On average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Whether it’s in a school or an office building, good indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for both the health and well-being of the building’s occupants.

Poor indoor air quality has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It also has a severe effect on children with asthma and allergies. Asthma flare-ups are one of the main reasons kids miss more than 13 million school days each year in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

And, while there are no required standards currently for IAQ, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does provide guidelines addressing the most common complaints about IAQ, which are typically related to temperature, humidity, lack of outside air ventilation, or smoke.

One key factor in ensuring comfort in commercial buildings or schools is to consider the design and structure of the building.

It’s important to understand whether the building meets or exceeds the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) climatic data for building design standards before recommending HVAC solutions. Even the smartest of units will not solve design problems.

Of course, as contractors, you don’t always have the benefit of working on a project in the design and build phase. If working with an existing building or school, be sure to obtain the model and serial plate information from existing equipment so you can determine whether your clients’ HVAC systems need to be replaced entirely or can be modified or upgraded to achieve the desired improved comfort and IAQ.

If working with a school, it’s beneficial to note that the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that around 41% of public school districts are due for HVAC updates or replacements.

In about half of the 55 schools GAO visited in six states, officials described HVAC-related problems, such as older systems that leaked and damaged flooring or ceiling tiles.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Project

It starts by choosing the most energy-efficient, appropriately sized HVAC equipment that provides the best indoor air quality. Those can vary for buildings, and typically for schools, they are single-room units.

The most important things to consider when choosing the proper HVAC solution are its ventilation, dehumidification, and filtration capabilities. How it controls airborne pollutants, how it introduces and distributes outdoor air, and how it maintains acceptable temperatures and humidity will matter greatly as it pertains to the comfort of a building’s occupants.

Single-unit ventilation solutions offer an excellent way to promote healthy and comfortable environments. These units introduce fresh air into indoor spaces while simultaneously expelling stale air to the building’s exterior. By continuously filtering and purifying the air within each room, these systems help to minimize the spread of illnesses and allergens.

A system with intelligent controls will regulate the airflow and determine the optimal amount of outside air to bring in. Striking the right balance is crucial to avoid over-ventilation, which could negatively impact overall comfort.

In addition to ventilation, addressing airborne pathogens is essential. These systems reduce the number of particulates in the air, thereby minimizing the spread of harmful pathogens. According to ASHRAE, using MERV 13 or higher filters is preferred if compatible with the HVAC unit.

Another consideration is humidity. In a study that looked at the impacts of extreme indoor temperatures, at a relative humidity of 70%, there was a significant decrease in cognitive performance when indoor temperatures reached around 79°F to 102°F. However, when the relative humidity decreased from 70% to 50%, the cognitive performance increased significantly.

During winter, dry air outside can be uncomfortable for a building’s occupants. Conversely, in moisture-laden areas, indoor air may feel muggy and become a breeding ground for organic growth. Installing or upgrading HVAC equipment with dehumidification solutions helps maintain relative humidity levels between 40% and 60%, ensuring optimal comfort for building occupants.

Maintaining IAQ During the Summer Months

As schools prepare for the summer break, maintaining good IAQ becomes crucial. The unfortunate fact is that according to a recent report by NPR, an estimated 36,000 public schools are either lacking or without adequate HVAC.

School facility managers may think turning off the HVAC systems in the summer is a means to save energy, but the truth is, the cost of mitigating the problems that can cause is far greater.

Educate your customers on the importance of keeping their HVAC systems running during the summer but with higher temperature setpoints during the unoccupied times.

If the systems don’t run regularly, then high humidity levels can cause more problems as bacteria, mold, and dust mites usually thrive in humid environments. By keeping the system running, the filters remove the most problematic contaminants and help improve the air quality.

Preventative Maintenance Supports Proper IAQ

As professionals responsible for maintaining HVAC systems, your expertise plays an important role in ensuring optimal performance and indoor air quality. Thus, encouraging your customers on the value of preventative maintenance is critical.

Neglecting proper service can lead to subpar functionality, affecting filtration, ventilation, and humidity control within a space.

A good preventive maintenance program includes routine and regular maintenance and repair, which keeps equipment and facilities performing reliably and as intended.

It helps HVAC equipment have a longer life span and saves facility managers from unexpected, costly repairs. Putting off or deferring system maintenance usually increases overall costs, causes unplanned repairs, and puts equipment at risk for premature facility failure.

Your maintenance inspection should, at a minimum, include inspecting air filters, coils, and other critical components. In addition, simply replacing the filters as needed can save on energy costs. It may also be necessary to check electrical connections and mechanical parts for signs of wear or damage.

Healthy Schools Support Healthy Students

Many schools are in dire need of upgrading HVAC equipment so they can provide healthy and productive learning environments.

The importance of greater thermal comfort and improved air quality within educational settings is growing in prevalence, as industry experts recognize that a conducive learning environment goes beyond the basic school room setting.

By following these steps and advising your customers on the importance of preventative maintenance and how it helps maintain proper IAQ you will play a part in creating healthier, more comfortable indoor environments for students, teachers, and staff.