrictive ductwork, undersized fans, blocked terminals, or excessive duct lengths. We identify the likely cause and advise on remedial actions.
How long does ventilation testing take?
Testing a typical dwelling takes 30–60 minutes depending on the number of extract points and system complexity. Multiple dwellings can be tested in a single day.
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Free quote in under 1 working hour. Most tests booked within 5 days. Reports lodged direct with building control.