Bringing more solutions to the table for healthier and safer K-12 learning environments
Carrier is transforming schools with intelligent HVAC and building management solutions, creating healthier, energy-efficient and reliable environments where students thrive. With tailored offerings for Commercial HVAC schools, cutting-edge K-12 cooling systems and proven Carrier service expertise, we help schools achieve optimal climate control while advancing sustainability and energy efficiency. Explore how Carrier K-12 solutions can enhance your school’s learning environment today.
Data-Driven Indoor Air Quality in Schools
A case study in assessing IAQ in a small school district
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical component of a healthy learning environment. Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors and children spend a significant portion of their waking hours in schools, where indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Children and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to pollutants like chemicals, allergens, particulate matter and viruses.
Poor IAQ in schools increases the spread of airborne illness, decreases academic performance, diminishes work productivity, and increases absenteeism.
Schools present unique IAQ challenges due to their high occupancy density, diverse chemical usage (from kitchens to science labs) and complex shared heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Furthermore, an estimated 50% of U.S. schools struggle with outdated HVAC systems and an equal number lack formal IAQ management plans.
Technologies that drive better learning environments
Advanced HVAC and controls solutions can empower schools to maintain high indoor air quality (IAQ), supporting academic performance and overall wellness. Addressing the unique needs of K-12 schools, we provide energy-efficient HVAC systems, innovative building automation technologies and comprehensive climate control strategies. Discover how our solutions ensure reliability while protecting your budget.
Carrier Learning Environment Solutions
High-Performance Rooftop Units
Carrier rooftop units are an all-in-one HVAC solution, providing superior heating and cooling for schools of all sizes. Engineered for efficiency, these units ensure a comfortable climate while reducing operational costs. With Carrier education products, schools gain durability and reliability that keep critical systems running.
Advanced Air Handling Units
Air handling units from Carrier optimize airflow within classrooms to ensure consistent climate control. Designed with energy-efficient HVAC technologies, these units enhance air circulation and comfort for students and staff. Upgrade your school climate control today with our Carrier service expertise.
Comprehensive Building Automation & Controls
Carrier's building automation solutions simplify the management of HVAC and other critical systems. Monitor and adjust school environments seamlessly to achieve superior energy efficiency and reduce costs. These solutions are ideal for building automation schools looking to maximize performance and comfort.
Air Purification Solutions
Keep your classrooms safe with Carrier’s air purifiers and filters, which effectively reduce airborne pollutants such as bacteria and allergens. Supporting reliable HVAC systems and healthy environments, these solutions prioritize student wellness through clean, breathable air.
Carrier Digital Solutions & Services
Empower Your School’s Learning Environments
Students spend more than 1,000 hours each year [1] on average, inside classrooms, making the quality of their indoor environment critical to academic success, extracurricular performance, safety, health, and overall comfort.
Indoor conditions in school buildings are shaped by several factors, including, occupant density, temperature and thermal comfort, lighting quality, acoustic conditions, and indoor air quality.
[1] Schools & Staffing Survey, National Center for Education Statistics
Leading learning environments enable maximum cognitive function for students and teachers which can impact student test scores and teacher effectiveness. [1,2] Higher quality learning environments optimize indoor for performance including thermal quality, unwanted noise, and classroom space, which have correlated with better academic and educational performance in school occupants. [1,2]
Occupant satisfaction and well-being refers to the feeling of fulfillment when needs are met and the state of being healthy and comfortable. [2] Building or school occupant satisfaction can be measured through satisfaction surveys, student and teacher feedback or other health measures. Some survey criteria can include indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, noise level and building cleanliness. [3]
According to studies, comfortable temperatures are impactful to student academic performance as seen across studies on temperature and performance. [4] This is important to note based on types of school occupants to maximize comfort and performance, as one study showed “high school students scored an average of 76% when it was 61°F, and did worse when it was 81°F, scoring an average of 72 percent.” [4]
Indoor environments can support student, teacher and staff health, including physical health, mental health and overall well-being. Elements that make a school building healthy include IAQ, access to clean drinking water and daylight exposure. [1]
Healthier schools support healthier occupants. [2] For example, poor IAQ in schools can cause the symptoms listed below, which can be reduced by removing pollutants in the air.
