The importance of ventilation in homes
As homes become more energy efficient across the UK, as a result of revisions to Building Regulations and the increase in retrofit measures, the role of ventilation is gaining greater focus. But why is ventilation important in homes and what future changes are expected in this area?
Why is ventilation important?
Correctly installed ventilation systems are crucial in preventing issues arising from poor indoor air quality. Ventilation not only ensures that adequate fresh air is supplied, but also that stale air is removed from the property.
Poorly operating ventilation systems can result in high levels of pollutants and damp and condensation issues that all have a direct impact on the occupant’s health. They can also result in systems running inefficiently, leading to an increased level of carbon emissions produced and, therefore, higher fuel bills.
What standards currently apply to the provision of ventilation?
In England and Wales, ventilation systems are covered in Part F of the Building Regulations. In Scotland, this is covered in Section 3 of the Building Standards Technical Handbook. In Northern Ireland, this is covered in Technical Booklet K.
Each of the above provides a set of minimum standards for new ventilation systems, covering areas such as determining appropriate types of controlled ventilation, minimum performance standards and commissioning procedures to ensure ventilation systems operate correctly.
Future changes to Building Regulations
In England, the recent Future Homes Standard consultation proposed a number of key changes to Part F of the Building Regulations. These changes are aimed at improving testing procedures and compliance with the requirements.
The type of equipment used for completing testing has been reviewed. It has been proposed that rotating vane anemometers will not be permitted for testing continuous mechanical ventilation systems. For these types of ventilation, only powered flow hoods will be allowed and must be calibrated annually. This will improve the accuracy of measurements, however does come at an additional cost to the individual performing the commissioning.
In addition, there is also a proposal to extend Building Regulation 42 (air flow testing) to cover the installation of mechanical ventilation in existing homes. Currently, this only refers to installations in new homes. However, with the increase in energy efficiency measures in existing homes requiring additional ventilation to be installed, its crucial that these systems perform correctly. The procedures for commissioning mechanical ventilation will be extended to cover new systems installed in existing homes.
There is also revised guidance on who should complete commissioning of mechanical ventilation. It is proposed that commissioning should only be completed by members of a Competent Persons Scheme or the Building Control Body. The move to specifically identify competent people to complete this work is set against the backdrop of Approved Inspectors becoming Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) and Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs). The Building Safety Regulator is now responsible for Competent Person Schemes and it is expected that these will play a greater role in demonstrating compliance to Building Regulations in the future.
The other devolved administrations are expected to make proposals for installation of ventilation systems in consultations to their Building Regulations/Standards later this year.
Elmhurst Thoughts
In regards to the proposed changes to Building Regulations, Elmhurst’s New Build Dwellings Manger, Jason Hewins, comments:
“It is crucial that any ventilation system installed in a new or existing home performs correctly to ensure suitable energy efficiency and also to minimise any air quality issues that can occur with incorrectly installed systems. As our homes become more energy efficient, it is vital that Building Regulations ensure all ventilation systems are installed correctly.
Elmhurst is aware that compliance with this area of the Building Regulations is poor. We therefore support the move to use competent people to complete this crucial service. Elmhurst currently operates a Ventilation Competency Scheme for individuals who commission Ventilation systems, suitably recognising competent people in this field.”
View Ventilation Competency Scheme >Further Resources:
The Future Homes and Buildings Standards: 2023 consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-2023-consultation/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-2023-consultation