Commercial Ventilation Systems in Crawley – Meeting Building Regs with MVHR and LEV

Ventilation is Now a Business-Critical Investment in Crawley

Crawley is home to a thriving business community, with industrial estates, office blocks, retail units, and food service operations expanding steadily across Manor Royal, Tilgate, and the wider West Sussex area. As the town develops further post-2024, building regulations around ventilation have become stricter, forcing commercial property owners to reassess how they manage indoor air quality.

In particular, the demand for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems has surged—driven by requirements in Approved Document F, HSE COSHH regulations, and rising awareness of indoor air pollution risks.

In this blog, we break down what businesses in Crawley need to know about commercial ventilation requirements, how MVHR and LEV systems differ, and how ClimateWorks helps ensure compliance, performance, and long-term operational reliability.

Why Ventilation Is More Important Than Ever in Commercial Settings

Crawley’s commercial landscape is diverse. From small takeaway kitchens to 30,000 sq ft logistics warehouses, every commercial property must provide “reasonable means of ventilation” as outlined in UK Building Regulations.

Poor ventilation in commercial buildings leads to:

• Higher indoor CO₂ levels that reduce concentration and decision-making
• Accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furnishings and equipment
• Condensation, mould, and damp—especially in high-humidity environments
• Staff complaints, sickness, or regulatory breaches

For property managers, facilities teams, and business owners, ventilation is no longer optional—it’s a critical infrastructure component.

Understanding MVHR in a Commercial Environment

What It Is:

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) uses a central unit to extract stale air and supply fresh, filtered air—while retaining heat from the outgoing stream. In commercial buildings, MVHR units are often larger, more powerful, and installed within ceiling voids, rooftop units, or dedicated plant rooms.

Benefits for Crawley Businesses:

• Maintains steady, filtered air circulation across offices, showrooms, or workshops
• Reduces heating demand by recovering heat from extracted air
• Supports compliance with Part F of Building Regulations
• Prevents condensation and stale air, improving employee wellbeing
• Quiet operation and discreet installation for occupied buildings

Best Suited To:

• Open-plan offices
• Call centres or shared workspaces
• Retail showrooms
• Dental and medical practices
• Warehouses with office mezzanines

What is LEV and When Is It Required?

What It Is:

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are designed to capture airborne contaminants at source—before they disperse into the wider indoor environment. These systems are essential in any commercial activity where harmful dust, fumes, vapours, or mists are generated.

Required For:

• Commercial kitchens (canopy extract)
• Hair salons (chemical treatment areas)
• Factories (dust or welding fumes)
• Woodworking shops
• Spray painting or print facilities

LEV systems must meet HSE COSHH Regulations and undergo regular thorough examination and testing (TExT), often every 14 months.

Crawley Case Study: MVHR + LEV Installation in a Food Production Facility

ClimateWorks recently completed a dual ventilation installation for a bakery facility on the outskirts of Crawley.

Property Details:

• 12,000 sq ft production unit
• Multiple ovens, mixers, and refrigeration units
• Office mezzanine and changing rooms
• Staff of 20+ working across two shifts

Client Requirements:

• Control humidity and condensation in production space
• Reduce odours and airborne flour dust
• Improve air quality in staff areas
• Meet COSHH ventilation requirements for compliance

Our Solution:

• Installed MVHR system in staff break areas and changing rooms
• Delivered 80% heat recovery to reduce heating bills
• Designed LEV hoods above mixers and flour bins
• Provided ducting, filtration, and externally vented fans
• Supplied HSE-compliant commissioning report and TExT plan

The client reduced downtime caused by moisture-sensitive machinery and reported improved comfort for all workers.

UK Regulations Affecting Ventilation in Commercial Premises

Approved Document F (2021 Update)

• Requires buildings to provide adequate ventilation through mechanical systems
• Specifies airflow rates for various room types and occupancy levels
• MVHR helps meet continuous supply/extract rates in commercial areas

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – COSHH Regulations

• Requires LEV for any operation that produces harmful airborne substances
• LEV systems must be tested, maintained, and documented
• Responsibility lies with the employer or building operator

Approved Document L – Energy Efficiency

• MVHR systems must have low Specific Fan Power (SFP)
• Heat recovery performance must contribute to SAP/BREEAM calculations

Key Benefits for Crawley Businesses

Beyond compliance, investing in commercial ventilation systems offers practical returns:

• Lower energy bills through heat recovery
• Cleaner air for staff health and productivity
• Odour and moisture control for food, laundry, or health businesses
• Better environmental ratings for modern BREEAM targets
• Fewer complaints from staff or clients
• Improved property condition and reduced asset maintenance

Bullet Point Summary – MVHR vs LEV for Crawley Businesses

• MVHR: Whole-building system for continuous filtered air and heat recovery
• LEV: Targeted ventilation to extract harmful contaminants at source
• MVHR improves comfort, energy performance, and air quality
• LEV is mandatory in environments with dust, fumes, or vapours
• Both systems must comply with UK Building Regulations and HSE
• ClimateWorks designs, installs, tests, and maintains both systems locally

ClimateWorks Commercial Ventilation Installation in Crawley

We offer end-to-end solutions, including:

• Site assessments and airflow analysis
• MVHR and LEV system design
• Installation by REFCOM and BESA-accredited engineers
• Handover packs with drawings, testing certificates, and manuals
• Optional servicing contracts and annual LEV inspections

If you’re a developer, facilities manager, or business owner in Crawley, our team is ready to support your project with fully compliant and reliable ventilation.

👉 Learn more or request a commercial quote:
https://www.climateworks.co.uk

References

[1] GOV.UK. (2021). Approved Document F – Ventilation. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-approved-document-f
[2] HSE. (2023). Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/index.htm
[3] CIBSE Guide B – Ventilation. Retrieved from https://www.cibse.org
[4] Health and Safety Executive. (2022). COSHH Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh

Author Bio

Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.

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