The guides come at a critical time as the UK now seeks to make homes and buildings as efficient as possible in the wake of the cost of living and energy crisis. The drive towards increasing insulation in homes to reduce heating costs this winter could exacerbate mould problems if ventilation is not considered at the same time, meaning that a health crisis may also be imminent. Action must be taken to ensure building regulations are stringently adhered to.
Designed to simplify the regulations, the novel guidance, titled ‘New Regulatory Requirements For Ventilation In Existing Homes And Your Responsibility’, is broken down into three parts:
1. Ventilation requirements when undertaking energy efficiency measures
2. Selecting and installing suitable extract ventilation
3. Commissioning new or upgraded ventilation installations in dwellings
Ventilation in a dwelling is vital for the health and well-being of its occupants. If the performance or fitting of ventilation units or systems in a dwelling do not meet specific requirements and performance standards, levels of indoor air pollutants may rise above safe levels, breaching regulations. High levels of indoor air pollutants can have a potentially serious impact on the health of those living in a dwelling, contributing to conditions including asthma, heart disease, dementia and even cancer.
As detailed in the new ventilation standards introduced on 15 June 2022, it is the explicit responsibility of a building contractor, sub-contractor or installer to ensure that all work complies with and meets building regulation requirements. Following the correct procedures is crucial to meeting the latest technical performance standards, which ensure that ventilation in a dwelling is safe and fit for purpose, under inspection from a buildings inspector or building control officer.
