Part F
MVHR commissioning and balancing
Setting up and balancing whole-house heat recovery systems to the design flow rates.
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Testing & commissioning
Ventilation testing
A qualified tester measures the airflow of extract fans and mechanical ventilation systems at each terminal, compares it with the design rates, and completes the commissioning records building control and the owner need.
When you need it
Regulation 42 requires the airflow of mechanical ventilation in every new home to be tested, with the results given to building control within five days of the final test. Approved Document F says every fan should be tested, including intermittent extract fans, cooker hoods and continuous systems, using a calibrated airflow device with a hood.
In other buildings, Approved Document F Volume 2 expects mechanical ventilation to be commissioned to CIBSE Commissioning Code M, with notice given to building control. Most current projects follow the 2021 edition of Approved Document F; a 2026 edition applies to buildings under the new standards that come into force on 24 March 2027, subject to transitional arrangements.
Fans that do not reach their design rate are a common cause of delay, so we check the design figures before the visit.
What is included
Included
- Check of the design airflow rates before the visit
- Measurement at every extract and supply terminal with a calibrated airflow hood, as Approved Document F describes
- Check of fan controls and operation
- Completion checklist and commissioning sheet in the Approved Document F format
- Results set out for the notice to building control
Priced separately
- Replacing or adjusting fans that do not reach design rates
- Retests
- MVHR balancing, which is a separate service
- Air tightness testing
Your written quotation confirms the exact scope, what is included and any limits for your building.
What you receive
Measured airflow for each fan or terminal against its design rate, on a commissioning sheet in the Approved Document F format, ready to give to building control and the owner.
Sent as a PDF. We can send it to your building control body or agent on request.
Our reports and testing support the compliance process. Approval and completion decisions remain with your building control body: the local authority, a registered building control approver, or the Building Safety Regulator for higher-risk buildings.
How to prepare
- Address, plot numbers and number of homes
- Ventilation design or fan schedule with design flow rates
- Fans installed, wired and working, with grilles fitted
- Mains power and access to every room
- Your target completion date
Send what you have. Missing details will not stop an enquiry; we will tell you anything still needed.
How it works
Tell usChoose the service or describe the job.
Written quotationScope, deliverables and price, confirmed in writing.
We manage the workArranged and coordinated by RegulaBuild. Technical work is carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.
Your reportThe output named in your quotation, with any follow-up.
Questions
Who sends the results to building control?
The person carrying out the work must give notice of the results within five days of the final test. The tester sets out the results so you, or we where agreed, can send them.
Does the owner get a copy?
Yes. Approved Document F says a copy of the completed commissioning sheet should be given to the owner, with information on how to use and maintain the system.
Do extensions need ventilation testing?
The testing duty in regulation 42 applies to new homes. New fans in existing homes still need to work as intended and the owner should be given information about them, and we can test them if building control asks.
Often booked with
Combine them in one quote request
Part L
Air tightness testing
Pressure testing to measure air leakage against the design target, with a certificate for building control.
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Part F
Background ventilation checks
Checks of trickle vents and other background ventilators against the ventilation design and Approved Document F.
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Where we work
Ventilation testing across England
Request a quote
Discuss ventilation testing
Start with this service and add anything else you need. If you are unsure, say so and we will advise.