Learning Spaces Today: An Intro for Administrators & Facility Managers

What You Need to Know

As a school administrator or as a custodian, janitor or facility manager working in an educational environment, you’re working in a sector that is central to the development of the leaders of tomorrow.

In your working day, you’re responsible for the maintenance of just some of the 115,171 educational facilities across the USA (MDR Education), ranging from public and private schools to adult education centers and technical schools. Serving over 50 million students and over 3 million teachers, these facilities represent 5% of commercial building energy consumption (NCES) and are one of the biggest energy consumers in the public sector. These numbers reflect the scale of the challenges you face when it comes to ensuring optimal indoor air quality in classrooms, lecture rooms and more.

When it comes to mastering HVAC challenges in education, there are many considerations you should make. Before we get into those, let’s look at some of the key statistics behind learning environments today…

• 50% of schools in the USA report poor indoor air quality (Environmental Protection Agency)
• Poor air quality causes asthma-related health problems for 200,000 students in Illinois alone (American Lung Association)
• Nearly 56 million people , approx 20% of the US population, spend their days inside elementary and high schools (Environmental Protection Agency)
• American schools release as much carbon dioxide as 18 coal-powered power plants or 15 million cars each year (The74Million)
• 39% of schools have started using energy-efficient appliances to combat climate change (Education Week)

The Story Behind the Stats: What it Means For You

For key decision makers in public and private schools, colleges and universities, these statistics make for important reading. But what do they really mean to the wider educational landscape across the USA, and how can you expect these stats to impact your decision-making around HVAC as a school administrator, custodian or facilities manager?

While there are many answers to these questions, some recent developments point towards just some of the issues facing students and teachers. Firstly, a Boston University study confirmed in 2022 that improved HVAC systems are associated with reduced absences due to illness and higher scores of maths and reading tests. Secondly, a study in the Journal of Building Engineering highlighted that thousands of American schools have outdated HVAC systems.

These studies show that good indoor air quality in learning environments isn’t just about comfort - it's about health, welfare and giving young people the space they need to learn in a way that is happy, effective and productive.

As someone with responsibility for HVAC systems, you must upgrade and constantly update your air filtration and HVAC knowledge in order to protect students, staff and other users of your educational facility. Why? It’s simple: the welfare of your staff, your students and the wider natural environment depend on it.

Tackling HVAC Challenges in Your Education Facility

As the statistics we shared above prove, your decision-making around the right HVAC system for your educational setting is crucial. It is a decision that should weigh up several factors; from air filtration quality and the prevention of illnesses to sustainability, cost-effectiveness and system performance. For key decision makers, we’ve put together a checklist of the challenges your HVAC system should tackle.

Energy Efficiency

Heating and cooling these large spaces efficiently can be both costly and energy-intensive. As a facility manager or school administrator, you need HVAC solutions that optimize energy use without sacrificing comfort, ensuring your institution remains a productive learning environment while managing costs effectively.

System Longevity

HVAC systems represent a significant investment, and ensuring their longevity is crucial—not only for continuous operation but also for protecting the health and well-being of students and staff. The education sector is increasingly seeking HVAC solutions that offer durability and reliability, capable of withstanding the rigors of constant use across sprawling campuses.

System Performance

System downtime can disrupt classes and create uncomfortable conditions that detract from students' learning experiences. This risk is exacerbated when HVAC systems are compromised by dust, allergens, and other pollutants common in bustling school environments. It is essential for educational facilities to have robust HVAC solutions that effectively filter out pollutants while maintaining optimal thermal comfort.

Indoor Air Quality Concerns

Poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and overall diminished health and academic performance. HVAC solutions in schools, universities, and colleges must not only manage temperature and humidity but also ensure that the air is free from harmful pollutants and allergens to protect both students and staff.

Component Protection

Schools and universities are equipped with valuable equipment, from computers and laboratory instruments to sophisticated audio-visual systems, all sensitive to environmental conditions. Airborne particles and contaminants can degrade these components, leading to malfunctions and costly repairs. Effective HVAC solutions in educational settings should protect these assets by maintaining clean, controlled environments that prevent the ingress of damaging particles.

