Explaining Ventilation Systems for Commercial Properties

“If air could talk, what would your building be saying?”

In commercial property management, ventilation is more than background HVAC infrastructure - it’s the backbone of comfort, compliance, and cost control. And when it’s overlooked, it tends to speak up - through tenant complaints, unexpected maintenance bills, or worse, non-compliance penalties.

At Karsons Consulting, we’re often brought in to address just that. So here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know to stay ahead of ventilation issues, improve building performance, and meet evolving regulations.

Why Ventilation Is Crucial in Today’s Buildings

With changing legislation and rising awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ), ventilation systems are under scrutiny, for good reason. From Building Regulations Part F & L to TM44 inspection requirements, your system needs to be doing more than just ticking a box.

Well-functioning ventilation supports:

• Healthier indoor environments

• Energy savings

• Better EPC ratings

• Smoother compliance processes

And let’s not forget - it also keeps your tenants happy.

The Anatomy of a Ventilation Plant: Know What You’re Managing

Understanding what’s actually inside your ventilation system helps you make informed decisions when it comes to upgrades, maintenance, and compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the key components in a typical commercial ventilation plant:

1. Air Handling Unit (AHU)

The Air Handling Unit is the core of your system - where outdoor air is drawn in, filtered, conditioned (heated/cooled), and pushed into the building.

Look for: Condition of coils, filters, and fans. Controls that match occupancy levels.

2. Ductwork

Carries air to and from occupied spaces. Poorly sealed or uninsulated ducts are a common source of energy loss.

Look for: Damage, contamination risk, or inefficient layout.

3. Filters

Filters capture dust, allergens, and pollutants before air is supplied to occupants. Critical for IAQ and compliance.

Look for: Blockages, filter grade (HEPA or G4/F7 depending on your needs).

4. Fans and Motors

These keep air moving throughout your building. Motor condition, speed controls, and balancing all affect system performance.

Look for: Vibration, noise, outdated fan belts, or fixed-speed motors.

5. Heat Recovery System (in MVHR)

Captures heat from outgoing air and transfers it to incoming fresh air. Massive energy-saving potential here.

Look for: Blocked heat exchangers, bypass dampers stuck open, or lack of a recovery system altogether.

6. Sensors and Controls

Smart systems that monitor temperature, CO2, humidity, and occupancy. They determine how well your system responds in real time.

Look for: Whether controls are tuned to real usage, or stuck on outdated schedules.

Which Ventilation System Are You Working With?

If you’re managing multiple properties or navigating legacy systems, knowing the differences is key.

• MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery): Great for energy-conscious commercial buildings; reduces heating load and supports Net Zero goals.

• DCV (Demand-Controlled Ventilation): Adjusts based on occupancy or CO2 levels- ideal for flexible working patterns.

• MEV (Mechanical Extract Ventilation): Simple and cost-effective, but may lack efficiency benefits.

Each has a place - it’s about matching the right solution to your building’s layout, use, and operational goals.

Common Pitfalls - and How to Avoid Them

Many of the ventilation systems we assess are:

• Oversized or underperforming

• Lacking up-to-date controls

• Missing heat recovery capabilities

• Costing more in energy than necessary

Recently, our work on Store Street transformed both comfort levels and compliance ratings, simply by addressing airflow efficiency and updating ventilation control strategies - no major capital expenditure required!

Sustainable Ventilation Solutions

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword - it’s a competitive advantage. Here’s how you can integrate low-carbon options into your ventilation strategy:

MVHR Systems

Recover heat from outgoing air to reduce energy use and improve your EPC score.

Demand-Controlled Ventilation

Match airflow to building usage in real-time- cut costs without compromising comfort.

Hybrid Natural Systems

Combine natural airflow with smart automation for sites where mechanical solutions aren't ideal.

Integrated Air Source Heat Pumps

Pairing these with MVHR offers a full electric heating and cooling solution, aligned with future-ready building strategies.

We evaluate each system's lifecycle impact, helping you make upgrades that pay off in performance, compliance, and long-term operational savings.

Stay Ahead with Compliance

Navigating ventilation legislation doesn’t have to be complicated. Karsons can support you across:

• TM44 air conditioning inspections

• EPC uplift strategies

• Detailed feasibility studies and audits

Our Process: What You Can Expect

Every project starts with understanding your building. We combine:

• Thermal and airflow simulations

• Maintenance and lifecycle cost analysis

• Retrofit advice for improved IAQ and efficiency

• Ongoing technical support and system audits

You won’t get a generic spec sheet - we build tailored, actionable plans that align with your building’s reality and your strategic goals.

Let’s Make Your Building Breathe Better

Whether you’re facing compliance deadlines, planning for retrofit, or simply looking to get more from your existing system - we can help.

Get in touch today and, just like our clients, optimise your HVAC system and reduce costs while staying ahead of regulations.

Let’s make ventilation a great asset, not an afterthought!