With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic schools were forced to quickly adapt to distance learning in the spring. As the next academic year quickly approaches some states are still determining when students will return to the classroom. As part of their reopening plans an important aspect is how to assess and optimize HVAC systems. Regardless of the policy direction, it is clear that having a documented assessment of the existing HVAC system will be a critical tool for managing expectations and creating a strategy to safely bring students back to school whether that is in the fall or later in the school year.

We outline a simplified approach to help K-12 schools rapidly assess their HVAC systems for improved ventilation and filtration including:

• Measure outside airflow rates at HVAC equipment that serves classrooms;
• Reduce recirculated airflow in central air handling units
• Document proposed occupancy to determine amount of outside air (i.e., fresh air) per person;
• Adjust outside airflows to increase ventilation, which decreases the potential concentration of pollutants inside; and
• Evaluate whether the existing equipment can be retro-fitted with enhanced air filtration (i.e., MERV-13 or higher).
• Evaluate whether local air cleaning devices should be utilized is selected spaces.

These suggestions may be low-cost if the current HVAC system can be adjusted without major upgrades. Our approach collects and documents the information necessary to develop a budget for HVAC equipment replacement if needed.

For details, download Back to School: What Administrators and Facility Managers Can Do Right Now. For more information, contact Peter Dahl (Twin Cities), Svein Morner (Madison), or Cory Powers (Milwaukee).

Research on the novel coronavirus is ongoing and as more details emerge, we continue to refine our recommendations based on the best available data. For further reading, please review the CDC guidelines.

HGA has created a hub for our insights and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic as architects, engineers, interior designers, and problem solvers. Follow the conversation here.