Ventilation Commissioning & Airflow Test in Ireland
A precise airflow test is crucial not only for maintaining indoor comfort but also for ensuring compliance with Irish Building Regulations. Accurate testing guarantees that each room receives the appropriate air supply while optimising system efficiency. Whether your property uses heat recovery ventilation (HRV), mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) or demand controlled ventilation (DCV), proper airflow testing and system balancing are mandatory under TGD Part F (2019) and the forthcoming TGD F 2025 draft.
Moreover, correct testing guarantees your system performs as designed, helping you meet energy standards under TGD Part L (2025).
What Is an Airflow Test?
An airflow test measures and adjusts the amount of air entering and leaving each room through your ventilation system. During testing, our engineers use calibrated instruments to record supply and extract flow rates in litres per second (L/s).
Afterward, we fine-tune each grille and damper until every room achieves the correct airflow balance. As a result, your system delivers the ideal combination of comfort, quiet operation, and energy efficiency.
In addition, airflow testing:
- Improves indoor air quality
- Reduces condensation and mould risk
- Optimises airflow heat recovery ventilation performance
Consequently, proper testing and HRV balancing ensure your home meets both TGD Part F and Part L requirements.
Why Airflow Testing and HRV Balancing Matter
Airflow testing verifies that your ventilation system is performing exactly as designed. Equally important, it provides the evidence needed for Building Control and BER certification.
In Ireland, results must be recorded in litres per second and compared against the original design drawings. A qualified ventilation technician carries out the test, adjusts flows where needed, and provides a commissioning report.
Notably, this report is required for:
- Part F validation
- BCAR documentation
- NSAI ventilation validation
For further reference, see the Department of Housing’s TGD F 2025 consultation and the SEAI Ventilation Standards Guide.
Our Airflow Testing & Balancing Process
At <strong>Eco Vent</strong>, we deliver a transparent, fully documented <strong>airflow testing</strong> and <strong>HRV balancing</strong> process across Ireland—particularly in <strong>Dublin</strong> and <strong>Leinster</strong>.
Preliminary Review
We begin by reviewing all system designs and specifications to ensure everything is clear before arriving on site. As a result, our team can start work immediately and focus on delivering exactly what the design requires.
Site Preparation
When our team arrives, we first secure your home by closing all windows and doors. Next, we carefully check that every vent and control, including all boost modes, operates correctly and is set exactly as required.. Moreover, our engineers always use calibrated instruments with valid certificates to guarantee absolute measurement accuracy.
Visual Inspection
Before switching things on, we check that the installation matches plans and manufacturer guidelines.
This means inspecting duct insulation, confirming airtight joints, ensuring drainage, and making sure filters and labels are accessible and correct.
Initial System Start-Up
We power up the system and carefully listen for any unusual sounds during operation. After that, we set all controls to their intended modes and verify that every sensor—including boost, CO₂, humidity, and timer units—functions correctly and responds as expected.
Airflow Measurement and Balancing
All windows, doors, and vents stay closed as we measure the airflows at every supply and extract terminal.
We use precise tools to record minimum and maximum flows and adjust where needed so your system meets its targets for comfort and efficiency.
System Functional Test
Our engineers carefully test every control and sensor to ensure that timers and detectors respond correctly and carry clear labels. Moreover, this thorough check guarantees that the entire ventilation installation operates intuitively and remains user-friendly for homeowners.
Independent Third-Party Validation
If you or the regulations require validation, we coordinate the process directly with the NSAI or another authorised body under the latest Ventilation Validation Scheme. Furthermore, we compile all documentation, calibration records, and certificates into one clear package to ensure full transparency and compliance.
Client Handover and Documentation
We hand over a complete set of commissioning results, signed checklists, calibration certificates, O&M manuals, and clear user guides.
Disclaimer
If the ventilation system was not designed and installed by Eco Vent, we cannot accept responsibility for validation failure resulting from design or installation errors. In such cases, the original designer or installer must correct all issues before validation can be completed.
