Commissioning is the systematic process of verifying and documenting that a building’s ventilation system (or other mechanical installations) operates as intended by design, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations and optimising performance. It involves testing, adjusting, and balancing airflows to meet specified requirements, as outlined in Approved Document F (Ventilation), Appendix C.
In UK residential construction and retrofit, commissioning ensures that mechanical ventilation systems (e.g., Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) or extract fans) deliver the correct airflow rates, maintain indoor air quality, and operate efficiently. Key steps include:
- Measuring airflow rates at terminals (e.g., extract fans, supply diffusers).
- Verifying system controls and responsiveness.
- Recording results in a commissioning report for compliance.
Example: After installing an MVHR system in a retrofit project, a technician measures airflow at each vent, adjusts dampers, and confirms the system meets Part F (2021) requirements (e.g., 13 l/s for kitchens, 8 l/s for bathrooms).
Synonyms #
- System balancing
- Performance verification
Related Terms #
- Airflow Rate – The volume of air delivered per second (l/s), critical for compliance with Approved Document F.
- MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) – A system requiring precise commissioning to ensure heat recovery efficiency.
- Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) – Influences ventilation design to minimise energy loss.
- As-Built Documentation – Records post-commissioning system performance for Building Control.
- Building Regulations Part F (Ventilation) – Mandates minimum ventilation rates for dwellings.