Since 2006, it’s been a mandatory requirement for all types of new builds in England and Wales to be tested for air tightness. Prior to this requirement, it was accepted that the average UK dwelling leaked air at a rate of 11.48 m³/(m² hr) @ 50 Pa. As of 2006, under the current UK building regulations, the standard permissible figures are between 3 and 8m³/(m² hr) @50 Pa.
To minimise heat and air loss, reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, a building or dwelling must be well-sealed. Achieving air tightness in a dwelling depends on multiple factors, one being the building’s ventilation system.
An effective ventilation system maintains indoor air quality and contributes to air-tightness. Gio Property Solutions is counted among the top air leakage testing companies in the UK, catering to multiple commercial and residential dwellings for their air pressure testing needs.
This blog explains the relationship and impact of air tightness and the choice of ventilation system designs on your property.
What is Ventilation?
Regarding ventilation system designs, it’s first essential to understand what ‘ventilation’ means. Ventilation refers to the cyclic process of removing stale air from a building and replacing it with fresh air from outside. Ventilation systems ensure your dwelling feels fresh and comfortable and help remove moist air that leads to problems such as condensation and dampness.
Understanding Ventilation System Designs
Often, a property’s ventilation relies on more than one form of ventilation system. Ventilation system design is a factor to consider from the start of any building project, whether you’re building a structure from the ground up or renovating an existing setup.
A combination of uncontrolled ventilation and controlled ventilation solutions are used in UK structures.
Uncontrolled Ventilation
Uncontrolled ventilation systems are always active; you can’t control them. You’ll often find these in existing homes as draughts, air bricks, and trickle vents.
This type of ventilation system is easy and cheap to install, well-known to builders and complies with the UK’s Building Regulations Part F, but there are a few drawbacks.
Uncontrolled ventilation systems depend on external factors such as wind; no wind means your home might go unventilated, while too much wind may overventilate your home.
Dampness and odours easily spread around a dwelling with uncontrolled ventilation. They can condense in or on the building’s fabric and result in health issues such as mould and dust mites. Over time, it can impact the integrity of the building materials.
Controlled Ventilation
Controlled ventilation system designs actively work to create a positive or negative pressure in the building. In contrast to the uncontrolled ventilation systems, active fans work in combination with careful ductwork design to balance controlled ventilation throughout the property.
MVHR, PIV and MEV are the three common types of controlled ventilation system designs for dwellings in the UK.
MVHR System
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) uses a central unit to remove stale air and supply fresh air throughout the building. This system reduces heat loss by recovering heat from the outgoing air and transferring it to the incoming air.
The key advantages of the MVHR system are the removal of pollution and airborne pathogens, thereby improving air quality. However, for an MVHR system to show its real benefits, it needs to meet the air tightness level of 3m³/hr/m².
PIV System
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system is a type of alternative controlled ventilation system ideal for existing homes with a loft space. The central unit is placed inside the loft area, and a distribution diffuser is put in the ceiling. It works with a central unit, drawing air from the loft or outside, filtering it, and delivering it into the property. This creates a positive pressure system that gently forces the stale air out.
MEV System
Mechanical Extract Ventilation system (MEV) has a fan in a central position that extracts stale air from wet areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. This creates negative pressure that draws fresh air through the building’s envelope and into your property.
Although simple to install and suitable for retrofitting, it doesn’t recover heat from extracted air like the MVHR system.
No matter what system you use, Gio Property Solutions is your go-to air leakage testing company, checking the air pressure test of your house or building. Contact us now to find out more.
How Ventilation System Design Impacts Air Tightness
The type of ventilation system you choose can significantly impact the building’s air tightness levels and overall energy efficiency. Uncontrolled ventilation through draughts and vents causes uneven ventilation that can’t be switched on or off, resulting in air seeping through gaps and negatively impacting air tightness.
Controlled ventilation systems can minimise air leakages by providing a controlled way to exchange indoor and outdoor air without risking air leaks. These systems maintain the integrity of the air tightness of the building or dwelling.
Installing the MVHR system tends to be more beneficial than using other ventilation systems.
Rely on Gio Property Solutions for Air Tightness Testing
Choosing the right ventilation system ensures well-sealed, comfortable and energy-efficient properties.
With Gio Property Solutions to check your property’s air tightness levels, you’re in good hands. Our expert, Mark, offers you proper guidance to improve your home or building’s ventilation systems and secure enhanced results on the air tightness test.
Contact us today for professional advice and support on air tightness testing for your property.
