Trying to figure out different chemical reactions and trying to solve intricate math problems can be challenging enough on their own. On top of that, if teachers and students also have to deal with the scorching summer heat, figuring out these reactions and solving these problems becomes almost impossible. This is where proper air conditioning in schools comes in.
We at Chills Air Conditioning understand that proper school air conditioning can greatly affect student and staff performance. As such, apart from offering exquisite retail and commercial AC repair in Miami, FL, we also strive to help our readers understand the challenges of setting up AC systems in different establishments.
This month’s article discusses the most essential elements that go into air conditioning in schools.
Classroom Air Conditioners: A Life-Saver During The Summer Heat
Hot summer weather can really zap a student’s energy, making them feel tired and less focused. And if it’s hot and humid, it can even worsen allergies and other health issues.
That’s where air conditioning in schools can make a big difference. A cool and comfortable classroom doesn’t just keep students happy – it helps them concentrate better and learn more effectively. So, when the heat is on, air conditioning can be a real game-changer for students and teachers alike!
Air Conditioning in Classrooms: Why It’s Necessary?
Classroom air conditioning is a must. During the summer, classrooms can get intensely hot, and this can make both students and teachers lose focus. More specifically, instead of focusing on the material at hand, they are more likely to focus on keeping their body cool. As such, students won’t be capable of performing at their best in the classroom.
That said, what would be the main benefits of air conditioning in schools? Here are only a few of them:
Better Concentration and Focus
When the weather turns scorching hot, it can be a real struggle for students to stay focused in schools without air conditioning. Harvard research has shown that extreme temperatures make it challenging for students to grasp new concepts, and they often score lower on tests during heatwaves. In fact, they’re 12 percent more likely to fail a test on a sweltering 90-degree day compared to a comfortable 72-degree one.
Teachers also face their fair share of challenges when there’s no air conditioning. Keeping students engaged is tough, and the rising temperatures can lead to more disciplinary issues.
But when schools have air conditioning, it’s a game-changer. It allows them to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, helping students concentrate better and ensuring a more productive learning environment.
Less Downtime
Schools will often close in the hot summer due to the extreme heat. While this is necessary, it can also disrupt the process of learning. With adequate air conditioning for classrooms, schools can stay open without compromising health, performance, or comfort.
Better Allergy and Asthma Symptom Management
High humidity levels can cause a great deal of discomfort during the summer, and those students with allergies and asthma may experience more problems as bacteria, mold, and dust mites usually thrive in humid environments. Furthermore, these pollutants can lead to the development of several health issues which may force students to miss school.
Air conditioners for classrooms often also help dehumidify the air indoors during the cooling process. At the same time, the filters remove the most problematic contaminants and help improve the air quality of the classroom.
Air Conditioners for Classrooms: Which Options Are the Best?
Cassette Air Conditioners
These are a type of mini-spit systems that are recessed into the ceiling. Just like most split units, they have an indoor and an outdoor unit, which works together to perform the cooling process.
Cassette air conditioners are a fantastic choice for schools, especially in large classrooms or school halls. These units have an indoor unit centrally positioned in the ceiling, which disperses conditioned air evenly in all four directions. This even airflow ensures that the entire room receives consistent cooling or heating, creating a comfortable environment for students and teachers alike.
Window Air Conditioners for Schools
These are also popular choices for schools. They are the easiest to install, and generally, they are among the most affordable options.
They also don’t take up floor space; these window units are the ideal choice for smaller classrooms, even though they can only cool one space at a time. This means that you will need separate units in every class.
Still, these systems have various features like temperature controls and timers, making them ideal to regulate the temperatures in schools and school offices.
Wall-Mounted Splits
Wall-mounted mini-split air conditioning systems are a highly efficient choice for cooling classrooms. These systems typically consist of one or more indoor units connected to an outdoor compressor. Installing them is relatively quick and easy compared to traditional ducted HVAC systems, as they don’t require ductwork. Instead, they deliver cooled air directly to the room where the indoor unit is placed, minimizing the potential for air loss.
In classrooms, it’s important to position the indoor air handler where it can provide optimal and uniform airflow. For larger rooms, consider installing two units instead of one large unit to ensure balanced air circulation and avoid temperature inconsistencies. You can refer to a helpful air conditioner sizing guide for more guidance on this.
One of the advantages of ductless mini-split heat pumps is their versatility. They can not only cool classrooms but also provide supplemental heating during the winter, making them a flexible choice for school environments.
Furthermore, these systems contribute to better indoor air quality by filtering out airborne allergens, ensuring that students breathe clean air. This can help reduce allergy symptoms and prevent issues like fatigue and nausea caused by poor air quality.
Central AC Systems
These units use vents and ducts to deliver the cooled air. The systems will usually consist of a duct system, an air handler, and a compressor.
This can be the best option for school air conditioning if the school already has the ducts installed. Still, using a previously installed duct system and installing a new unit can be costly, so it’s often installed in new buildings.
These systems also tend to cool the entire building instead of separate rooms. This may often lead to even cooling empty areas, affecting the building’s utility bills and overall AC efficiency. Still, when paired with a smart system, it can be a pretty effective way to school the school building effectively.
Putting it All Together
Air conditioners play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable learning environment in classrooms, contributing to enhanced focus and productivity among students. Beyond temperature control, these units offer other benefits for schools, such as providing protection against seasonal allergies and improving overall indoor air quality. Among the top air conditioning options for schools are mini-split, window, and central units. These systems are known for their high efficiency and effectiveness in keeping students cool and attentive in the classroom.
