A correctly operating ventilation system supports indoor comfort, air quality and the safe use of a building. Whether the property is a house, office or service facility, ventilation measurements help determine whether the system is operating in line with its design assumptions.
Measurements of mechanical ventilation are useful during commissioning and later operation. The results are recorded in a ventilation measurement report, providing evidence for subsequent technical decisions.
Why are ventilation measurements important?
Measurements can show whether the supply and extract airflows correspond to the design values and whether the system is balanced for its intended use. Poorly operating or incorrectly adjusted ventilation can contribute to elevated humidity, poorer indoor air quality and conditions that favour mould growth.
The need for reliable measurements is particularly important in schools, nurseries, offices, restaurants, healthcare premises and other occupied buildings. The applicable design and legal requirements depend on the building and use. PN-EN 12599:2013-04 describes test procedures and measurement methods used during the handover of installed ventilation and air-conditioning systems; it is not, by itself, a universal table of minimum airflows for every type of room.
Measurements also support energy-efficiency assessments. A system operating outside its intended range can consume unnecessary energy or provide an incorrect balance between supply and extract air.
What does a ventilation performance measurement involve?
The actual operating parameters are measured and compared with the design values and other requirements applicable to the building. Depending on the scope, the work can include:
- supply and extract airflows,
- air velocity,
- pressure differences,
- ductwork or system airtightness where included in the agreed scope.
This provides a documented basis for evaluating whether the system performs its intended function.
Mechanical-ventilation measurements can cover air-handling units, heat-recovery units and individual supply and extract terminals. The equipment and method must be selected for the parameter, expected range and required measurement accuracy.
Measurements can be carried out in houses, offices, industrial buildings, service premises and multi-residential buildings. They are also useful to investors who want to check whether a new installation has been commissioned and balanced against the design.
How are ventilation measurements carried out?
The process begins with a review of the building and system documentation. The specialist then measures selected points in the ventilation system, including both supply and extract air where relevant to the scope.
The building owner usually needs to provide access to diffusers, grilles, air-handling units and controls. In occupied properties, measurements may be scheduled while the system is operating under a defined normal mode so that the results can be compared with the intended operating conditions.
The final interpretation should state the operating mode, measurement points, instruments and reference values used. Without this context, an airflow result alone does not establish compliance.
Ventilation measurements by TERMOCENT
TERMOCENT carries out ventilation-system measurements using methods and equipment selected for the agreed scope. Our work can include a comparison with project documentation and applicable procedures.
The result is a mechanical-ventilation measurement report recording the conditions, results and comparison criteria. Depending on the purpose and formal requirements, the report can support commissioning, adjustment, maintenance or further technical assessment.
Speak to a specialist: +48 530 105 398
or email biuro@termocent.pl
