Airflow testing and commissioning in Greater Manchester

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.

If you are anywhere in Greater Manchester, send the postcode and a few photos and we will tell you what we would recommend. Towns we cover include Oldham, Wigan, Bolton, Stockport and Salford.

Airflow testing in Greater Manchester at a glance

Area: Greater Manchester
Towns listed: 66, largest Manchester
Postcode districts: M46, M17, M32, M17, M32 and OL1
Price region: North West
Survey: Charged visit, price agreed first

What the work involves

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 Greater Manchester

Airflow testing and commissioning guide prices in Greater Manchester
Work	Guide price
Airflow testing and commissioning sheet for extract fans (up to 6 fans) (per home)	£140–£280 inc VAT
MVHR or MEV commissioning test, every terminal measured and recorded (per system)	£235–£375 inc VAT
Rebalance and recommission an existing MVHR system (per system)	£235–£425 inc VAT

These ranges use our North West rates. Prices include VAT at 20%. You get a fixed written price before any work is booked.

Signs it is time to call us

Fans seem weak and you want evidence
After MVHR or MEV installation by another company
A landlord file needs proof of ventilation

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 Greater Manchester

Questions about airflow testing and commissioning in Greater Manchester

Is the survey free in Greater Manchester?

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.

Is testing a legal requirement?

For new dwellings in England, mechanical ventilation must be commissioned and the results given to building control. For existing homes it is good practice and useful evidence.

How long does it take?

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

Which rules apply to ventilation in Greater Manchester?

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.

Which towns in Greater Manchester do you cover?

All of Greater Manchester, including Oldham, Wigan, Bolton, Stockport and Salford. If your town is not listed, send the postcode and we will confirm.