A new study featured in the October issue of the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineer’s (ASHRAE) Journal indicates that student performance improves, when the air quality in the classroom improves. This research indicates that by lowering the temperature in the classroom and increasing the amount of ventilation supplied to the classroom, will reduce how many errors are made and increase how quickly the student works by 10 to 20 percent (%). These results, which confirms earlier research done by ASHRAE, once finalized will be incorporated into ASHRAE’s technical guidance, that is used by engineers to design heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in all buildings. The study also provides several suggestions for school officials to improve learning conditions:

• Visit each classroom to ensure HVAC systems are operating properly.
• Develop and adhere to a preventative maintenance program for all HVAC equipment on site.
• Allow and encourage teachers to lower the temperature in the classroom on warmer days.
• Investigate and implement methods to reduce heat build-up in classrooms.
• Allow and encourage teachers to open operable windows in the classroom on milder days.
• Encourage maintenance staff to replace supply air filters more frequently, particularly during pollen season.
• Investigate the feasibility of introducing more outside air into the classrooms than codes require in an energy efficient manner.

Imagine your son/daughter able to improve themselves by 10-20%. Making 10-20% less errors may be the difference between an A- or B+ for a grade. Being 10-20% quicker may mean the difference between finishing the exam and not finishing the exam. This difference achieved by making sure the classroom is cool and well ventilated. Making sure the student is confortable in the classroom. It is amazing how comfort can have such a significant impact on errors, speed, and for office workers productivity. This research indicates that putting indoor air quality programs in place will provide significant benefits based on their costs. So give us a call to help you implement your own program.