MVHR PLUS | Part O: What You Need to Know

Part O of the Building Regulations is the section that deals with the provision of mechanical ventilation in buildings. It was introduced in 2010 and was updated in 2022.

Part O requires all new buildings to have a mechanical ventilation system that provides fresh air to the building and removes stale air. The system must be designed and installed to ensure that the indoor air quality in the building is maintained at a satisfactory level.

What is Part O?

Part O sets out the requirements for mechanical ventilation in new buildings. The requirements are designed to ensure that new buildings have good indoor air quality, which is important for the health and well-being of the people who live and work in the buildings.

Types of Mechanical Ventilation Systems

There are a number of different types of mechanical ventilation systems that can be used to comply with Part O. The most common type is a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system. MVHR systems recover heat from the stale air that is removed from the building and use it to heat the fresh air that is brought into the building. This can help to reduce the energy costs of heating the building.

Other types of mechanical ventilation systems that can be used to comply with Part O include:

Mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) systems
Balanced ventilation systems
Natural ventilation systems

The type of mechanical ventilation system that is used will depend on the size and type of building, the climate in the area, and the budget of the building owner.

Commissioning of Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Part O also sets out requirements for the commissioning of mechanical ventilation systems. This means that the system must be tested and adjusted to ensure that it is operating correctly. The commissioning process must be carried out by a qualified person.

Benefits of Mechanical Ventilation

There are a number of benefits to having a mechanical ventilation system in your home. These benefits include:

Improved indoor air quality
Reduced risk of allergies and asthma
Increased comfort
Reduced energy bills
Increased lifespan of your HVAC system
Increased resale value of your home

Key Requirements of Part O

The key requirements of Part O are as follows:

All new buildings must have a mechanical ventilation system that provides fresh air to the building and removes stale air.
The system must be designed and installed to ensure that the indoor air quality in the building is maintained at a satisfactory level.
The system must be commissioned by a qualified person.

Conclusion

Part O is an important part of the UK Building Regulations because it helps to ensure that new buildings have good indoor air quality. This is important for the health and well-being of the people who live and work in the buildings.

More details: www.gov.uk/government/publications/overheating-approved-document-o

Part O: What You Need to Know