Airflow testing and commissioning in Tyne and Wear

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 Tyne and Wear gets a written quote before it starts and a commissioning record when it finishes. We cover Washington, Tynemouth, Wallsend, Newburn and Newcastle upon Tyne and the villages around them.

Airflow testing in Tyne and Wear at a glance

Area: Tyne and Wear
Towns listed: 20, largest Newcastle upon Tyne
Postcode districts: NE28, NE31, NE11, NE16, NE15 and NE21
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 Tyne and Wear

Airflow testing and commissioning guide prices in Tyne and Wear
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

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). 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 Tyne and Wear

Questions about airflow testing and commissioning in Tyne and Wear

Which towns in Tyne and Wear do you cover?

All of Tyne and Wear, including Washington, Tynemouth, Wallsend, Newburn and Newcastle upon Tyne. If your town is not listed, send the postcode and we will confirm.

What happens if a fan fails the test?

We explain the likely cause, such as an undersized fan or a crushed duct, and quote to fix it. Many failures are cheap to put right.

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.

Are prices different in Tyne and Wear?

Our guide prices are adjusted by region. In Tyne and Wear 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 Tyne and Wear?

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.