Stricter building regulations ventilation for new builds are coming under the Future Homes Standard and its updated Part F. This blog post equips you with the knowledge to approach ventilation strategically, ensuring that your new builds are healthy, energy efficient, and compliant with regulations.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- The key changes in building regulations ventilation requirements for new builds
- How to balance energy efficiency with good indoor air quality
- When mechanical ventilation systems are necessary
- Key considerations for complying with Part F ventilation requirements
- The future of ventilation in new builds
Understanding Part F: Building Regulations on Ventilation
Part F prioritises achieving good indoor air quality while minimising energy consumption related to ventilation. This is especially important for new homes with airtight building envelopes designed for better thermal performance. While natural ventilation (opening windows) remains valuable, tighter building envelopes may make it inefficient on its own.
The key takeaway from Part F is about striking a balance: maximise natural ventilation wherever possible, and utilise mechanical ventilation systems as a complementary solution, to ensure adequate fresh air intake in airtight new builds.
When is Mechanical Ventilation Needed?
While natural ventilation is preferred, Part F acknowledges situations where mechanical assistance is necessary for building regulations ventilation compliance:
- Highly insulated buildings: Tight building envelopes, while great for energy efficiency, can restrict natural airflow. Mechanical ventilation systems ensure proper fresh air intake and removal of pollutants like mould spores and harmful chemicals.
- Locations with poor air quality: If the build site suffers from naturally poor air quality due to traffic or industry, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to provide a healthy indoor environment.
- Properties with limited window space: Homes with small windows or those facing away from prevailing winds might struggle to achieve adequate natural ventilation.
Meeting Part F Requirements: Designing a Well-Ventilated New Build
Part F sets clear guidelines for achieving good indoor air quality in new builds. This requires balancing energy efficiency with proper ventilation to prevent moisture build-up and ensure a healthy living environment. Here are some key considerations when complying with Part F building regulations ventilation requirements:
- Balancing Airtightness and Ventilation: Modern, energy-efficient buildings have tighter building envelopes to minimise heat loss. However, this can also restrict natural airflow. Ventilation strategies need to account for this to ensure adequate fresh air intake and pollutant removal. Techniques like trickle vents (small openings in windows) and passive stack ventilation (uses temperature differences to draw air) can be helpful here.
- Ventilation Testing: Verifying that your chosen ventilation solution meets Part F requirements is crucial. Ventilation testing measures airflow rates and ensures your new build achieves the fresh air intake and pollutant removal standards outlined in the regulations.
It’s important to note that Part F compliance under the Future Homes Standard involves additional testing and commissioning procedures by qualified professionals.
By considering these factors from the outset, you can design a well-ventilated home that complies with Part F and promotes long-term occupant health.
The Future of Building Regulations on Ventilation: Looking Beyond Part F
As sustainability remains a top priority, regulations like Part F will likely become even stricter. Staying ahead of these changes is crucial to ensure your projects meet current and future building regulations ventilation standards. The future of ventilation in new builds is likely to see a further push towards even greater efficiency and integration with smart technologies. Here are some potential areas of development:
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems: These systems extract heat from outgoing stale air and transfer it to incoming fresh air, minimising energy losses. This can significantly reduce heating bills.
- Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV): These systems adjust ventilation rates based on real-time indoor air quality and occupancy levels, further optimising energy efficiency. For example, imagine a ventilation system that knows when you’re cooking and automatically increases airflow.
What’s Next?
We can help you ensure your new build project is compliant with the Future Homes Standard and Part F regulations for building regulations ventilation. We offer comprehensive ventilation testing services and MHVR system commissioning and testing to optimise efficiency and ensure proper functioning. Contact us today to discuss your specific new build ventilation needs.
Keep Informed
Keep your energy efficiency knowledge up to date with news and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.
"*" indicates required fields