What Does Back-to-School Season Mean for Facility Maintenance?

The bell is about to ring on a new school year, and classrooms and lesson plans are soon to be packed. School administrators and facility managers, however, must have a proper HVAC and plumbing maintenance plan in place to keep students and staff comfortable.

The Cost of Deferring Mechanical Maintenance

Let’s face it- indoor comfort is imperative to a successful learning environment… and don’t even get us started on the disasters of a poorly maintained plumbing system that can wreak havoc on campus! Believe it or not, about one-third of public schools in the U.S. still operate with outdated HVAC systems. That’s 36,000 buildings where students and staff might be sweating through tests or breathing less-than-fresh air (GAO Report, 2020).

In Sacramento, where summer heat lingers past August, reliable HVAC is a must. Poor ventilation doesn’t just mean discomfort- it’s a health risk. Clean, well-circulated air helps reduce absenteeism and supports students’ performance. Studies show that increased ventilation rates are linked to improved reading and math scores and fewer respiratory symptoms among students (Lawrence Berkeley National Lab).

What Can Schools Do to Stay Ahead of the Curve?

Begin With a System Audit

Every HVAC system should have periodic maintenance, especially before the school year starts. This can include: filters being changed, belts inspected, refrigerant levels checked, and airflow tested. Staying ahead with regular maintenance, rather than waiting for larger issues to occur, can make a big impact on both indoor air quality and system longevity.

If your HVAC system is more than 10-15 years old, it’s worth discussing upgrades (check out our replacement guide here if you’re considering an HVAC replacement!). Even partial retrofits, like installing variable-speed motors or upgraded thermostats, can make a positive impact on efficiency. High-efficiency systems also help schools save money on energy bills.

Maximize Fresh Air and Filtration

When possible, schools should aim to reduce indoor air recirculation and bring in more outdoor air. This can be supported with a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS), but even without one, facilities can benefit from upgraded filters. It can be beneficial to stock up on MERV 13 filters, or higher, to reduce airborne viruses and pollutants. Especially given the likelihood of smoky air during California’s wildfire season, upgraded filters can have a huge benefit.

Don’t Forget Plumbing!

Apart from HVAC, school plumbing systems are often outdated, too. Leaky fixtures, aging pipes, and inefficient water heaters can waste thousands of gallons of water per year, lots of money along with it.

Plumbing upgrades such as installing low-flow toilets and faucets can increase efficiency and reduce utility costs. Leak detection systems can also be incredibly useful to alert staff before minor drips become major repairs. Regular inspections of all plumbing equipment, including proper backflow testing, will pay off in the long-term to keep your equipment in good condition- and ensure safe water quality.

Make Maintenance a Priority, Not an Afterthought

We understand that tight school budgets can push maintenance to the back burner- but that approach can backfire. In the long run, emergency repairs and inefficient systems cost far more than proactive care. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every $1 spent on maintenance saves an estimated $4 in future repair costs!

Planned Maintenance Solutions with Cooper Oates

At Cooper Oates, we’ve worked with schools across the Sacramento region to keep their HVAC and plumbing systems thriving. Our service area extends as far north as Chico, CA, east to Napa, west to Placerville, south to Turlock and in between including: Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Elk Grove, Roseville, Woodland, Stockton, Davis, Yuba City, Auburn, Sutter Creek and Lincoln.

From maintenance and repairs, retrofits, replacements and new installations, ensure your campus stays comfortable, efficient, and safe all year long. Contact us today to schedule service.