When it comes to education, it’s been long acknowledged that having natural light and a comfortable climate are extremely important in helping students to maintain concentration and create the optimum learning environment. But choosing the right climate control system for a school can be challenging, especially when you have to consider things like feasibility, comfort, health & well-being, and the inevitable budget restrictions.
Understanding The Basics of Choosing the Right HVAC in Schools
Importance of Climate Control in Learning
Creating a great learning atmosphere is so important to facilitate academic achievement in any education venue. Research shows that if the venue temperature is too warm or too cold it can really impair a student’s ability to focus and consequently affect their performance. Good heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are key to keeping classroom temperatures consistent and comfortable, which helps students learn better.
Common HVAC Challenges in Schools
Many schools encounter numerous difficulties in managing climate control. These difficulties vary from the building structure, to the size of the space and the varied use of it. Incorporating the unique features of both historical and modern buildings, adjusting to changing numbers of occupants and diverse purposes of the space, plus the challenges of solar heat-gain where glazing is used, are all contributing factors that need to be considered when selecting the right HVAC systems to achieve the right result. Each situation requires specific solutions that meet your needs whilst adhering to current building regulations and being economically viable.
Assessing Your Needs
Analysing Building Age and Design
The age and layout of school buildings has a big impact on the type of HVAC system required. Older buildings might need more extensive upgrades or customised solutions to meet modern environmental and energy efficiency standards, whereas modern buildings have a lot of glazing that creates massive heat-gain & subsequently requires a system with the capacity to cope with this.
Estimating Enrolment and Usage Patterns
The size and design of a HVAC system depends on the number of students and how the building is used. More students and frequent use of the facilities put more strain on the HVAC system, requiring solutions that are as adaptable as your requirements.
Key Considerations for HVAC Systems in Schools
Wellbeing & Comfort
The key purpose of any HVAC system for an educational venue or space is the comfort & wellbeing of the students & occupants. One aspect often overlooked is the essential need for fresh air ventilation – building regulations recommend at minimum of 5-6 air changes per hour and a consistent temperature between 20-25oC. Air conditioning systems only re-circulate the air in the space they are serving so don’t forget to include for a separate ventilation system to provide the required fresh air & air changes that you need in your building.
Health & Safety
For specialist schools with SEN students or those with behavioural challenges and where the health & safety of their students is paramount, then the HVAC system must be fit for purpose and meet current legislation. Systems that are designed & manufactured for these environments are often externally located, manufactured from non-destructive materials and hidden for protection & to avoid tampering. These educational environments require specialist systems and need to be designed & installed by those who understand your unique requirements.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Saving energy is crucial, especially since schools have limited budgets, so using heat pump systems that are energy efficient and provide both heating & cooling can help reduce the energy required for heating & cooling your campus which will help your finances stretch further. Remember that heat-pumps are 400% efficient – for every 1kW of energy consumed, they provide 4kW worth of cooling/heating output, whereas a new boiler is only 80-90% efficient.
Maintenance & Operational Costs of HVAC Systems in Schools
Having financed the expense of installing your new HVAC system, it is essential that it is maintained to fulfil your legal obligations in accordance with the F-Gas Regs / Gas Safe regulations plus the benefit of keeping the equipment in optimum condition and maintain the designed efficiency of the system. Having a long-term maintenance package that is delivered by experienced service engineers not only gives you the peace-of-mind that your equipment will be kept in great condition but also allows you to financially budget for the ongoing maintenance costs and validate the equipment manufacturers warranty (warranty varies depending on manufacturer).
HVAC System Types and Their Benefits
When it comes to choosing a HVAC system for an educational venue, there are a range of options to consider. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision will ultimately depend on factors such as the school’s design/layout, the proposed usage of the space and your financial budget. From conventional systems to innovative technologies like geothermal heat pumps, there is a solution for every school’s unique needs.
Installation Best Practices
Planning for an Installation
To avoid disruption to the students and school activities, it’s advisable to schedule installation projects during school holiday periods such as Easter, and the summer holidays where possible – make sure you give the installer plenty of notice so there is sufficient time for the equipment / system to be manufactured prior to works commencing.
Another factor to consider is the location of any new HVAC system so it can be maintained easily & avoid the ongoing use of specialist access equipment every time it needs to be maintained or accessed for repairs.
Financial Planning and Budget Management
Funding Options and Budget Planning for Choosing the Right HVAC System in Schools
Exploring different funding options like grants, loans, and other financing methods to help manage the significant upfront costs of installing a new HVAC system in a school or educational building, is a great way to help manage costs.
Long-Term Savings and Performance Metrics
Investing in a high-quality HVAC system can result in substantial long-term savings. Efficient systems reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.
Choosing the Right HVAC System for Schools
Choosing the best HVAC system for schools is a crucial decision that has a big impact on the health & comfort of your students and the future running costs of your campus. By considering the unique requirements of your educational facility and following recommended procedures for setup and upkeep, you can guarantee that your venue enjoys a reliable, productive and cost-effective heating and cooling system. This endeavour not only improves the atmosphere for learning but also helps further the school’s educational goals by promoting financial and environmental sustainability. Contact us for all your servicing and maintenance requirements.
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