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat;
- Headaches;
- Dizziness; and
- Fatigue [3]
Improving IAQ can also support reduced absenteeism. A study on absenteeism and air pollution of over 10,000 U.S. schools summarized a statistically significant relationship between PM2.5 levels and absenteeism in K-12 schools, indicating “that a 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 0.5% increase in absenteeism.” [4, 5]
- Absenteeism in K-12 Schools: How Improving Indoor Air Quality Can Help | Sanalife (sanalifewellness.com)
- The Effects of Classroom Temperature on Student's Performance | SitelogIQ
- Impact of low-level fine particulate matter and ozone exposure on absences in K-12 students and economic consequences
- Foundational Elements of School Safety | SchoolSafety.gov
- What is Building Sustainability? (absa.net.au)
Not only should learning environments benefit students but also school staff, ongoing operations and budget efficacy and the environment. [1] Building sustainability refers to operating schools and making investment decisions in a way that minimizes negative environmental and societal impacts including reducing energy usage or waste. [2] Sustainability is key in learning environments as they prevent environmental impacts [3], while creating opportunities for operational savings. [3]
In fact, schools spend $12.5B a year on utility costs, yet one-fourth (approximately $3.1B) of these costs, could be saved through improved energy efficiency. [4] Reducing fossil fuel usage and energy consumption in schools are few ways how schools can achieve building sustainability. [3]
Technologies to Enable Good Learning Environments
The quality of the air inside K-12 classrooms and other indoor spaces has never been a more critical issue, and the experts at Carrier are ready to help. We can help you evaluate, and if necessary, upgrade and improve essential aspects of your school’s current HVAC system to make sure it delivers the high level of indoor air quality (IAQ) needed to support key wellness initiatives.
Filtration refers to the use of filters and other filter technologies to reduce odor, gaseous pollutants, and solid particles from the air. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rates the ability to filter particles. The higher the MERV filter rating, the more efficient the filter and the cleaner the air. ASHRAE recommends MERV-13 filters for K-12 schools wherever possible.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters help to filter and purify indoor air. HEPA filters have a MERV rating of at least 17 [1], and can “remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm)”, to purify indoor environments. [2]
Ventilation is the exchange or replacement of air in indoor environments. Bringing in more fresh outdoor air to replace indoor air, can help reduce the concentrations of airborne pathogens and other contaminants. Solutions like rooftop units, dedicated outdoor air systems, and air handling units can support with continuous air flow and usage of outdoor air.
Humidity is a measure of the quantity of water vapor in the air. Keeping relative humidity within the ASHRAE 55 suggested range (40% to 60%) can minimize the effects of bacteria and allergens. [1]
Certain UV light technologies can support the air cleanliness by killing select pathogens to improve HVAC system efficacy by keeping HVAC coils clean.
Remote Airside Management services provide continuous “validation of IAQ parameters, periodic checks of equipment health, and continuous airside commissioning, enabled by a 24x7 Command Center.” [1]
Remote Energy Management services for HVAC and other building systems provide analytics that help optimize energy efficiency, equipment uptime, and operational productivity.
Security control systems can provide proactive protection for school occupants and assets through access controls, surveillance, detection and notification systems, threat level management, reporting, and more. [1]
Remote Energy Management services for HVAC and other building systems provide analytics that help optimize energy efficiency, equipment uptime, and operational productivity.
The Current State of U.S. Schools
Many U.S. schools are facing challenges with aging infrastructure, outdated HVAC systems, and inadequate ventilation. These issues impact student health, attendance and overall academic performance. An estimated 50% of schools are over 50 years old, [1] underscoring the urgent need for modernization to ensure equitable and safe learning environments for all communities.
