Airflow testing and commissioning in Essex

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.

We carry out airflow testing and commissioning across Essex, including Brentwood, Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester and Chelmsford. Prices use East of England rates. Visits for this work are charged, with the price agreed before we arrive.

Airflow testing in Essex at a glance

Area: Essex
Towns listed: 32, largest Southend-on-Sea
Postcode districts: RM17, IG7, IG9, CM7, CO8 and E4
Price region: East of England
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 Essex

Airflow testing and commissioning guide prices in Essex
Work	Guide price
Airflow testing and commissioning sheet for extract fans (up to 6 fans) (per home)	£150–£310 inc VAT
MVHR or MEV commissioning test, every terminal measured and recorded (per system)	£255–£415 inc VAT
Rebalance and recommission an existing MVHR system (per system)	£255–£465 inc VAT

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

Common reasons people call

After MVHR or MEV installation by another company
A landlord file needs proof of ventilation
After rebalancing or extending a system

Rules in England

English building work follows Approved Document F (2021 edition) for ventilation rates, installation and commissioning. It sets extract rates for kitchens, bathrooms and utilities and asks for mechanical ventilation to be commissioned and recorded.

How the job runs

Book
Measure
Adjust
Record
Advise

Towns we cover in Essex

Questions about airflow testing and commissioning in Essex

Which rules apply to ventilation in Essex?

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.

How long does it take?

Most homes take under an hour; a full MVHR balance can take two to three hours.

Can you test commercial systems?

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

Which towns in Essex do you cover?

All of Essex, including Brentwood, Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester and Chelmsford. If your town is not listed, send the postcode and we will confirm.

Are prices different in Essex?

Our guide prices are adjusted by region. In Essex we use East of England rates, so airflow testing and commissioning sheet for extract fans (up to 6 fans) is typically £150 to £310 inc VAT per home.