What do the new Building Regulations changes mean for ventilation?

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What do the new Building Regulations changes mean for ventilation?

Let us simplify it for you!

The new Building Regulations comprises of five new Approved Documents, including changes to Part F (ventilation) which will come into effect from 15th June 2022.
The significant update provides an uplift to existing energy efficiency standards for homes and marks a stepping stone towards the introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

So what are the main changes?

The system names have changed

 Systems 1, 3 and 4 have been removed. The systems are now known as:

  • Natural ventilation with background ventilators and intermittent extract fans (formerly system 1)
  • Continuous mechanical extract ventilation (formerly system 3)
  • Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (formerly system 4)

There has been structure changes to the documents

  • There is a new regulation – Approved Document O – Overheating
  • ADF has now been split into volume 1 – Dwellings and Volume 2 – Buildings other than Dwellings
  • All compliance guides are now obsolete and incorporated into the approved documents
  • A Home User Guide for new dwellings should be provided

Background ventilation has changed

  • Background ventilation is now worked out as equivalent area (mm2)
  • Continuous Mechanical Extract trickle vents should now provide 4000mm2 EA in each habitable room (previously 2500mm2 FA)
  • For existing homes all replacement windows should be fitted with trickle vents

Design air permeability has changed

The guidance has split homes into two categories – Less Airtight Dwellings and Highly Airtight dwellings. Highly airtight dwellings have to achieve one of the following:

a. A design air permeability lower than 5m3/(h/m2) at 50Pa.

b. An as-built air permeability lower than 3m3/(h/m2) at 50Pa

Rates have increased for bedrooms

  • The ventilation rate for the bedrooms has now increased
  • Additions for additional occupants on ADF2010/13 has been removed
  • Still take the higher of the two calculations as the whole dwelling ventilation (trickle) rat

The new Building Regulations approved documents can be found here:

Should you require any further information on these changes one of our technical team would be happy to assist and offer guidance and advice. Simply email  or call on 01283 492949 today!

The VORTICE air solutions brochure can be found here Air Solutions Brochure 

Working from home? Keep it well ventilated …

Case Studies Nicky Stephen

The lockdown and the ‘new normal’ we all face at the moment has seen dramatic changes in our lives – one of these being ‘working from home’. As many people are still working from home, Vortice continues to be passionate about keeping people safe whilst working in these uncertain times.

Vortice knows that there are fundamental things people can do to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) within the home. A better IAQ is linked to improved concentration and productivity and more health benefits such as better sleep.

See our tips below to help create healthy indoor air quality whilst spending so much time at home.

  1. Open your windows

It has been widely published by the Government that opening windows can drastically reduce the build up of contaminants and is the most effective way of reducing this build up in the home. The UK Government states that opening windows prevents the build up of virus particles from accumulating in the air in your home and therefore helps stop the spread of Covid. The more fresh air that is brought inside the home, the quicker any airborne virus will be removed from the room.

2. Use ventilation fans where possible

Many people forget to use their extractor fans or they turn them off, but it is imperative that these are utilised in order to create an air path throughout the home to improve indoor air quality.

Using these fans will also help reduce a build up of warm air, condensation and then damp.

3. Keep pollutants to a minimum

One key aspect we can do to improve our IAQ is to reduce pollutants within the home. Pollutants come in the form of pet hair, dust, cleaning products and fireplaces which emit CO2. A build up of such pollutants can include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Longer exposure to such pollutants can cause asthma, respiratory diseases and heart disease.

Pet hair is a pollutant within the home. Whilst it may be comforting to cuddle your pet whilst working, try and keep pet hair and dander to a minimum by vacuuming regularly.

Continuous use of air fresheners, gas stoves and strong cleaning products can also cause a build up of pollutants.

4. Other points to consider

  • Check houseplants for mould and repot if needed
  • Do not allow pets to sleep in the bedroom, especially with asthma sufferers