Why measured ventilation testing matters
An office can have a perfectly specified ventilation system on paper and still leave occupants gasping by 3pm. Filters block, dampers drift, VAV terminals fail open or closed, and over time the system silently delivers a fraction of its design fresh air rate. Office ventilation testing measures what is actually arriving at the breathing zone, not what was promised at commissioning ten years ago.
Our office ventilation testing method
Following BSRIA BG 49 and CIBSE Commissioning Code A, we measure supply and extract airflow at every accessible terminal using calibrated vane or hot-wire anemometers. AHU performance is verified at the plant — outdoor air dampers, fan curves, filter pressure drops and heat recovery effectiveness. Where appropriate, we add tracer-gas or PFT testing to measure air change rates directly in occupied zones.
Parallel CO₂ logging during occupancy validates whether the measured supply rate is enough for the way the space is actually used. The combination of terminal airflow data and breathing-zone CO₂ is the gold standard for office ventilation testing.
What the results tell you
The report shows litres-per-second-per-person at each tested zone, alongside the BS EN 16798 Category I and II targets. Underperforming zones are highlighted, with the most likely root cause identified — fouled filter, closed damper, undersized terminal, leaking duct, or a control issue. Each finding is paired with the remedial action and indicative cost.
Compliance and certification support
Ventilation testing supports compliance with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, BREEAM Hea 02 commissioning credits, the WELL Air concept, and tenant fit-out handover requirements. We provide signed test certificates suitable for inclusion in O&M manuals and certification submissions.
Frequently asked questions
How often should office ventilation be tested?
We recommend formal ventilation testing every three to five years, with annual filter and airflow spot-checks. Test sooner after any change of use, refurbishment, or rise in occupant complaints.
Does ventilation testing require system shutdown?
No. Testing is performed with the system running in normal operating mode.
Can you test ventilation in a serviced or multi-tenanted office?
Yes. We routinely test single floors and tenant zones within larger buildings, coordinating with the landlord's M&E team where required.