Southmead - Air Testing - 029 2193 0147
In Southmead our air testing consultants will offer constructive advice on how to reach your target rating.
Prior to a test being carried out all ventilation systems must be switched off and sealed to the outside to avoid unnecessary air loss that can disrupt the results. Drainage taps, such as a toilet bowl, should be filled with water as air can also escape down here where it normally wouldn't when the property is complete. Other areas such as letter boxes, key holes, cat flaps and loft hatches should not be sealed as these will remain "open" when occupied.
What's involved in an Air Test in Southmead?
An air test involves placing a large fan, or several fans, to an opening within the property; usually a doorway. The fans will increase and decrease in speed that will in turn change the building's air pressure and record the results. An air test cannot be carried out if wind speed is more than 13mph; 3 metres per second is the ideal wind speed when undertaking an air test in Southmead.
The table below shows the number of air tests you may require./p>
Our accredited consultants can help you comply with EPBD Article 9 and the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.
No. of Dwelling Type Instances | No. of Tests Per Type |
4 or less | One test of each type |
Greater than 4, but equal or less than 40 | Two tests of each type |
More than 40 | At least 5% of each type, unless the first 5 units pass, when the frequency can be reduced to 2% |
We have expert consultants that will undertake an assessment of the efficiency of your air conditioning system, reviewing sizing / capacity and offering advice on any improvements or alternative solutions. These solutions, if implemented, can in many instances reduce costs and thus pays for the inspection in the first year.
It is a requirement under the Building Regulations 2006 Part L that new dwellings in Southmead must pass an air test prior to occupation; this test certificate must be produced for the dwelling to be signed off by local Southmead building control.
Envelope Area (m2) |
Leakage Rates (m3/hr at 50Pa) | |||||
5 | 7.5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | |
2000 | 0.51 | 0.76 | 1.01 | 1.52 | 2.03 | 2.54 |
5000 | 1.27 | 1.90 | 2.54 | 3.80 | 5.07 | 6.34 |
7500 | 90 | 2.85 | 3.80 | 5.71 | 7.61 | 9.51 |
10000 | 2.54 | 3.80 | 5.07 | 7.61 | 10.14 | 12.68 |
12500 | 3.17 | 4.75 | 6.34 | 9.51 | 12.68 | 15.85 |
15000 | 3.80 | 5.71 | 7.61 | 11.41 | 15.21 | 19.02 |
20000 | 5.07 | 7.61 | 10.14 | 15.21 | 20.29 | 25.36 |
The report has all the details required by the regulations to indicate that a valid test has been performed.
To carry out such a test with accurate results, we require some general requirements to be made available at the time of the test: SAP Design air pressure test figure, an electricity supply and a water supply to enable traps to be filled.
We will seal all of the intentional leakage areas in the house prior to testing. These include:
- Fireplaces
- Extractor fans
- Exhaust fans
- Trickle vents
- The odd uninstalled component
Everything else will have to stay 'as is' in the property.
For a quote or for more information, call our Southmead air tightness / pressure testing consultant on 029 2193 0147 or email query@air-testing-cardiff.co.uk.