K-12 IAQ Strategies for Improvement

The COVID-19 pandemic closed K-12 schools across the country. Students and teachers, as well as parents, had to adapt to remote learning. Educators did the best they could with the resources available, but there is no substitute for in-person learning. The pandemic is not over, however, but schools have reopened. Some schools enforce social distancing and mask-wearing. They also increase cleaning and disinfecting efforts and are making improvements to ventilation systems. Pure Air Control Services helps schools develop K-12 IAQ strategies to address these issues and improve IAQ. The result is a reduced risk of spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus in schools.

Prepare for the Future

School closures present many problems for students. Not only did students fall behind when schools switched to remote settings, but anxiety and depression rates increased too. It may be years before we learn the impact the pandemic had on learning.

The American Rescue Plan, signed by President Biden in 2021, includes almost $130 billion for states and school districts to reopen safely. This federal funding along with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gives administrators the ability to access resources to address and make improvements to indoor air quality. This is an opportunity for building engineers and facilities managers to evaluate their HVAC systems and use the funds to make upgrades, repairs, or replace aging systems.

K-12 IAQ Strategies in Action​​

The Certified Pure Air Indoor Environment program improves and maintains building health so children can learn in a safe environment. The program is based on the six pillars of building health which optimizes ventilation and improves airflow for healthier IAQ.

The program includes the following:

Test Baseline IAQ

We conduct baseline environmental and HVAC testing that includes testing for the coronavirus. As a part of our HVAC Hygiene Assessment, we inspect the AHU, evaporator coils, blower, ductwork, and drain pan. We analyze collected samples in our EDLab to determine what pathogens exist and in what quantities.

Clean and Restore HVAC Systems

The next step is cleaning with our PURE-Steam HVAC method. We use high-temperature steam to kill viruses and other pathogens. Next, we restore HVAC units using the HVAC New Life. This process is an application of an antimicrobial paint that restores the system to like-new condition.

Reduce Particles

The next step in our K-12 IAQ strategies is our PURE-Duct cleaning method which goes deep inside HVAC ductwork to knock out dirt and debris. Once loose, particles get removed with an industrial-strength vacuum system with a HEPA filter.

Neutralize Pathogens

Our PURE-Decon building disinfection system uses EPA-registered Disinfectants for Emerging Pathogens (DEP) to neutralize pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as mold and bacteria. It gets to areas where topicals cleaners cannot reach.

Clean the Air

We use air cleaning machines featuring  EnviroSmart™ detection technology to improve IAQ. These devices use sensors to respond to room conditions, then adjust their performance according to factors such as occupancy and motion. They also remove allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and remove odors. For smaller offices and classrooms, air purifiers help maintain healthy indoor air.

Monitoring K-12 IAQ Strategies 

Of course, IAQ is only as safe as current levels. That means indoor conditions require 24/7 tracking to prevent issues from developing. Our IAQ Guard system uses sensors placed within the building to observe conditions such as relative humidity and temperatures as well as levels of VOCs, CO2, and other gasses.

Create Healthy Classrooms with Our K-12 IAQ Strategies

Of course, any K-12 strategies only work if implemented. Therefore, school districts that take advantage of the federal funds available to improve IAQ will get better results. A safer, healthier indoor environment keeps children in classrooms learning in person. Making those investments now yields big dividends in their continuing education. In conclusion, our six pillars of building health help schools implement their K-12 IAQ strategies to create healthy learning opportunities. Find out more. Call 1-800-422-7873 or email us.