Why Choose Eco Vent for Airflow Testing
Eco Vent combines technical precision with a deep understanding of Irish ventilation regulations. Because we strictly follow TGD Part F (2019), S.R. 54:2014 / A2:2022, and the latest NSAI Validation Scheme, our testing delivers certified assurance for every project.
Additionally, our experience covers all ventilation types, including airflow heat recovery ventilation, MEV, and DCV systems.
Homeowners, architects, and contractors across Ireland trust Eco Vent for:
- Accurate airflow test reports
- Quiet, energy-efficient system operation
- Accredited HRV, MEV and DCV balancing for compliance and comfort
Ventilation Compliance Standards: Part F 2019 Requirements and 2025 Draft Updates
Part F (Ventilation) 2019 — and the upcoming 2025 updates — strengthen the requirement for certified testing. These regulations clearly highlight the need for proven system performance and proper documentation.
Specifically, installers must insulate all ducts in unheated spaces with a minimum 25 mm layer (thermal conductivity ≤ 0.04 W/mK). Moreover, they seal every duct joint to ensure airtightness and verify airflow results in line with I.S. EN 14134:2019.
Additionally, contractors provide full documentation and deliver clear user guidance before handover. As a result, homeowners receive a transparent record of how their ventilation system performs.
Under the Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works (2016), Assigned Certifiers retain both the Ventilation Validation Certificates and commissioning records as part of BCAR ancillary certificates for at least six years.
Furthermore, SEAI-funded major renovation projects must meet DTSS standards to maintain balanced ventilation in airtight dwellings. Every major renovation project requiring mechanical ventilation must include a Ventilation Validation Certificate
Typical Costs and Inclusions
Your airflow test cost depends on several factors:
- Dwelling size and number of air terminals
- Site access and travel distance
- NSAI validation requirements
Each Eco Vent service includes:
- Full airflow test and system balancing
- Detailed test sheets comparing design and measured flow
- Minor damper and grille adjustments
- Compliance summary and professional recommendations
Therefore, you receive everything needed for full regulatory sign-off and efficient operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an airflow test for Part F compliance?
Yes. Airflow testing confirms your system meets the design flow rates required for certification.
What is HRV balancing?
It’s the process of adjusting airflow heat recovery ventilation systems to maintain even supply and extract performance across all rooms.
Do you test MEV and DCV systems?
Absolutely. We perform airflow testing and balancing for all system types under TGD Part F (2019) and draft TGD F 2025
What documents will I receive?
Eco Vent provides a comprehensive commissioning report for your ventilation system and documents all performance measurements and checks in detail. Additionally, Eco Vent delivers a tailored Owner’s Handover Pack guide that clearly explains routine maintenance, system operation, and troubleshooting. After the system passes the mandatory validation process, an independent NSAI-certified inspector issues a separate validation certificate. This dual approach ensures full transparency for all stakeholders and guarantees that the project complies with current Irish building regulations.
Can I adjust my ventilation system after commissioning takes place?
No, you cannot adjust your ventilation system after it has been commissioned. Any changes to settings, balancing, or components will affect compliance and system performance, and may require a new professional commissioning and validation process to remain legally compliant
What is the most common reason for not receiving ventilation system validation?
Unqualified or inexperienced designers often create incorrect ventilation system layouts, and these mistakes frequently cause validation failures. Moreover, inspectors sometimes record airflow rates that fall below the required design values in specific rooms. In many cases, installers fit ductwork poorly or skip proper commissioning, which directly creates system imbalances. Occasionally, occupants alter the settings after the initial balancing and, as a result, reduce the supply or extraction of fresh air in certain areas.
Book Your Airflow Test Today
If you need a professional airflow test or HRV balancing in Dublin, Leinster, or anywhere in Ireland, Eco Vent can help. Our engineers deliver precise measurements, verified calibration, and full compliance with Irish Building Regulations.
To ensure your system runs efficiently and meets every standard: