In addition to air testing services we can also offer a variety of services related to ventilation;
The building regulations currently state that standard domestic extractor fans should be tested to ensure that they meet the minimum flow rates in litres per second. We can carry out these tests and provide you with a written report that you can submit to building control to demonstrate compliance.
The minimum flow rates are;
Kitchen 30l/s
Utility Room 30l/s
Bathroom 15l/s
Cloakroom (WC) 6l/s
It’s important to bear in mind that, although an extractor fan may be rated at 15l/s, this flow rate will be severely diminished by long and indirect ductwork. If the fan cannot be located within 1m of the external vent, a higher rated fan will probably be required. The shorter and more direct the route between fan and vent the better.
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery is a fairly new concept in the UK, although it has been commonplace on the Continent for decades. New Build Air Testing Ltd can help to set up and correctly balance your MVHR system, including commissioning to the Passivhaus standard. We can provide you with a written report that you can submit to building control to demonstrate compliance.
Things to Consider when Installing MVHR systems
The building must be as airtight as possible to ensure that the MVHR unit can work efficiently, a maximum of 3.00m³/h.m².
The MVHR unit must be located close as possible to the external wall/ roof outlets.
All ductwork to outside must be carefully and fully insulated to stop condensation forming.
The MVHR unit must be easily accessible for maintenance.
A 32mm soil pipe must be installed with a trap under the MVHR unit.
Ducts to each room should be correctly sized and located.
The MVHR unit must be mounted level in both directions to ensure condensation inside the unit successfully drains away.
Noise is often a problem and it is advisable to over-size the MVHR unit to ensure its fans are not running at full speed creating unwanted noise.
Working with our partners at The Green Building Store, we can also design, specify and supply MVHR systems. Please contact us for more information.
Even as the UK struggles with some of the most polluted outdoor air in the world, indoor air quality can be even worse, as poorly ventilated homes allow humidity, carbon dioxide, mould and toxins to build up with no easy means of escape. This is compounded in winter, when windows and doors are kept firmly shut to stop cold air getting in and heat escaping. Poorly ventilated homes are strongly linked to respiratory problems, allergies and asthma. A well-designed ventilation strategy can turn your house into a healthy home.
A Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) system meets the ideal for both good quality ventilation and a warm home in winter. With an MVHR system, indoor air is extracted from rooms at rates which keep excess humidity, carbon dioxide and toxins at healthy levels. This warm extracted air is run through a heat exchanger and the heat is passed to incoming cold air from outside. At efficiency levels of up to 96 per cent, an MVHR can re-heat cold outdoor air from zero to 18 degrees Celsius. When this fresh air comes back into the home it’s at a much more comfortable temperature. MVHR systems also contain filters which remove pollen, carbon dust and other toxins from outdoor air, and can even be fitted with NOx units to deal with toxins from diesel fumes.
Get in touch to discuss your project.
Through our partners at The Green Building Store we can offer replacement filters for your MVHR system ensuring its most efficient performance. Filters should be checked every 6 months, or more often in urban areas.
Speak to the professionals at New Build Air Testing
