Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Energy Efficiency for Schools
How RenewAire energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) can cut costs and provide healthier IAQ
Impacts of High Energy Costs to Schools
K-12 school districts in North America spend nearly $8 billion annually on energy costs, with the largest expense usually being heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These high energy costs can affect schools’ budgets by reducing the funding available for educational resources. This often forces schools to make tough decisions like cutting programs or reducing spending on resources like books and technology.
Reduce schools’ energy costs by 65% with RenewAire ERV
ERVs are ventilation systems. They exchange stale room air with fresh outdoor air while recovering energy from the outgoing exhaust airstream. This recovery reuses energy that would otherwise be lost during conventional ventilation processes. With the use of a RenewAire ERV, like the HE10, schools can lower their energy costs by up to 65%.
HE Series: Energy-Saving ERV Solutions for ASHRAE 62.1 School Compliance
With the installation of a HE10 ERV, schools can maximize energy efficiency, downsize HVAC equipment and costs, and provide increased ventilation to improve indoor air quality (IAQ).
Maximize Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficient Ventilation
Downsize HVAC Equipment and Costs
The Hidden Costs: Deficient School IAQ and the Impact on Student Performance & Health
Deficient IAQ can harm students’ and teachers’ health as indoor air can be two to five—and up to 100 times—more polluted than outdoor air. This is especially concerning because the average student spends about 1,300 hours inside a school each year, while teachers and other employees spend even longer. Poor IAQ can lead to the spread of airborne viruses and pathogens, cognitive impairment, lower test scores, and an increase in absenteeism.
RenewAire ERVs: The High-Efficiency Solution for School IAQ and Energy Cost Reduction
The solution for improved IAQ in schools is increased ventilation, but conventional HVAC systems can sometimes waste energy, leading to higher energy costs. With the installation of an HE10 ERV, schools can choose to double their ventilation rate for improved IAQ while still reducing energy costs by up to 65%.
RenewAire ERVs can Generate Significant Savings
With a relatively short payback and high rate of return, our HE10 ERV can generate significant savings for schools via HVAC energy recovery. The HE10 ERV is known for its reliable operation and built-to-last lifespan of 25+ years.
How the RenewAire HE Series Delivers Superior Air Quality for Classrooms
AHRI Certified
It is certified under AHRI 1060 for an industry-leading, low-to-zero Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio (EATR) at typical static pressure differential. Superior core flammability performance; passes UL-723 and UL-1812
Consistent Operation
The HE10 ERV can operate consistently year-round in every climate with trouble-free operations and maintenance.
Industry-Leading Warranty
Comes with an industry-leading 10-year structural and performance warranty for the static-plate core. In addition to the core warranty, the HE10 ERV has a two-year warranty.
Highly Configurable
The HE10 ERV is highly configurable and offers various options and accessories that can provide additional savings for school facilities. Options like our Bypass Economizer can be installed to reduce energy use and cost by providing free cooling when outdoor air conditions are ideal. Or accessories like our HE+DX Integrated Coil System that enables the HE10 ERV to be converted into a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) for schools that require 100% outdoor air.
How to Specify HE ERVs for your School Projects
To specify the HE10 ERV, contact a certified RenewAire Representative based on your region. This will allow you to speak with an HVAC professional and access detailed product information, performance data, and specifications for the HE10 ERV models.
Specification Process Questions
For questions regarding the specification process for an HE10 ERV, our Comprehensive Guide to Specifying ERVs in K-12 Schools outlines what to expect when planning to install an ERV for a school.
School Ventilation Downloads: Case Studies, Videos, and Technical Resources
Case Studies
Boarding school takes on COVID-19 and reopens with the help of RenewAire ERVs.
RenewAire ERVs reduce Grand Canyon University’s annual HVAC costs by 40% compared to conventional equipment.
To attain net-zero status and save energy, the Bosage Family Education Center at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens installed RenewAire energy recovery ventilators (ERVs).
Birdville School installed a ventilation system by pairing a Trane system with RenewAire ERVs. The updated system resulted in 40% less energy used in the school.