There is work to be done to promote the health and safety of students by improving school facilities and that can begin with investments in HVAC. Public schools are the second-largest U.S facilities sector1 but as of 2021, 41% of public-school districts “required HVAC systems upgrades or replacements in at least half of their schools.” [2]
- The Case for Federal Funding for School Infrastructure | Center for American Progress
- 2021 State of Our Schools | WELL Building Institute
Case Studies
Steps to Improve Learning Environments
Students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members have a voice when it comes to improving the community’s learning environments. Now is the time to make your voices heard to take advantage of available government funding for schools to help make schools healthier and safer.
Once educated, you can use your voice to advocate for improvements to the learning environments in your community in multiple ways depending on your role. Below, are specific calls-to-actions and educational resources to help you advocate for improved learning environments.
Parents and students can assess if there’s an issue with IAQ in their learning environments by looking out for health indicators commonly associated with poor air quality. To address IAQ issues in schools they should:
- Pay attention to symptoms in students including coughing, sneezing, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.1 Converse regularly with teachers on health complaints as they relate to indoor air quality (IAQ).
- Advocate for IAQ issues in schools at boards, Parent Teacher Associations (PTA), and other school events
- Educate others and raise awareness for IAQ at school and community events
- Request to be part of school’s IAQ committee [1]; if a committee has not been established advocate for one to be created
- Support local and state legislation regarding IAQ in schools and public buildings
- Ensure IAQ is provided in personal home or ancillary learning environments
Teachers and staff can focus on understanding the early symptoms of poor air quality or other safety concerns and what they are empowered to do to prevent and mitigate health risks in the classroom. To address IAQ issues in schools they should:
- Pay attention to symptoms in students including coughing, sneezing, dizziness, nausea, and headaches [1]
- Advocate IAQ issues to city or state-level advocacy communities or school administrators
- Educate others and raise awareness for IAQ at school and community events
- Provide better IAQ in classrooms by opening windows [2], keeping spaces clean [1], and using safer cleaning products (i.e., free from dangerous chemicals) [3], etc.
- If funding is available, install IAQ monitors in classrooms
Administrators are the main decision makers regarding investments into IAQ solutions. School administrators can make IAQ a priority in schools by setting up an IAQ management program and better allocating budgets towards HVAC projects. To address IAQ issues in schools they should:
- Invest into IAQ solutions including HVAC equipment upgrades, etc. to improve indoor environments
- Converse regularly with teacher and parents on IAQ issues in schools
- Increase funds by applying for federal grants such as ESSER, to support needed school improvements [1]
- Prioritize IAQ issues to school boards and local, city or state-level governments to increase funding for budgets towards HVAC upgrades, declining equipment, etc.
Facility managers can increase IAQ, through better maintenance of HVAC, and related building systems as well as understand what solutions are most feasible to reach desired learning environment outcomes. [1] To address IAQ issues in schools they should:
- Seek IAQ certifications, training, or third-party support as needed, to best maintain and implement IAQ solutions
- Advocate IAQ issues to city or state-level advocacy communities or school administrators
- Build a strong value case to bring to administrators to prioritize HVAC investments or IAQ related projects
- Converse regularly with teachers and staff on IAQ issues in schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Indoor learning environments impact everyone, from students and teachers to parents and administrators. Here’s how:
Students & Parents
Students are most vulnerable to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), which affects cognitive function, test scores, stress, and absenteeism.
Parents can advocate for improvements by participating in school boards and councils to promote healthier, safer spaces.
Teachers & Staff
Teachers and staff benefit from better IAQ, leading to improved health, reduced absenteeism, and better retention. Healthy environments are essential for both their performance and longevity in the profession.
School Administrators
Administrators manage budgets and make decisions that impact attendance, costs, and test scores. Investing in improved IAQ is a smart choice for healthier schools and reduced operational expenses.
