As temperatures rise and students head off for summer break, facility managers across the country are presented with an opportunity to complete critical maintenance tasks that the activities of the academic year make impossible. Ensuring clean and healthy air in schools and universities is a critical factor in fostering a safe and productive learning environment. According to research, air quality can significantly impact student health, attendance, and overall academic performance.
Maintaining optimum HVAC function and air filtration efficiency on school campuses is, therefore, a critical task that must be prioritized.
Scheduling HVAC filter changeouts during the summer months is an important step that schools can take as part of a smarter and safer approach to indoor air quality (IAQ).
Why Does Air Filter Changeout Timing Matter?
Changing air filters in the middle of winter is unpleasant and potentially dangerous for maintenance workers. Icy walkways, snow-covered access points, and frigid rooftop units make winter HVAC maintenance a safety hazard.
Spring and summer present more favorable conditions for workers, but spring changeouts often interfere with daily routines, potentially disturbing classroom instruction or university operations. Summer filter changeouts, on the other hand, present neither of these issues, providing safe working conditions for maintenance workers without disrupting the educational process.
However, most standard HVAC filters are not designed to be changed yearly, often requiring changeouts quarterly or even monthly, depending on the specific filter and the air quality needs of the space.
Benefits of Long-Lasting Filters in School HVAC Systems
Long-lasting filters, such as Camfil’s 30/30® Dual 9, present a game-changing solution for schools looking to address the challenges of HVAC maintenance.
Extended Service Life for Air Filters
Camfil’s advanced air filtration technology ensures filters sustain their efficiency throughout their entire service life. This extended lifespan means fewer filter changeouts are necessary, decreasing operational strain on maintenance teams.
A typical MERV-8 panel filter requires a change at least every three months. MERV 13 pleated panel filters that are one, two, or four inches in depth rely on a temporary electrostatic charge to achieve MERV 13 level of filtration. However, the electrostatic charge soon fades, and they lose their rated efficiency rapidly. Camfil’s 30/30 Dual 9 filter (MERV 9/9A) does not rely on a temporary charge and has up to a 12-month service life, allowing just one change per year to significantly reduce costs, labor, and waste.
Flexible Scheduling for Safer Maintenance
Another standout advantage of long-life filters is the scheduling flexibility they provide. Instead of performing filter replacements during hazardous winter months, maintenance teams can plan changeouts during safer, more convenient times like spring or summer. This reduces the risk of worker injuries caused by icy or slippery conditions.
Minimal Disruptions to Learning Environments
Scheduling HVAC maintenance during the school year can disrupt both students and teachers with distracting noise and interruptions. Longer intervals between filter changes mean less (or even entirely eliminated) maintenance during class time, fostering a more stable and focused learning environment.
Savings in Costs and Labor
Extending the lifespan of filters translates into substantial cost savings in labor and disposal, even if the initial purchase price of a better filter is higher. When evaluating the cost of an air filtration system, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) rather than just the upfront cost of an individual filter.
While premium air filters may have a higher initial cost, their energy efficiency and durability lead to significant long-term savings, reducing energy costs by using advanced technology to minimize pressure drop. Over time, these energy savings more than offset the initial investment, making Camfil a smart, sustainable choice for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising air quality.
READ MORE: Panel Filter Costs in Commercial HVAC Premium vs. Budget Filters
Camfil Solutions for Schools and Universities
Camfil offers not only high-performance filters but also comprehensive consultation services to ensure HVAC systems operate at their best.
Initial Site Survey and Assessment
Camfil’s experienced technicians conduct a detailed site survey to document existing HVAC equipment and filters, identify air quality issues that require attention, and gather insights about specific pollutants to tailor solutions to your school’s specific needs.
Customized Recommendations
Based on the survey, Camfil provides personalized recommendations to improve air quality and reduce overall costs associated with energy use and maintenance. This allows educational facilities to align filter choices with their air quality goals, maintenance schedules, and budgets.
On-Site Performance Validation
To test that recommended filters are performing as expected, Camfil’s team conducts on-site performance testing, ensuring optimal filtration quality to help schools meet both regulatory and operational air quality standards.
Why Schools Across the U.S. Choose Camfil for Clean Air
- Enhanced Air Quality: By choosing air filters that maintain their efficiency throughout their service life, schools prioritize a healthier and cleaner atmosphere for their students and staff.
- Reduced Costs: The switch to longer-lasting filters reduces costs associated with labor, replacements, and disposal.
- Safety and Convenience: Customizable maintenance schedules minimize risks to workers and disruptions to school activities.
WATCH: Indoor Air Quality In Schools with Camfil Air Quality Expert Mark Davidson
Investing in Cleaner Air and a Safer Learning Environment
Camfil is committed to providing clean air solutions for safer, healthier, and more productive spaces for students and teachers. To enhance your school or university’s HVAC system while reducing costs and disruptions, schedule a consultation with a local Camfil representative.
About Camfil
The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 29 manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and 5,700 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes, and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us.