White Papers
White paper discussing how deficient indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools can be solved with energy recovery ventilation, improving the health and performance of students.
Blogs
Schools that upgrade their HVAC systems to increase ventilation have experienced better student behavior and improved learning outcomes
Indoor air quality in classrooms can impact student health, behavior, and test scores. Proper ventilation can reduce absences, boost focus, and improve learning.
Increasing ventilation via ERVs can enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) in K-12 schools effectively and efficiently, thus improving the health of students and staff.
Significant public funds are available for K-12 schools in North America to implement energy-efficiency upgrades. Energy-efficient HVAC and ventilation projects are highlighted as qualifying solutions
Enhancing indoor air quality in K-12 schools significantly boosts academic performance, including higher cognitive scores and lower absenteeism.
Increasing ventilation via ERVs can enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) in K-12 schools effectively and efficiently, thus improving the health of students and staff.
Cleaner and healthier indoor air achieved via energy recovery ventilation improves the health, cognitive function, productivity and wellbeing of school occupants School buildings are extremely
RenewAire®, a manufacturer of HVAC and indoor air quality (IAQ) products, introduced a factory-installed bypass economizer option for its HE Series’ HE07, HE10, and HE1.5X
What Questions Can We Answer?
Our Technical Sales Support team is here to answer any additional questions you might have about installing an HE10 ERV in your school or to assist you in finding the RenewAire Representative in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should schools increase their ventilation rates?
Yes. Increasing the ventilation rate is a key strategy for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in educational facilities. Higher ventilation rates effectively dilute and remove indoor pollutants, including VOCs, CO2, and airborne pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
By prioritizing increased airflow, schools can provide a healthier environment for students and staff. Enhanced IAQ has been shown to support better respiratory health and improved cognitive performance.
How many air changes per hour (ACH) are required for a school?
Because school environments range from classrooms to gyms to cafeterias, air changes per hour (ACH) vary by the specific use of each space. However, requirements and recommendations are established by several leading organizations to create a healthy learning environment in the school.
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022: This is the benchmark for ventilation compliance by establishing minimum outdoor air rates. These rates are calculated to effectively dilute indoor pollutants and maintain occupant comfort, based on the space’s specific use.
Can poor ventilation in schools cause facility issues?
Yes. Without proper ventilation in schools, higher moisture levels can become trapped, leading to mold growth, moisture-related structural damage, and excessive dust accumulation. This lack of ventilation results in increased maintenance costs, reduced equipment efficiency, and costly long-term repairs to the building envelope and HVAC systems.
Which ventilation system is better: mechanical or natural?
Mechanical ventilation is a more reliable and effective solution than natural ventilation. It actively filters outdoor air pollutants, ensuring consistent airflow and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures regardless of weather conditions.
Can an ERV be installed with an existing HVAC system?
Yes. RenewAire ERVs are designed for flexibility and can be installed in virtually any educational facility—whether in new construction or as a retrofit for an existing building.
Because every space has a unique layout and ventilation needs, we recommend consulting experts to find the perfect fit. To learn which RenewAire unit is best for your specific facility, contact your local RenewAire sales representative.
What is the typical payback period for an ERV?
Most schools can see a payback period of less than two years after installing a RenewAire energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This is possible because the ERV preconditions the incoming air by transferring both energy and humidity from the outgoing air. This allows the school’s HVAC system to work less and deliver sustainable long-term operational savings.
To see the full financial breakdown of how energy recovery impacts your bottom line, download our white paper on Calculating the Net Present Value (NPV) of ERVs.
How do CO2 levels impact a classroom?
High levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) negatively affect students’ cognitive function, decision-making, and academic performance. CO2 buildup is an indicator of poor ventilation, signaling that stale air and pollutants are trapped indoors. By increasing ventilation, high CO2 levels will be reduced, improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) for both students and staff.
How can schools stop the spread of common respiratory viruses?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a multilayered approach of increased ventilation and filtration to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Using an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to bring in more outdoor air helps to dilute and remove airborne virus particles from classrooms.