Facility Managers
Facility managers ensure schools remain safe and functional, despite budget constraints and evolving technology. Partnering with experts like Carrier can help them maintain high-performing environments for everyone.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the “air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants”. [1] Quantitative markers of indoor air quality, like the concentration of pollutant levels in the air, can be measured in real-time so IAQ can be improved before symptoms of poor IAQ manifest, which include headaches, dizziness and fatigue. [1] Air quality assessed as part of IAQ include air pollutants including asbestos, CO2, PM2.5 VOCs, and radon. [1] Standards set by issuers like WELL Building Standard™, Fitwel® and ASHRAE can be guides to help achieve good IAQ. Decreasing these air pollutants can start improving IAQ in your indoor environment, some of which sourced from building materials, cleaning products, tobacco products, pesticides, environmental and second-hand smoke, and biological pollutants. [1]
There are multiple ways to understand air quality in classrooms:
- Test air quality using an air quality monitor one-time, continuously or by assessment. Air quality monitors are devices that track IAQ indoors including humidity, fine particles, etc. [2] Metrics to watch out for in your indoor environment include TVOCs, CO2, and PM2.5 to help assess your IAQ. [3]
- Assess the physical room for current efforts towards IAQ, including products for air purification or ventilation. Some questions to ask one-self when assessing if IAQ is being considered: Are there air purifiers being used? Do windows open? Are vacuums being used often? Are we using pollutant-less cleaning products? [4]
- Check for physical symptoms of poor indoor air quality in the room. Frequent signs of poor air quality can include complaints from school occupants of headaches, cold symptoms and asthma flares. [5] However, we recommend understanding IAQ in your classroom before symptoms occur. HVAC professionals like Carrier can help schools address IAQ concerns before symptoms occur.
Indoor air quality can be tested through monitoring (one-time or continuous) or assessments, and then verified through air quality certifications.
Air Quality Monitors: Indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors are devices that track IAQ indoors including humidity, fine particles, etc. [1] They are easy to procure, generally are smaller than a tissue box, and measure air quality within a defined square footage range. Monitors can detect IAQ measures including CO2, PM2.5, humidity, radon, temperature, etc. [1,2] Monitors can be used in a room to measure IAQ continuously or at a point in time. Furthermore, monitors can alert occupants when performance metrics step outside of approved ranges, for example when CO2 gets too high so that occupants or operations managers can take action to improve indoor air quality. When combined with digital platform solutions like ABOUND™, monitors can provide school operators a complete picture of IAQ classroom by classroom or school by school within a district to enable them to better manage IAQ. Monitor accuracy is dependent on placement and best practices can be found in the WELL Performance Verification Guidebook. [3] Air Quality monitors can help you establish a baseline for IAQ and assess and select solutions, if needed, to improve indoor air quality.
IAQ Assessment: In addition to air monitors, air quality can be measured through point-in-time IAQ assessments, which are typically more holistic than monitoring alone. Assessments can include using a monitor to test for indoor air quality throughout a building but can also include assessing building system(s) performance that affect air, like HVAC and controls, as well. Assessments generally measure building system performance and indoor air quality against a set standard (e.g., CCHAS, WELL, ASHRAE) and can be completed in-house, or via a third party like Carrier. Assessments can be used to determine your air quality, develop strategies to improve air and plan next steps to bring solutions to life. [4] To learn more about IAQ Assessments by Carrier and for a detailed view of our offering, click here.
Building Site Certification: Building site certifications are third party verifications that indicate a building meets or exceeds a minimum standard, generally at annual intervals. Common building site certifications include WELL, LEED®, Fitwel, and BREEAM. [5] Certifications are usually shared publicly at building entrances to reassure occupants that building performance supports desired outcomes, like building health or sustainability. Site certifications require assessments and metrics to verify standards are met. For example, Carrier’s Certified Healthy Air System (CCHAS), assesses and certifies that building systems support Carrier’s certified ratings for indoor air quality. [6]
- ABOUND™ by Carrier| Healthy & Efficient Buildings
- Introduction to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA
- WELL Performance Verification Guidebook Q1 2019 | storyblok.com
- IAQ Assessments | Carrier
- Top 11 Green Building Certifications That Can Increase Your Property’s Marketability | SharpLaunch
- Healthy Buildings | Improving Indoor Air Quality | Carrier Corporate
Schools have multiple available strategies to choose from to improve learning environments [1], especially indoor air quality that can be layered to optimize results. [2] The overall strategy should consider constraints including current infrastructure limitations, funding availability, feasibility given timelines and more. Regardless, of constraints there are immediate actions a school can take to improve learning environments quickly as they select longer term strategies and solutions.
