Page 38 - spaces4learning, Spring 2023

spaces4learning INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO HVAC
HOW ESSER FUNDS
CAN HELP WITH HVAC
UPGRADES
By Kimberly Raduenz
THE IMPORTANCE OF HVAC UNITS in schools was brought to the forefront when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in the early parts of 2020. While vaccines became one option for combating the virus, the need for increased ventilation and filtration became an area of focus for many school districts. The federal government also took notice as they issued approximately $190 billion in COVID relief funds through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). These funds can be used for capital expenditures such as minor remodeling, renovation, construction and, most importantly, HVAC.
While these funds are widely available to K–12 schools throughout the United States, only a small percentage of the funds have been utilized. According to McKinsey & Company, districts have yet to spend the bulk of the monies as we reach the halfway point of the federal stimulus window. In the same report, it states that schools had spent only $45 billion of the total available funds by the end of the 2021–22 school year. At that rate, McKinsey & Company projects that nearly $20 billion of the ESSER funds may not be obligated before the deadline ends.
According to a report by the Center for Green Schools, school districts planning to utilize ESSER III funding have prioritized a significant amount to support indoor air quality for their students and staff. “Of all the funding categories tracked by Burbio, air filtration/HVAC was the second-highest category for district planned spending at $5.5 billion, just behind staffing/teachers/ academic interventionists/guidance counselors,” the report states. Of the
districts interviewed in the report, they highlighted the importance of having substantial federal dollars to invest in costly HVAC infrastructure projects that would otherwise be delayed. On average, schools that participated in the report plan to spend approximately $260,000.
With a large pocket of funds still available for K–12 schools to utilize, it is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of and secure HVAC projects that can help with indoor air quality moving forward. While the COVID pandemic continues to wage on, there are also other particulates that can negatively impact K–12 schools such as flu and cold viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other allergens. Enhancing IAQ will help create safe, clean air for students and faculty alike.
Upgrading HVAC Units
Addressing the quality and cleanliness of the air within K–12 schools is a vital part of a child’s experience at school. The White House took notice of the importance of IAQ when they issued the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, which is “a call to ac- tion for organizational leaders and build- ing owners and operators to assess their in- door air quality and make ventilation, air filtration,andaircleaningimprovements to help keep building occupants safe.”
Schools with older HVAC units may not be getting the efficiency and performance that they expect. If the units haven’t been properly maintained, IAQ could ultimately suffer. With the amount of funds available for K–12 schools, facilities may take this time to replace their existing units with newer models that offer a higher return on investment. It is paramount that
HVAC units have the capability to offer ventilation, dehumidification, and proper filtration solutions.
If purchasing a new unit isn’t on the table, upgrading existing units is an excellent way to utilize ESSER funding. Upgrading filters is one way to improve IAQ. During the early stages of the pandemic, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommended the use of MERV 13 filters for most applications iftheunitswerecompatible.Upgrading school HVAC filters will help minimize the number of particulates in the air and better equip schools against allergens and viruses. UV lights and needlepoint bipolarionizationarealsootheroptionsfor filtration upgrades.
When thinking about upgrades, it is also necessary to consider that other changes that are required. Upgrading the motors in older equipment is a must.
38 SPRING 2023 | spaces4learning.com