No. 20: Use high-efficiency HVAC filters and change them regularly
No. 20: Use high-efficiency HVAC filters and change them regularly
Number 20
Using high-efficiency HVAC filters and changing them regularly in schools can significantly improve indoor air quality, reduce energy consumption, and lower maintenance costs. This can lead to a healthier learning environment for students while also saving money on energy bills and filter replacements.
Learn why you should do this:
Indoor air quality is crucial for the health and productivity of students and teachers in schools. Using high-efficiency HVAC filters and changing them regularly can not only improve indoor air quality but also result in environmental and financial benefits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor air pollution. This makes it imperative for schools to invest in high-efficiency HVAC filters that can capture small particles and improve indoor air quality.
Using high-efficiency HVAC filters can also result in energy savings. According to a study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), upgrading HVAC filters to higher MERV ratings can result in a reduction in energy consumption ranging from 5% to 15%. This translates to significant cost savings for schools on their energy bills. In addition, regularly changing HVAC filters can also help prevent equipment breakdown and extend the life of the HVAC system.
Schools can also benefit from improved student and teacher attendance due to better indoor air quality. According to a study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, improved indoor air quality in classrooms can lead to a 3.5% increase in student attendance rates. This can result in financial benefits for schools as they receive funding based on student attendance.
Furthermore, using high-efficiency HVAC filters can also result in environmental benefits. The use of high-efficiency HVAC filters can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of decreased energy consumption. According to the EPA, commercial and industrial buildings are responsible for approximately 45% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. By implementing high-efficiency HVAC filters, schools can contribute to reducing these emissions and help address climate change.
In addition to environmental and financial benefits, using high-efficiency HVAC filters can also lead to improved health and productivity of students and teachers. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues that can affect attendance and academic performance. Improved indoor air quality, on the other hand, can lead to better cognitive function and higher productivity levels among students and teachers.
In conclusion, using high-efficiency HVAC filters and changing them regularly can result in significant environmental and financial benefits for schools. The use of these filters can result in improved indoor air quality, energy savings, and better student and teacher attendance rates. Schools can also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by implementing high-efficiency HVAC filters. Overall, investing in high-efficiency HVAC filters is a worthwhile and cost-effective way for schools to improve indoor air quality and create a healthy learning environment for their students and teachers.
Sources:
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American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. (2020). ASHRAE Position Document on Airborne Infectious Diseases. ASHRAE. https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/about/position%20documents/pd_infectiousaerosols_2020.pdf
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit: HVAC Maintenance Checklist. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-08/documents/maintenance-checklist.pdf
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U.S. Department of Energy. (2019). HVAC Filters. DOE. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-cooling-systems/hvac-filters
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Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Design Tools for Schools. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/indoor-air-quality-iaq-design-tools-schools
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California Energy Commission. (2018). HVAC Filtration Upgrade: A Case Study on Energy Savings and Indoor Air Quality Improvements. CEC. https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/HVAC%20Filtration%20Upgrade%20Case%20Study.pdf

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