Quick win solutions are generally fast and cost-effective to implement relative to larger scale solutions. Below are actions that can be taken quickly to positive impact learning environments in schools.
- Improve classroom ventilation and air circulation which can “reduce sources of health problems, inhibit the spread of airborne infections, help keep pollutants, stale air and mold growth out of the classroom.”1 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends 5-6 outdoor air ventilation rates (air changes per hour) for schools (excluding lecture halls). [3]
- Ensure classroom doors and windows are operational, and open windows [4] frequently as weather permits to bring in more outdoor air and increase natural light
- Utilize existing equipment including HVAC systems or other equipment to increase air circulation, ventilation and more
- Use a humidifier in classrooms and larger school spaces to sustain 40-60% humidity levels, and maintain over time [5]
- Allow for more periodic outdoor time as part of the school day to increase outdoor air exposure
- Improve air filtration to capture indoor air pollutants and mitigate airborne disease transmission. [2] ASHRAE recommends schools use a MERV-13 filter or higher. [6] MERV ratings (minimum efficiency reporting values) rate a filter’s ability to capture particles of various sizes, the smaller the particles that can be filtered, the higher the MERV rating. [7,8] HEPA filters are highly effective and exceed the minimum ASHRAE recommendation.
- Upgrade to HEPA filters which can remove “at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns” [8], or MERV-13 or higher filters as systems allow
- Replace existing filters on a periodic basis [9]
- Use an air conditioner with proper filters or air purifier in classrooms (or multiple in larger areas) [9]
- Clean the classroom to prevent the accumulation of clutter and dust and reduce the build-up of pollutants to support student and teacher productivity and health. [4]
- Clean classrooms more frequently including mopping floors, cleaning fabrics [4] and take trash out sooner
- Use cleaning products that are free from harsher chemicals and materials [10]
- Collaborate with facility managers or third parties to assess building systems and recommission equipment to original design parameters
Additional strategies to improve learning environments that can be applied at scale and generally require capital expenditure, are listed below. The solutions listed below are HVAC focused and typically deliver more robust results but take longer to implement and are most costly. However, air quality solutions, including HVAC solutions can be instrumental in transforming your school’s IAQ. For existing schools, we recommend taking an Assess-Select-Monitor approach to help determine your IAQ needs.
- Assess: The first step is to assess the indoor air quality of your school to determine a current state baseline, identify areas of improvement, and inform solution selection. Assessing first against a chosen standard can help schools balance the needs of multiple classrooms or rooms, and help districts prioritize improvements across schools. To learn more about how to assess your school’s IAQ please see the FAQ: “How can I test indoor air quality?”
- Select: Next, schools can explore solutions to address ventilation, filtration and purification needs. Oftentimes, schools lack internal resources and expertise to do this independently and rely on partners like engineers or consultants to determine which solutions are best. Carrier offers new equipment like chillers and rooftop units that can improve school environments, and for schools with existing equipment, controls are also offered that can be used to achieve desired outcomes like improved indoor air quality based on occupancy.
- Monitor, Control & Maintain: Once a solution is installed, monitoring indoor air quality can help manage IAQ on an ongoing basis, enable continuous improvement and track return on investment (ROI). For example, cases for ROI can be tied to controlled HVAC usage based on school occupants, optimizing for cost and environmental outcomes. [11] Solutions that can optimize benefits include digital IAQ monitoring tools like Carrier’s Abound™ system which can help schools manage IAQ levels and energy consumption. Using both monitoring and controls allows for more proactive maintenance of IAQ and energy usage, to ensure ROI can be achieved.
