Airflow testing and commissioning in West Midlands

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 the West Midlands, including Dudley, Walsall, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and West Bromwich. Prices use West Midlands rates. This is a charged visit. We confirm the cost in writing before we book it.

Airflow testing in the West Midlands at a glance

Area: West Midlands
Towns listed: 32, largest Birmingham
Postcode districts: WS3, WV10, WV11, B8, B9 and B6
Price region: West Midlands
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 the West Midlands

Airflow testing and commissioning guide prices in the West Midlands
Work	Guide price
Airflow testing and commissioning sheet for extract fans (up to 6 fans) (per home)	£145–£295 inc VAT
MVHR or MEV commissioning test, every terminal measured and recorded (per system)	£245–£395 inc VAT
Rebalance and recommission an existing MVHR system (per system)	£245–£445 inc VAT

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

When to get it looked at

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. 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 the West Midlands

Questions about airflow testing and commissioning in the West Midlands

Is the survey free in the West Midlands?

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 the West Midlands?

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 the West Midlands do you cover?

All of the West Midlands, including Dudley, Walsall, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and West Bromwich. If your town is not listed, send the postcode and we will confirm.

Airflow testing and commissioning in the West Midlands