Clean air is essential—especially in schools, where students, teachers, and staff spend most of their day indoors. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased academic performance, and even long-term health issues for children whose lungs are still developing.
Fortunately, improving air quality in schools doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategy and technology, school districts can create healthier, safer environments for learning. Here’s how to get started.
1. Understand the Sources of Poor Air Quality
Before you can fix the problem, it’s important to understand where indoor air pollution comes from. Common sources in schools include:
- Inadequate ventilation systems
- High CO₂ levels from overcrowded or poorly ventilated classrooms
- Dust, pollen, and mold from HVAC systems or damp areas
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from cleaning supplies or building materials
- Outdoor pollutants seeping indoors
Knowing the culprits makes it easier to target improvements.
2. Monitor IAQ with Real-Time Sensor Technology
The best way to manage air quality is to measure it. Installing indoor air quality sensors throughout school buildings gives facility managers a real-time view into critical air quality metrics like:
- CO₂ levels
- Particulate matter (PM2.5)
- Temperature and humidity
- VOC concentrations
With Swift Sensors’ wireless IAQ monitoring system, schools can track these levels 24/7, receive alerts when thresholds are exceeded, and maintain compliance with local air quality standards. The cloud-based dashboard provides actionable data for improving HVAC performance and pinpointing problem areas—without the need for complex wiring or manual inspections.
3. Upgrade HVAC and Ventilation Systems
Even the best monitoring tools won’t solve air quality issues without solid infrastructure. Schools should evaluate and upgrade their HVAC systems to ensure:
- Sufficient outdoor air exchange rates
- Properly maintained filters (MERV-13 or higher recommended)
- Consistent airflow throughout classrooms and shared spaces
Pairing these upgrades with real-time sensor data ensures HVAC systems are doing their job effectively.
4. Reduce Indoor Pollutants
Beyond ventilation, schools can take simple steps to reduce pollutant sources:
- Use low-VOC cleaning and maintenance products
- Regularly clean and maintain carpets, rugs, and upholstery
- Fix leaks and address water damage promptly to prevent mold
- Limit the use of materials that off-gas (new furniture, adhesives, etc.)
Education and training for custodial staff also go a long way in preventing IAQ issues.
5. Empower Staff and Communicate with Parents
Transparency builds trust. Use your IAQ data to communicate with staff and parents about the steps being taken to improve air quality. Consider posting real-time sensor dashboards in main offices or on the school website.
Also, educate teachers and students about how their behavior affects air quality—for example, keeping doors and windows closed during high pollen days or reporting damp areas quickly.
Talk with a Specialist
If you think it can’t be monitored, contact us, we might surprise you.
A Smarter, Safer School Starts with Air
The pandemic made it clear: the health of our school environments matters. By combining smart IAQ monitoring technology with proactive maintenance and communication, schools can provide cleaner air, healthier students, and more confident staff.
At Swift Sensors, we’re proud to support school districts across the country with affordable, scalable wireless sensor solutions that make air quality monitoring simple and effective.
Ready to improve air quality in your schools?
Contact us today to learn how Swift Sensors can help your district take the next step.
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