Across the state of California, public schools are improving HVAC systems to safely reopen classrooms to students and faculty. While future funding is uncertain, most districts are using funds they currently have access to. The driving force behind the IAQ upgrade and HVAC equipment boom is the federal CARES act, with (fingers-crossed) more funding on the way.
Glad to see California leading the way, with $$ to improve IAQ & ventilation during #covid19 @CorsIAQ @j_g_allen @linseymarr @ShellyMBoulder To safely reopen schools, indoor air quality and ventilation are a priority https://t.co/s13S1sM4Al @phylogenomics @Wymelenberg
— Paula Olsiewski (@polsiewski) November 13, 2020
How Are Schools Improving HVAC Systems?
From filtration upgrades to complete HVAC overhauls, improving the indoor air quality in school buildings has become a huge focus. California is leading the way, with other states following suit. Let’s take a look at the IAQ solutions school districts are choosing to improve the air students and faculty breathe.
San Bernardino Schools Upgrade Filtration And Purification
Across 72 campuses, San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) used federal CARES act funds to install 3,700 filters and purifiers. Tom Pace, the director of facilities for SBCUSD, said these solutions were of the utmost importance in planning for students and faculty to return to campus. As the ninth largest school district in the U.S., SBCUSD consists of 48,000 students, 50 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, eight high schools, and one adult school.
‼️15,600 hours‼️
— IAQ Works (@IaqWorks) January 9, 2021
An incomparable amount of time spent indoors with serious consequences considering 25% of schools have unsatisfactory ventilation.
SCHOOL #IAQ SAFETY NEEDS TO BE THE PRIORITY. https://t.co/nqeTJDnIfv pic.twitter.com/UCaFigPgYQ
Los Angeles Schools Invest in HVAC Upgrades And Air Filters
The Los Angeles Unified School District is the second-largest school district in the country. To reopen their campuses, they have upgraded air filters from MERV 8 to MERV 13 filters. To give students and faculty peace of mind, they have also committed to inspecting and replacing 130,000 filters every month. That translates to a $1.7 million investment.
Bay Area Schools Choose Bi-Polar Ionization Purifiers–Improving HVAC System
The Acalanes Union High School District in the Bay Area is laser-focused on improving IAQ. The school district has installed bi-polar ionization purifiers in buildings to actively clean the air and surfaces. Ventilation rates have increased, and filtration has been upgraded to MERV 13. And in some cases, HEPA filtration and fans are also in rooms, based on need.
The Future of Schools and Improving HVAC Systems
These are just three specific California school districts looking to HVAC and IAQ businesses for help. School districts across the country are relying on HVAC and IAQ experts now more than ever before to help them navigate through all the building facility safety precautions and upgrades. Demand for assessments, product recommendations and preventative maintenance will only grow in 2021.