- Indoor Air Quality in High Performance Schools | US EPA
- Let's Clear The Air On COVID | OSTP | The White House
- ASHRAE Recommended Air Changes Per Hour | Smart Air
- Take Action to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA
- Op-ed: Humidity can aid in the fight against COVID-19 | Harvard University
- Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19) | US EPA
- ASHRAE Epidemic Taskforce
- What is a MERV rating? | US EPA
- David Gitlin talks about surging air conditioner demand amid coronavirus pandemic | CNBC
- Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association
- River Trails Middle School | Better Buildings Initiative | Energy.gov
School administrators, like superintendents and school boards are those typically involved in funding allocation decisions and capital expenditures for school facility improvements, including those committed to improving learning environment quality. [1] Superintendents and school boards play different roles, but both are important in addressing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues in schools.
Talk to Superintendents and School Boards about:
- Allocation of ESSER Funds toward HVAC and IAQ improvements
- Allocation of capital budgets toward HVAC and IAQ improvements
- Prioritization of HVAC investments relative to other options
- Increase in budget for school capital expenditures
- Importance of IAQ and quality learning environments
- What is currently being done to improve learning environments
- Progress toward learning environment improvements
Indoor environment quality (IEQ) is the “indoor conditions in a building related to the health of those who occupy it”. [1] The definition is broad and includes indoor air quality, lighting, thermal conditions and moisture.2 Issues regarding IEQ can be assessed through their effects on occupants such as respiratory symptoms related to damp building conditions. [1]
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is “air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants”. [3] IAQ issues may show up after long-term exposure, while others may experience more immediate effects. Symptoms of poor IAQ include nose, throat and eye irritation, dizziness, headaches and fatigue after single or multiple exposure to contaminants. [3] IAQ is a contributing factor to overall building IEQ; both being linked through current ventilation standards today by the agency, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). [2]
IEQ and IAQ both measure outcomes of indoor building conditions but IEQ has a broader scope of what is considered to determine quality compared to IAQ, which focuses solely on air. The scope of IEQ includes building IAQ, as well as measure for lighting, ergonomics and anything else that impacts occupant health. [4] Carrier solutions can positively affect both IAQ and IEQ by improving building health, safety, and sustainability. For example, Carrier’s Abound platform can show occupants their energy consumption and air quality in a single interface using sensors and third party information to help schools manage their IEQ and IAQ. [5] Carrier’s commitment to our customers and continued innovation has made Carrier a preferred partner for schools to improve school learning environments by making them healthier, safer, more sustainable and more comfortable for occupants.
Schools can get started creating an IAQ strategy by first determining if one has already been created in the past by validating with school administrators. If one does not exist, schools take the following steps to create an IAQ plan for you school using the EPA’s IAQ Management Framework: Organizing, Communicating, Assessing and Planning. [1]
- Organizing involves putting together a customized approach for your school, getting the right stakeholders involved and building a team to execute after a plan has been created. [1] Carrier can assist schools or districts in designing their IAQ plans and setting realistic and science-backed goals for their learning environments.
- Communicating involves letting community and school members know of IAQ programming being developed, and being transparent with IAQ importance, as well as intended outcomes.1 Carrier provides educational resources to help engage your community in efforts to support better learning environments. Carrier representatives have spoken at School Board meetings, government-led webinars, and other events to spread awareness of healthy schools and indoor air quality.
- Assessing is putting into action some of the goals being developed beginning with establishing a current state baseline. Carrier can be a helpful partner to schools to assess current state of IAQ and building system operations through digital solutions such as ABOUND or services like IAQ assessments. To learn more about how we can help, Contact a Carrier Expert or see FAQ, How Can I Test Indoor Air Quality? [1]
Finally, planning is developing detailed goals based on, current state and high-level goals of the overall IAQ program to create a workplan. [1]
To see how Carrier has supported schools to improve IAQ see these case studies:
- New Carrier HVAC Solution Will Boost Gallipolis School District’s IAQ and Energy Efficiency
- Cherokee County School District Improves IAQ with ABOUND IoT Platform
- Southern California School District to Install 3,700 Carrier OptiCleanTM Units to Help Improve IAQ for Students, Teachers and Staff
Please visit the EPA for a list of case studies of how schools like yours have improved IAQ: Framework for Effective School IAQ Management