Background ventilation testing focuses specifically on assessing the performance of natural ventilation within buildings.

Background ventilation systems provide a continuous, low-level flow of fresh air into a building, typically through vents or grilles installed in walls, windows, or ceilings. This passive airflow helps maintain indoor air quality by allowing for the gradual exchange of stale air with fresh outdoor air. Unlike some active ventilation systems that rely on fans or mechanical components to extract air from specific areas or rooms, background ventilation operates quietly and continuously, providing a constant supply of fresh air throughout the building.

In contrast, extract fans and mechanical ventilation systems are designed to remove air from specific areas or rooms, often in response to localised sources of moisture, pollutants, or odours. Extract fans, for example, are commonly installed in kitchens and bathrooms to remove steam, smoke, and odours generated during cooking or bathing. Mechanical ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilation (HRV) or mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), use fans and ductwork to supply fresh air and extract stale air from the building, often with the added benefit of recovering heat from outgoing air.

While extract fans and mechanical ventilation systems play important roles in controlling indoor air quality and moisture levels, background ventilation is essential for providing a baseline level of fresh air throughout the building, even when specific areas or rooms are not in use. By ensuring that background ventilation systems operate effectively, background ventilation testing helps maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for building occupants, promoting overall well-being and compliance with building regulations.

In the UK, compliance with building regulations includes adherence to standards set for ventilation, among other factors. Background ventilation, while not a standalone compliance regulation, is an essential aspect of meeting these standards. It ensures the continuous supply of fresh air into buildings, as mandated by regulations such as Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations. This helps maintain a healthy indoor environment, mitigating issues like condensation and indoor air pollution. While variations in requirements exist based on factors like building size and usage, background ventilation remains a critical component of regulatory compliance in the UK.

Get your background ventilation test booked in with ATSPACE today to ensure compliance with UK building regulations and maintain a healthy indoor environment.

ATSPACE adopts a progressive approach, providing top-tier design, consultancy, and compliance services across all project facets. With a diverse client base spanning from individual self-builders to national house builders, our team understands the industry's challenges first-hand. As a developer myself, I empathise with the complexities and stresses associated with regulatory compliance, which drives our commitment to delivering a transparent and hassle-free experience.

• What sets us apart for your ventilation flow rate testing?
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• * Over 14 years of industry experience
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• * Extensive track record with over 300 background ventilation tests completed
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• * Nationwide coverage across England and Wales

ATSPACE boasts a loyal customer base, driving our continual growth as a leading building compliance company. Our dedication to becoming your go-to choice for compliance needs is fuelled by the unwavering support of our customers and partners. We are committed to providing unparalleled service, steadfast support, and a stress-free journey for all our clients.

Paul Whiffin ATSPACE Managing Director