What you get
- Independent validation to TGD F (2019)
- Measured airflow results & balance report
- Defects & remedials list (if required)
- NSAI-compliant certificate on completion
Ventilation Validation (Part F 2019)
Independent testing and certification to verify your dwelling’s ventilation system is designed, installed, commissioned, and performing to the minimum flow-rate requirements.
NSAI Ventilation Validation Scheme
Why ventilation validation is required
Since 2019, Part F (Ventilation) requires an independent third-party validation of ventilation systems in new dwellings. The validator confirms the installed system meets the design intent and minimum ventilation rates and issues a certificate for Building Control. This sits alongside your Part L airtightness test and BER.
- Mandatory independent validation for new dwellings (Part F 2019).
- Measured flow rates checked against design and minimums.
- Certificate required at completion stage.
- Aligned with I.S. EN 14134:2019 measurement & checks.
What the NSAI scheme is
NSAI has established a registration scheme certifying an individual as a competent, independent third party to validate that a ventilation system has been installed, balanced, and commissioned to meet the minimum requirements of Technical Guidance Document (TGD) F — Ventilation (2019) to the Irish Building Regulations.
Checks and measurement methods broadly follow I.S. EN 14134:2019 Ventilation for buildings — Performance testing and installation checks of residential ventilation systems. Systems must be designed and commissioned to provide adequate and effective ventilation to satisfy F1 of TGD Part F.
What we validate on site
Our team validates:
- System type & design data (MEV, CMEV, DCV, MVHR, EAHP, or natural background).
- Correct configuration for test (internal doors/vents, boost modes, filters, set-points).
- Measured extract/supply airflows at terminals vs. design & minimum requirements.
- Balance and distribution (e.g., MVHR supply/extract, wet rooms on boost).
- Commissioning settings recorded; user controls & documentation present.
- Calibration & traceability for instruments; full test record retained.
Typical rooms & terminals we measure:
- Kitchen, utility, bathrooms, WCs (extract)
- Living rooms, bedrooms (supply for MVHR)
- Background ventilators where applicable
Note: Natural ventilation is only suitable in dwellings above very low airtightness levels. We’ll advise if mechanical ventilation is required based on measured airtightness.
Our process
-
1
Pre-visit review
Send plans, ventilation schedule, and commissioning data (if any). We confirm readiness.
-
2
Site setup
Verify system type, filters installed, access to terminals, and safe test conditions.
-
3
Measurements
Measure flows at terminals (normal & boost as applicable) per I.S. EN 14134:2019.
-
4
Findings & advice
Immediate feedback; if any points are short, we specify remedials and re-check options.
-
5
Certification
Issue a signed Ventilation Validation Certificate (PDF) with full flow log.
-
6
Optional bundle
Combine with Airtightness Test (Part L) and BER to streamline completion.
Documents & guidance
Readiness checklist (developer / self-build)
Ventilation system complete and powered; filters installed.
All terminals accessible; grilles fitted; dampers operable.
Rooms identified per design (kitchen/utility/bath/WC/bed/living).
Commissioning data available (if pre-commissioned by installer).
Airtightness result known or scheduled; background vent strategy confirmed.
Dwelling weather-tight; internal doors hung; occupants not yet moved in (ideal).
Not sure if you’re ready? We’ll review your drawings and design schedule and advise.
FAQs
Is validation mandatory?
Yes—Part F (2019) requires third-party validation for new dwellings. You need the certificate at completion.
Which systems are covered?
All dwelling ventilation approaches: intermittent fans, MEV/cMEV, DCV, MVHR, EAHP, and natural background ventilation.
How long does it take?
Most single dwellings take 60–120 minutes depending on size and system complexity.
Can you bundle services?
Yes—book ventilation + airtightness + BER together for one coordinated visit.
Book ventilation validation
Send drawings, schedules, and system details. We’ll confirm scope, site time, and reporting.