How To Get Part F Compliant

Did your extractor fan fail the Part F compliance test? This could be an easy fix, or may become more involved, with differing remedies being completely dependant on your particular setup. While ensuring proper ventilation is crucial, resolving a failed test doesn't always necessarily mean an expensive fix. This guide explores the reasons why your extractor fan might have failed and outlines practical solutions to get your system back on track.

Understanding Part F and Extractor Fan Testing

Part F of the Building Regulations in the UK focuses on ventilation in the face of continued air-tightness improvements, aimed at minimizing energy consumption in new dwellings. Part F sets minimum requirements for extractor fan performance in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms to guarantee good indoor air quality and prevent condensation problems.

Particularly in new builds, the performance of the ventilation systems are starting to monitored far more closely by local authority building control departments. Lets take a look at why the extractor fan may have failed the part F compliance tests, and how we might be able to improve its performance.

Reasons Why Your Extractor Fan Might Have Failed

Several factors can contribute to a failing Part F test for your extractor fan:

• Insufficient Fan Power: The current extractor fan might not be powerful enough to meet the minimum airflow requirements for your room size. This is a common problem leading to the part F compliance failure.
• Incorrect Fan Speed Setting: Many extractor fans have multiple speed settings. If it's currently on a lower setting, it won't be fulfilling its performance potential.
• Fan Operation Controls: Some extractor fans are linked to light switches or humidity sensors. If it only runs when the light is on or humidity reaches a certain level, it might be considered an intermittent extractor fan, which are expected to work harder than their continuous running counterparts.
• Ductwork Issues: Another really common problem for part F compliance issues. Poorly installed ductwork can create significant drag, decreasing airflow by dramatically.  Loose flexi ducting with tight bends, or too many bends, too long a run, ducting diameter too thin, and flexi ducting which is poorly supported can all add to that drag.
• Filter Neglect: Clogged filters can drastically reduce airflow. Regularly cleaning or replacing extractor fan filters is essential for optimal performance.

Solutions to Get Your Extractor Fan Passing the Part F Test

The good news is that resolving a failed Part F test often involves simple fixes or minor modifications:

• Boost the Fan Speed: Check your extractor fan's manual to see if it has multiple speed settings. If so, cranking it up to its maximum power might be sufficient to achieve the required airflow rate.
• Adjust Fan Operation Controls: If your extractor fan is linked to light switches or humidity sensors, consider changing its operation mode. Switching from intermittent to continuous operation will put into under a different category of test conditions which are generally more leanient on an extrator fan's maximum performance, helping pass the part F test.
• Upgrade the Extractor Fan: If adjustments aren't enough, consider replacing the existing fan with a more powerful model. Look for a fan with a higher extraction rate (measured in litres per second, l/s) that meets Part F requirements for your room type. Kitchens typically require higher airflow than bathrooms. Typically, we look to fit in-line fans, and where we can't, centrifugal fans are our next choice, generally followed by standard axial extractor fans.
• Improve Ductwork: Take a look at the current installation of the ductwork and see if improvements can be made. Check the manufacturer's instructions and our video below for ideas on how to improve the ductwork by installing it with best practices in mind.
• Clean or Replace Filters: Regularly cleaning or replacing extractor fan filters ensures optimal airflow. Consult your user manual for cleaning instructions and filter replacement frequency.

Seeking Professional Help

If you're stuck and unsure about the cause of the failed test or the most appropriate solution, consider consulting a qualified ventilation engineer or installer. They can diagnose the problem, recommend the most suitable course of action, and ensure your extractor fan meets Part F regulations.

Do You Require A Part F Compliance Tester? 

Contact the Techmeisters today for a works discussion visit, for a free consultation and no obligation quotation. You can contact us on 01634 218 821 (Medway), 01622 277 321 (Maidstone), drop us an email to info@techmeisters.co.uk, or you can fill out the webform questionnaire on our contact page, and we'll get back to you.

Want to find out more about Part F compliance? Check our dedicated page out here.