Airflow testing and commissioning in County Durham

Airflow testing measures how much air each fan or valve actually moves, using a calibrated flow hood, and records it against the required rates. It is how you prove a ventilation system works, and for new homes it is part of the building regulations.

Across County Durham the job is priced the same way wherever you are: what is fitted, how long it takes and how far we travel. Towns we cover include Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, Chester-le-Street and Billingham.

Airflow testing in County Durham at a glance

Area: County Durham
Towns listed: 14, largest Darlington
Postcode districts: DL16, DH8, DH9, DL1, DL2 and TS24
Price region: North East
Survey: Charged visit, price agreed first

How we do it

Approved Document F expects mechanical ventilation in new dwellings to be tested with a flow device that has been calibrated within the last 12 months, and the results recorded on a commissioning sheet. The person commissioning should be registered with a competent person scheme for ventilation or show evidence of competence; we tell you who will sign your sheet when we quote. Testing is also useful outside new builds: it shows landlords and homeowners whether existing fans meet the rates, and it is the first step in rebalancing an MVHR system that no longer feels right.

MEV and dMEV commissioning

Trickle and boost rates measured and set.

MVHR commissioning

Supply and extract at every valve measured and balanced.

Remedial advice

If a fan fails, we explain why and quote the fix.

Guide prices in County Durham

Airflow testing and commissioning guide prices in County Durham
Work	Guide price
Airflow testing and commissioning sheet for extract fans (up to 6 fans) (per home)	£135–£270 inc VAT
MVHR or MEV commissioning test, every terminal measured and recorded (per system)	£225–£365 inc VAT
Rebalance and recommission an existing MVHR system (per system)	£225–£410 inc VAT

North East rates shown. Prices include VAT at 20%. The fixed price is confirmed in writing after we have seen the job.

When to get it looked at

After rebalancing or extending a system
Building control needs a commissioning sheet
You are selling a new build and the paperwork is missing

Rules in England

English building work follows Approved Document F (2021 edition) for ventilation rates, installation and commissioning. For homes, it sets minimum extract rates such as 15 litres a second for a bathroom and 30 or 60 for a kitchen, and expects mechanical systems to be airflow-tested.

How the job runs

Book
Measure
Adjust
Record
Advise

Towns we cover in County Durham

Questions about airflow testing and commissioning in County Durham

Are prices different in County Durham?

Our guide prices are adjusted by region. In County Durham we use North East rates, so airflow testing and commissioning sheet for extract fans (up to 6 fans) is typically £135 to £270 inc VAT per home.

Can you test commercial systems?

Yes. We measure and balance commercial supply and extract systems too.

How much does ventilation airflow testing cost?

Testing up to six extract fans costs £145 to £295 including VAT, and commissioning a full MVHR or MEV system £245 to £395.

Is the survey free in County Durham?

This is a charged visit because it is servicing, testing or repair work. We tell you the cost before booking. Surveys for new installations on the UK mainland are free.

Which rules apply to ventilation in County Durham?

In England, ventilation in new and altered homes is covered by Approved Document F of the Building Regulations. Landlords also have duties under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and workplaces must be ventilated under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.