Cooling, heating and ventilation for educational facilities

The standards of facilities in schools, colleges and universities in the UK are incredibly high. Over the last fifty years, educational facilities have been transformed into bright, modern environments that offer state-of-the-art learning technology and access to an extensive range of subjects.

Many educational buildings have been refurbished during the last few decades, whereas others have newly built, offering all kinds of additional services; from canteens and shops through to hairdressing salons and sports halls.

Whilst new-build educational facilities will have had specified heating, cooling and ventilation services installed, many facilities that were refurbished towards the end of the last century and during the early part of this century, did not.  This may be because the original buildings were listed, there were insufficient funds available or because the original heating systems were upgraded at the time of refurbishment.

Educational facilities vary right across the country; from portacabins to single storey nurseries to special needs facilities, large city schools and colleges to historical buildings and lecture halls. Regardless of design or type, all of these learning centres should offer safe, optimal environments with comfortable temperatures and adequate ventilation.

Why temperature and air quality matters in education

There have been many studies over recent years that have shown that clean, fresh air in educational facilities can enhance cognitive and student performance.

Concerns about the effect that poor air quality can have on health, both short and long-term, remains an issue for us all. Poor air quality is a particular concern in larger towns or cities, for both residents and building occupants. Where no internal ventilation is provided, open windows can allow all kinds of pollutants to enter a building, potentially harming students and staff alike.

In educational spaces where people are gathered together for long periods, fresh, clean air is vital.  Fresh air ventilation not only improves cognition, it also helps to eliminate bacteria and viruses, resulting in fewer student and staff absences and greater well-being. In addition, manufacturers can now supply anti-bacterial air conditioning systems which eliminate 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus).

Heating, cooling and ventilation systems for optimal learning

Today’s heating, cooling and ventilation technologies are designed to deliver ultimate comfort with maximum efficiency; some are designed for large areas such as canteens and halls, whereas others provide temperature-controlled services for IT facilities or sports halls.

For smaller classrooms, energy-efficient heating and cooling can be delivered through a range of indoor unit types via single condensers, either to multiple or single rooms. They allow users to adjust temperatures in each room as required.  For larger buildings there are a range of climate-controlled options providing heating, cooling, fresh air ventilation and air purification systems. All of these technologies are incredibly efficient and many use renewable energy technologies.

Installing any type of modern heating, cooling or fresh air ventilation system will benefit students and staff, ensuring that during long periods together, class members are breathing good quality air and remain comfortable at all times.

Next steps to improving air quality in schools, colleges and universities

If you’re looking to improve the indoor air quality of your educational facility, Loop Air Conditioning will carry out a full building survey to assess your needs and building infrastructure.  Based on these findings we will provide you with a free comprehensive quotation – one which will offer first class climate-controlled technology, long-term health and well-being benefits, as well as optimum efficiency.

Our highly qualified engineers can install or retrofit the required solution out of learning hours or during holidays and weekends, if required, so that there is minimum disruption to daily learning.

For more information, or for an informal discussion, please contact Loop Air Conditioning on 01438 833600 or complete our simple online form.