Airflow testing and commissioning in Northumberland

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.

Every job in Northumberland gets a written quote before it starts and a commissioning record when it finishes. We cover Ashington, Bedlington, Darras Hall, Morpeth and Prudhoe and the villages around them.

Airflow testing in Northumberland at a glance

Area: Northumberland
Towns listed: 10, largest Blyth
Postcode districts: NE24, NE15, NE18, NE22, NE61 and NE41
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.

MVHR commissioning

Supply and extract at every valve measured and balanced.

Remedial advice

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

Extract fan tests

Each fan measured and compared with the Part F rate for the room.

Guide prices in Northumberland

Airflow testing and commissioning guide prices in Northumberland
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.

Signs it is time to call us

Building control needs a commissioning sheet
You are selling a new build and the paperwork is missing
Fans seem weak and you want evidence

Rules in England

In England, ventilation is covered by Part F of the Building Regulations and its guidance, Approved Document F (2021 edition). 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 Northumberland

Questions about airflow testing and commissioning in Northumberland

Which towns in Northumberland do you cover?

All of Northumberland, including Ashington, Bedlington, Darras Hall, Morpeth and Prudhoe. If your town is not listed, send the postcode and we will confirm.

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.

Are prices different in Northumberland?

Our guide prices are adjusted by region. In Northumberland 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.

Is the survey free in Northumberland?

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.