Commissioning Air Systems (BG 49/2024)

This guide explains how to functionally test and regulate ventilation systems in buildings. It was updated in 2024 to reflect new technologies and recently published industry guidance. The update was carried out by an expert author and steering group, in partnership with CIBSE and CSA.

The guide includes updated information about Building Regulations, commissioning of VAV and CAV systems, instrumentation and specialised applications such as pressure differential systems, jet nozzles, active chilled beams and hybrid ventilation systems.

The procedures in this guide comply with the standards outlined in CIBSE Commissioning Code A, which was also updated in 2024 and which sets out the normal standards of good practice accepted by the building services industry.

Sections of the guide cover:

• Design for commissionability
• Functional testing & regulating facilities
• Installing commissionable systems
• Test instruments
• Flow measurement techniques
• Functional testing procedures
• Example methodologies
• Documentation

Editable Word and Excel versions of the checklists and test sheets in the guide are attached to the pdf, and are available as a free download to users of the guide.

BSRIA would like to thank Comfort Services Group, THV Environmental Services and Ashford Environmental Services for sponsoring the guide.

Revision History:

• 1988: TM 2/88 A procedure for commissioning variable air volume systems
• 1989: AG 3/89 The commissioning of air systems in buildings
• 1991: AG 1/91 Commissioning of VAV systems in buildings (This one superseded TM 2/88 and was superseded by BG 49/2013)
• 1992: AG 3/89.1 The commissioning of air systems in buildings
• 1998: AG 3/89.2 Commissioning of air systems in buildings
• 2001: AG 3/89.3 Commissioning Air Systems
• 2013: BG 49/2013 Commissioning Air Systems
• 2015: BG 49/2015 Commissioning Air Systems
• 2024: BG 49/2024 Commissioning Air Systems