Proper climate control in schools has a direct impact on children’s well-being and concentration. What many educational institutions fail to realize is that small adjustments to temperature and indoor air quality can prevent illnesses and improve student productivity.
The link between air quality and learning has been supported by data from studies conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The research showed that environments with good ventilation and temperature control reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses and improve concentration. Studies also show that exposure to heat without air conditioning impairs learning, leading to declines in cognitive performance and attention. Every half-degree Celsius increase in temperature can reduce learning by up to 1%.
Patrick Galletti , HVAC engineer and CEO of Grupo RETEC ...emphasizes the need for investment in HVAC systems to ensure a healthy and productive school environment. “HVAC is much more than just thermal comfort. The quality of the air that children breathe in the school environment can prevent a range of respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and frequent colds, which, in turn, affect academic performance,” says the expert.
Direct impact on learning
The buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) in classrooms with inadequate ventilation can lead to drowsiness and fatigue, impairing students’ learning and concentration. Air conditioning, when combined with efficient ventilation systems, maintains a comfortable temperature and renews the air, reducing CO2 levels and improving the quality of the school environment. As climate change increases the frequency of heat waves, it is increasingly important for schools to adopt these solutions to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures and ensure a healthy environment for students.
Galletti points out that a proper HVAC system must include air exchangers that ensure constant renewal of the indoor air. “This maintains a comfortable temperature and reduces levels of accumulated carbon dioxide. When properly designed, the system ensures that outdoor air is filtered and treated before being introduced, helping to prevent drowsiness and fatigue associated with high CO2 concentrations,” the expert notes.
What schools can do
To ensure a healthy environment, it is essential that schools follow certain practices. Regular maintenance of climate control equipment, such as air conditioners and fans, is essential to prevent the buildup of dust and dust mites. According to Patrick Galletti, the ideal maintenance frequency should be quarterly.
Furthermore, instead of relying exclusively on natural ventilation—which can introduce impurities and does not guarantee a constant exchange of air—schools should focus on comprehensive climate control systems. “An efficient climate control system includes air conditioning, exhaust, and ventilation, providing the necessary outdoor air ventilation, as well as humidification and filtration, ensuring the ideal temperature and humidity for students’ health and well-being,” explains Galletti.
The engineer also emphasizes the importance of considering climate control when planning new school buildings. “Air conditioning, combined with filtered and controlled outdoor air ventilation, is the only way to ensure air quality and prevent problems related to pollutants and climate variations,” he concludes.