Many reopening public schools throughout the country are making marked improvements to the air quality inside their buildings, but many still face an uphill battle.
A US Government Accountability Office report from June 2020 found that four in 10 schools needed HVAC upgrades. As many schools start to reopen, teachers and board members are requiring improvements to their school’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
While many schools are still behind, one of the benefits of the lockdown is that public schools have been able to upgrade their old or inefficient HVAC systems helping reduce absences and improve productivity.
IAQ Upgrades at Home
You can make IAQ improvements at home as well to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as your child returns to in-person schooling. You can have AprilAire IAQ products installed in your home, including the AprilAire Healthy Air System™, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 inside your home. Contact a Healthy Air Pro today to inquire about the benefits of AprilAire products for your home.
Reopening Public Schools In The News:
- The CDC has updated its recommendations for safely reopening schools.
- Public schools can use the funds provided by the CARES Act to upgrade their HVAC systems.
- In New Mexico, state legislators introduced House Bill 232, which would provide funds to upgrade the mechanical ventilation and air filters of schools, if required.
- In New Haven (CT), the Board of Education discussed a report that found many of the schools’ air filters were old or poorly maintained.
- Cleveland’s (OH) public school teachers agreed to return to the classroom after the teachers union was able to verify that PPE, ventilation, and air purification requirements were in place.
- Orlando (FL) schools to receive more funding to help with HVAC and safety upgrades.
- Due to poor HVAC systems in some North Carolina public schools, the state “should proceed with caution” in reopening.
- Portland (OR) public schools require major HVAC upgrades before reopening.
