Extract Ventilation
Homes & Commercial Kitchens
From a single humidity-sensing bathroom fan to a full mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) system or a grease-managed commercial kitchen extract, Chillmasters designs, supplies and installs extract ventilation that meets Part F flow rates and keeps your building safe.
Continuous, Intermittent
or Mechanical Extract
Part F of the Building Regulations recognises three main extract ventilation strategies for dwellings: intermittent local extract fans in wet rooms, continuous mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) with a central fan serving multiple rooms, and positive input ventilation (PIV) used in conjunction with extract points. Each has its place — we help you choose the right approach for your building type, occupancy and budget.
- Intermittent fans: humidity-sensor or run-on timer, low cost, simple retro-fit
- Continuous MEV: central fan, low constant extract, reduced noise vs individual fans
- Part F minimum flow rates — 15 l/s bathroom, 30 l/s kitchen (range hood: 60 l/s)
- Humidity sensors automatically boost extract during showering or cooking
- Whole-system commissioning and air flow test to confirm compliance
- Commercial extract: grease filtration, fire dampers, interlock with gas supply
Effective Extract
Ventilation Matters
Part F Flow Rate Compliance
Undersized or poorly positioned extract fans are a common reason Building Control flags ventilation. We size every fan to meet the minimum extract rates set out in Part F Approved Document (2021 edition) and provide air flow test results on completion.
Humidity-Controlled Boost
Intelligent humidity sensors detect rising moisture levels and ramp up fan speed automatically — preventing condensation without running at full power continuously. This protects the building fabric and reduces electricity consumption compared to timer-only controls.
Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety
Kitchen extract in commercial premises carries grease-laden air — a significant fire risk if not managed correctly. We design systems with grease filters, fire-rated ductwork and automatic fire dampers, meeting TR/19 guidance and insurance requirements.
Quiet, Low-Energy Operation
Modern EC-motor extract fans are significantly quieter and more efficient than older AC units. Continuous MEV systems in particular are designed to run at very low speed — often inaudible — with only occasional boosts, making them far less intrusive in living spaces.
Grease, Fire Risk
& Legal Duties
Restaurant, pub and school kitchen extract systems must comply with DW/172 ductwork standards, TR/19 grease management guidance and BS 9999 fire safety provisions. A poorly maintained or under-spec'd kitchen extract is one of the leading causes of commercial kitchen fires in the UK — and can void your insurance cover.
- DW/172 compliant duct design and installation
- Grease filter specification — baffle, mesh or electrostatic options
- Fire-rated ductwork and intumescent fire dampers where required
- Gas interlock and make-up air supply sized to balance the extract
- TR/19 cleaning schedule and documented ductwork inspection service
Whole-Dwelling
Mechanical Extract
MEV replaces multiple individual fans with a single, quiet central unit that continuously extracts from all wet rooms simultaneously. It is simpler to maintain, typically quieter than intermittent fans, and easier to commission accurately to Part F flow rates — particularly in flats and apartments where duct routes can be consolidated.
- Single unit, multiple extract points — bathrooms, WC, utility, kitchen
- Low constant flow with humidity boost — ideal for always-on strategy
- Loft, cupboard or ceiling-void installation to save floor space
- Easily commissioned and tested at handover for Building Control
Related Services
Air Conditioning
Installation, servicing and repairs for domestic and commercial air conditioning.
Refrigeration & Cold Rooms
Cold room design, commercial refrigeration and emergency breakdown response.
HVAC Design & Consultancy
Load calculations, system specification and project management for HVAC projects.
Electrical & Plumbing
Power supplies, pipework and electrical services supporting HVAC installations.
Compliance & Maintenance
PPM contracts, F-Gas compliance, TM44 surveys and reactive maintenance.