With updated ventilation guidance coming into effect in March 2027, now is the time for housebuilders, architects, specifiers and installers to understand what the changes mean for their projects.
Approved Document F provides guidance on meeting the ventilation requirements of the Building Regulations in England. The 2026 edition, published in March and subsequently revised in September, highlights the importance of effective ventilation design, installation and commissioning.
Here's what you need to know.
When Do the Changes Take Effect?
The updated guidance is scheduled to apply from:
- 24 March 2027: Relevant building work that is not higher-risk building work.
- 24 September 2027: Relevant higher-risk building work.
Transitional arrangements may apply, so project teams should check the official guidance to establish which requirements apply to their projects.
What Are the Key Changes?
1. Installation and Commissioning
Effective ventilation depends on more than choosing the right equipment. Systems must be correctly designed, installed, tested and commissioned to achieve their intended performance.
Installers and developers should allow sufficient time for commissioning, verify airflow rates and ensure appropriate documentation is provided.
2. Clarification on Flexible Ductwork
The September 2026 revision clarifies the guidance on using short sections of flexible ductwork for final connections to fan units across the covered system types.
Installers should consult the latest guidance and manufacturer instructions to ensure ductwork is suitable for the application and does not compromise system performance.
3. Effective Ventilation Design
Ventilation should be considered early in the design process, taking into account the building layout, airtightness, ductwork routes and maintenance access.
Choosing an appropriate system and coordinating its installation with other building services can help avoid costly issues later in a project.
What Does This Mean for Your Project?
Housebuilders, architects and installers should review the updated guidance, check which requirements apply and ensure their teams are prepared for upcoming projects.
Key considerations include:
- Reviewing ventilation designs and specifications.
- Planning for installation, testing and commissioning.
- Checking ductwork arrangements and manufacturer requirements.
- Ensuring relevant documentation and competency requirements are addressed.
Choosing the Right Ventilation Solution
Selecting an appropriate ventilation system is an important part of delivering comfortable, healthy homes.
Brookvent offers solutions across several ventilation categories:
- MVHR systems: Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
- MEV systems: Mechanical extract ventilation.
- Window ventilation: Solutions to support appropriate background ventilation.
The right approach depends on the building, its ventilation requirements and the applicable regulations.
Prepare for the Upcoming Changes with Brookvent
With the updated Approved Document F guidance approaching, now is a good time to review your ventilation strategy and prepare for future projects.
At Brookvent, we provide ventilation solutions to support residential projects of different sizes and requirements.
Explore our ventilation products and discover how Brookvent can support your next project.
Explore the Approved Document F - Approved Document F (2026) - GOV.UK
