Recommendations for a good professional ventilation design

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

In our previous blog article, we discussed factors surrounding the cost of installing a mechanical ventilation system in a new build house. While it is clear that the numerous benefits make such systems a worthwhile and sensible investment, if money is to be spent on a ventilation system it is essential that it be installed to a professional quality, with due planning and consideration. In this article we will consider which factors must be taken into account in order to ensure professional ventilation design, as well as what questions must be asked and answered before you commence your installation project. We will also provide you with some ventilation design tips.

Choosing the right system

• The first decision to be made when installing ventilation in your building is deciding which type of ventilation system to use. The two main systems to consider are Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV), and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). The latter includes a heat cell that heats the filtered air prior to it being fed back into the home, thus offset heating expenses. More detailed information regarding the different ventilation systems, their various pros and cons, along with information regarding installation requirements can be found here.

A professional ventilation design is a compliant ventilation design

In response to rising global concern with regard to the future state of our environment, the UK government has set itself the challenge of decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy and achieving net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.^[1] In order to achieve this target, the government set out a roadmap of objectives and regulatory amendments, many of which apply to the construction of new homes and the installation of ventilation systems in airtight or near-airtight buildings. The two most significant are the following:

• The future homes and building standard , announced in 2019 with amendments in 2021, is to be implemented in 2025, which will regulate the construction of new homes that are “future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency”.^[2]
• Changes to Approved Document F of the Building Regulations, stipulating requirements regarding airflow rates and mechanical ventilation requirements in airtight buildings, with a view to limiting CO₂ emissions and protecting the health of occupants.

If Approved document F seems a lot to take in, it is worth noting that the respective requirements are summarised in commissioning and compliance checklists at the back of the Building Regulations documents. These must be completed for submission to building control within 5 days of commissioning a ventilation system.

We can help when it comes to ensuring compliance…

Our specialist team of ventilation design consultants are available to assist you in your efforts to ensure compliance. Simply contact us or use our ventilation system design service once you have submitted your information, ideally accompanied by drawings of the building in question, we will be more than happy to go through the details and provide support and consultation, as well as advice and support meeting building regulations and SAP requirements.

A professional ventilation design is a responsible ventilation design

Creating a professional ventilation design is more than just a box ticking exercise. Prospective buyers are genuine in their desire for a property that is efficient both in terms of reduced running costs, and with a view keeping emissions to a minimum and protecting the environment. Customers desire a sustainable product, and this sustainability must be traceable. Aspects that were previously overlook, are now becoming frequently asked questions. These questions include:

- Are the components locally sourced, thus avoiding the emissions associated with goods transport?

- Do the ventilation systems offer low level electricity consumption?

- Are used parts recycled from site to minimise waste and embodied carbon?

- Does the manufacturer endeavour to keep the use of packaging materials to a minimum?

- Does the manufacturer have zero carbon aspirations, with suitable plans and measures in place?

A professional ventilation design is a comfortable ventilation design

There are a number of factors that must be considered to ensure that the living environment provided by your ventilation system is as comfortable as possible. The positioning of ventilation openings must be planned so as to avoid the ingress of pollutants or noise from the surrounding area. Likewise, the location of your central ventilation unit must be selected so as to provide filtered warm air to habitable rooms, without the noise of the system becoming a problem in itself. Luckily most of the modern systems are inherently quiet, however, improper installation of the unit and the ducting can still result in noise from vibrations and must therefore be avoided. Finally, if the building in question features a large quantity of glass, this may affect your choice of product and installation, to avoid the building overheating in the summer.

Professional ventilation design make satisfied customers

While mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems are an innovative technology, they are fast becoming something that house buyers seek out and are willing to pay for. If your buyers are to invest in technologically advances products such as these, it is up to you to ensure that the installation is executed with a high level of professionalism. House buyers expect an installation that is:

• compliant,
• environmentally responsible,
• sustainable,
• cost-effective, and that
• provides a high level of comfort within the home.

At EnviroVent we have more than 35 years of experience in the development, manufacture, and installation of innovative domestic ventilation systems, paired with an excellent track record of sustainable practices and a clear roadmap aiming to achieve zero carbon by 2030. We will be happy to advise you with a view to ensuring professional installation and satisfied customers.