How Are Air Solutions Adapted for Modern Schools' Needs?

A multitude of factors contribute to schools’ learning environments. However, one critical element that frequently gets overlooked or deprioritized is schools’ air solutions.

And the numbers speak for themselves. A 2020 GAO report revealed that 36,000 school buildings in the US have substandard HVAC systems. This eye-opening statistic underscores the importance of updating schools’ air management systems with features and technologies tailored to solve contemporary needs and challenges.

Critical Considerations Affecting Schools’ Approach to Air Management Systems

1. Climate Events: The world faces significant climate shifts, marked by extreme weather events and changing weather patterns that disrupt day-to-day life. According to the National Centers for Environmental Protection, 2023 was the fifth-warmest year on record, with a historic 1 billion dollars allocated to weather and climate disasters. These outdoor weather conditions impact indoor comfort and the learning environment, straining schools’, often dated, air management systems.
2. Budget Constraints: Budget cuts often prioritize other areas over building maintenance, potentially neglecting aging HVAC systems and leading to infrastructure deterioration.
3. High Energy Bills: Energy expenses, accounting for the second highest expenditure after salaries, place a high financial burden on school operators. This highlights the need for cost-effective and energy-efficient HVAC systems.
4. Health Concerns: HVAC systems are crucial in mitigating virus transmission and maintaining indoor air quality. Poor air quality poses health risks (skin and eye irritation, allergies, asthma, etc.), potentially impeding student well-being and academic achievements.
5. Environmental Compliance: High energy consumption and shifting climate trends accelerate the rollout of environmental regulations. This will necessitate HVAC upgrades for compliance.

Schools Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Compromise on A Good HVAC System

Air quality systems are vital in cultivating a healthy and conducive learning environment. Outdated and environmentally harmful systems lead to inefficient filtering, illnesses spreading, and undermining student focus. Conversely, modern HVACs excel at maintaining consistent temperature control and humidity levels, with much less noise and fewer resources. This operation mode creates a comfortable, productive atmosphere that empowers student success.

Despite the clear benefits, schools often hesitate to modernize their air management systems due to the high upfront costs. However, these improvements actually present significant cost-saving opportunities. According to the Learning Policy Institute, HVAC upgrades could slash the $6 billion public schools spend on energy annually by up to 25%, translating into a $1.5 billion surplus. These savings can then be reinvested into other core academic priorities, such as student and staff health resources, after-school programs, hiring top educators, one-on-one tutoring services, improving other facilities around the school, etc.

Legacy Vs. Modernized School Air Solutions

The majority of schools still utilize “legacy” HVAC systems. These systems burn fossil fuels that are harmful to indoor and outdoor air quality and the well-being of the school population. Additionally, they are ill-equipped to deliver adequate cooling, ventilation, or filtration.

In the 21st century, schools require modern air management systems that can effectively regulate temperature levels, ensure clean and optimal air quality at all times, meet environmental goals, and do it all cost-effectively.

So, how are air solutions adapted to meet schools’ current air management needs?

Continue reading on AIRSYSNorthAmerica.com to explore how air solutions are adapted to meet schools’ current air management needs.