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March 10, 2025Many school administrators delay or even avoid HVAC upgrade projects, and understandably so. These projects can disrupt daily operations, require significant investment, and demand careful coordination of resources and schedules. However, while HVAC upgrade projects may have been put off in the past, schools can no longer afford to wait.
Today’s schools face modern challenges — from teacher shortages to climate change and shifting weather patterns — all of which directly impact HVAC infrastructure.
This article will explore why upgrading schools’ HVAC systems is more important than ever and how to choose a cooling solution that meets today’s school needs.
This is Why Schools Should Consider Upgrading Their HVAC System
It is Getting Hotter and Hotter
It’s no secret that the world is getting warmer. Early in 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that 2023 was the warmest year on record. However, as we entered 2025, NASA reported: “Once again, the temperature record has been shattered — 2024 was the hottest year since record-keeping began in 1880”.
Long-term temperature data reinforces this pattern. Analyses show that the U.S. average temperature has increased by 1.3°F to 1.9°F since record-keeping began in 1895. Also, the U.S. Climate Normals data further illustrates a shift from cooler-than-average conditions in the early 1900s to significantly warmer-than-average conditions in recent decades.
As global temperatures rise, so does the demand for cooling. A comprehensive 2024 analysis by Climate Control examined Cooling Degree Days (CDD) values during back-to-school periods from 1970 to 2023. The findings are striking: 95% of the 243 studied locations showed increased CDD values, with an overall surge of 78%. Practically speaking, this translates to a dramatic increase in schools’ cooling energy demands.
Most Schools’ HVAC Systems Are Probably Old
The state of America’s school infrastructure tells a troubling story. According to the National Center for Education Statistics’ 2024 report, the average U.S. public school building is nearly half a century old — and with aging buildings come aging systems. This is particularly true for HVAC infrastructure. A 2020 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that 41% of school districts need to update or replace HVAC systems in at least half of their schools, impacting roughly 36,000 schools nationwide. The report also highlights instances where schools are still operating with HVAC system components that have been in use for nearly 100 years.
What does this look like in reality? Students and staff spend their days in classrooms with leaking, malfunctioning HVAC units that damage ceilings and flooring, contribute to mold growth, and struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures. In some cases, schools are forced to adjust schedules or rely on open windows and fans, which often fall short of maintaining safe temperatures.
The Impact on School Life
Outdated HVAC systems combined with rising temperatures create an almost impossible learning environment for students and teachers, with consequences that go beyond discomfort.
Health & Safety
When HVAC systems fail to regulate temperature and maintain healthy indoor air quality (IAQ), students and staff are exposed to airborne pollutants, mold, dust, pesticides, harmful gases, and even asbestos. This risk is particularly acute for younger students, who inhale more air relative to their body weight than adults. In extreme cases, poor IAQ can force school closures. For example, in 2016, a 62-year-old elementary school in Millis, MA, temporarily shut down after elevated levels of harmful chemicals were detected due to mold and poor ventilation.
Learning Performance
The impact on learning is quantifiable and concerning. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that for every 1°F increase in average school year temperature in buildings without adequate cooling, learning outcomes decline by 1%.
Beyond heat that disrupts learning, overworked HVAC systems add excessive noise (humming, vibrations, and loud ductwork), which is worsened by heavy fans or open windows. While the WHO recommends classrooms’ noise level stay below 35 decibels, most classrooms operate at between 50-77 decibels, making it harder for students to focus and learn.
Lastly, absenteeism is another major issue tied to poor IAQ. According to the American Lung Association, asthma is a leading cause of school absences, accounting for an estimated 13.8 million lost school days annually.
Institutional Impact
The ripple effects extend beyond individual classrooms to affect the entire institution. In today’s extreme heat, schools with outdated HVAC systems face mounting challenges, including:
- Escalating energy costs from inefficient systems.
- Damaged reputation due to non-compliance with environmental and health regulations.
- Lower rankings from decreased student performance.
- Financial strain, as fewer parents choose to enroll their children, and grant options are limited for schools struggling with infrastructure issues and declining student performance.
Yes, a School HVAC Upgrade is Necessary!
As it turns out, schools are dealing with a critical infrastructure challenge. Today’s school buildings and aging HVAC systems are not designed for current climate demands, and the problem will only intensify. As global temperatures continue to rise, schools will face increasing pressure to maintain safe, comfortable learning environments, requiring substantial building upgrades.
This makes schools’ HVAC upgrade projects absolutely necessary!
While school administrators recognize the criticality of HVAC improvements, budget constraints often cause delays. However, modern HVAC solutions actually offer cost-saving opportunities that help schools operate more sustainably in the long run. For instance, schools that upgrade to efficient HVAC systems can cut energy consumption by up to 80%, transforming what might seem like a daunting expense into a strategic investment.
How to Choose A Modern HVAC System for Your School?
Every school is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all HVAC solution, but one thing is clear—modernizing HVAC infrastructure is essential. The key is selecting a school air solution designed to meet today’s challenges.
At AIRSYS, we have been the preferred cooling solution provider for K-12 campuses because we offer innovative solutions designed to meet modern school needs. Built for energy efficiency, promoting sustainability, and offering unmatched warranty protection, our cooling systems reflect our dedication to the well-being of students and to the needs of school management.
Explore our School Air Solutions to see how we can help your school create a healthier, more efficient learning environment, and contact us to discuss the best HVAC upgrade for your campus.
