Higher Education IAQ Strategies for Improvement

When the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. in early 2020, it forced schools across the country to shut down. That included K-12 classrooms as well as colleges and universities. As students adapted to virtual classrooms, schools developed plans for reopening once it was safe to do so. With new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerging, schools must again develop and put in place higher education IAQ strategies to keep students as well as faculty safe.

Prepare for the Future

Even as more people get vaccinated against the coronavirus, the pandemic and its effects on education continue. Colleges and universities adapt by implementing social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines. Many schools increased their cleaning and disinfecting efforts. Some made improvements to ventilation systems. Fortunately, The American Rescue Plan includes $39.6 billion to support higher education. These funds, when used with guidance from the CDC, give administrators the tools and resources they need to get students back in classrooms. As a result, funds used for improvements and upgrades to HVAC systems provide cleaner, healthier air.

For our part, Pure Air Control Services uses higher education IAQ strategies to take on these issues and limit the spread of viruses on campus. We do this with our six pillars of building health. This includes addressing issues of ventilation, airflow, air filtration, cleaning, and disinfection. We also work to reduce the number of particles and pathogens in the air. It also includes inspection and monitoring to ensure indoor conditions remain safe. 

Higher Education IAQ Strategies in Action​​

Our Certified Pure Air Indoor Environment program improves environmental conditions on school campuses. We use several systems and methods as a part of our pillars of building health:

Higher Education IAQ Strategies Include Testing

Baseline environmental and HVAC testing gives us the information we need to make repairs and upgrades to ventilation systems. Our HVAC Hygiene Assessment also includes an inspection of the AHU. This includes the coils, blower, and corresponding ductwork. In addition, our EDLab analyzes collected samples for the presence of pathogens including the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Cleaning and Restoring HVAC Systems

The PURE-Steam HVAC method uses high-temperature steam to kill pathogens. After steam cleaning, comes restoration with HVAC New Life™. This method also includes the application of antimicrobial paint.

Reduce Particles

Our PURE-Duct cleaning method gets deep inside the HVAC ductwork and removes dirt and debris. After particles get knocked loose they get picked up by an industrial-strength vacuum system featuring a HEPA filter. Particle reduction is an important step of successful higher education IAQ strategies.

Neutralize Pathogens

Next, the PURE-Decon building disinfection system neutralizes pathogens. We use EPA-registered Disinfectants for Emerging Pathogens (DEP). As a result, fungi, mold, and bacteria get removed along with viruses and other pathogens. This method gets to hard-to-reach areas that topicals cleaners cannot. 

Air-Cleaning Technology

The air-cleaning machines we use feature EnviroSmart™ detection technology. Smart sensors respond to room conditions and change their performance accordingly. These devices remove allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOC) as well as odors. 

Monitoring IAQ Conditions

Higher Education IAQ Strategies Create Healthy Campuses

For higher education IAQ strategies to work, you need a trusted partner. Pure Air Control Services is that partner. We help colleges and universities develop higher education IAQ strategies. To learn more about our six pillars of building health, call us at 1-800-422-7873 or email us here.