Labor Costs

In educational environments such as schools, colleges, and universities, the ease of installing HVAC systems and components like air filters is a critical consideration. Facility managers and maintenance teams in these institutions face the challenge of minimizing classroom disruption while maintaining essential systems. The installation process needs to be efficient, straightforward, and as quick as possible to minimize downtime and keep the educational process on track.

Disposal Costs

With many school administrators turning to online reviews before purchasing HVAC systems, it’s essential to choose products from a brand that is respected and trusted. Since HVAC components like filters can be bulky and costly to transport and dispose of, selecting compact-designed filters from a reputable brand can significantly cut down on these costs, ensuring both efficiency and reliability.

How Can You Meet the Challenge?

As an administrator or facility manager in educational environments, the challenges you face are significant. With your facility’s air filtration needs increasing annually, it's crucial to partner with vendors and rely on products that can rise to meet these demands effectively.

That's where we step in. With decades of HVAC industry experience, we’ve conducted extensive research and developed the products and services you need to excel. For every challenge, our offerings—including air filters—are the superior choice.

Meeting the Energy Challenge

Brookaire Air Filter experts can help you select the most Energy-efficient air filter for your facility. Air flow resistance, target filtration efficiency and filter lifespan are all balanced when selecting the correct filter for a given application. This crucial balance directly impacts utility bills and the overall carbon footprint of a school.

Brookaire’s filtration media is made using nanofiber technology, allowing for optimal airflow efficiency, maximum filtration, and ensures filtration efficiency throughout the life of the filter. This cutting edge media ensures your school’s equipment run more efficiently and consume less energy.

Where energy costs are a significant concern, Brookaire's energy-efficient air filters represent an essential investment for cost-conscious and environmentally aware decision-makers.

Meeting the Longevity Challenge

• System reliability must be put first and a Preventative Maintenance Program is the best way to ensure maximum lifespan of HVAC units in your school or college.
• Missing a planned maintenance due to lack of time and resources is no longer an option, and your educational facility’s stakeholders want to know what you're doing about it.
• Prioritize your Air Filter efficiency or MERV rating. Choosing a filter with a higher MERV rating will ensure components stay free of dust and debris, ensuring HVAC systems run at optimal efficiency for long periods of time.
• Check for maximum dust holding capacity. Choosing an air filter with high dust holding capacity means fewer class disruptions, less time invested in HVAC management, and ultimately, more cost savings.
• We ensure that our air filters withstand the test of time, providing a durable solution that aligns with the practical and economic realities of today’s learning environments.

Meeting the Performance Challenge

• ASHRAE 52.2 is a standard developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for testing the performance of air filters used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning HVAC systems.
• Brookaire’s air filters are designed in accordance with these standards and verified by independent labs, offering high-grade filtration that is crucial for maintaining a healthy, safe indoor environment in various settings.
• Our manufacturing process is bolstered by decades of experience and innovation. Our range of filters provide a strong line of defense against airborne contaminants, diseases and more.

Meeting the Domestic Preference Challenge

• Educational decision makers generally prefer a HVAC product manufactured domestically in the USA. Brookaire caters to this preference by offering products that are made in our own manufacturing facilities in the Northeast.
• In addition, Brookaire prioritizes domestic supply of raw materials, with 100% of materials for pleated filters being sourced in the USA.
• This not only aligns with the localized sentiments of American consumers but also assures them of quality, reliability, and adherence to domestic manufacturing standards.
• Our commitment to providing American-made products reinforces consumer trust and satisfaction, an essential factor in the educational sector.

Meeting the Convenience Challenge

• In our experience, a disposable pleated air filter as the first line of defense is the most convenient and efficient way to filter the air in a school. This ensures filter and labor efficiency is optimal compared to washable or metal frame options.
• This focus on convenience and minimal operational impact is a testament to Brookaire’s commitment to customer-centric innovation and service - we’ll dive deeper into this area later in this white paper.

Brookaire: How We Help American Schools

It’s true: our inventory of products offer the level of performance, energy efficiency and longevity your school needs. However, when you work with us, you can expect more. We’re more than just an air filter supplier - we’re a true partner to educational settings across the USA. Keep reading to discover why.

Efficiency: We Get Your Job Finished Faster

• 30-Minute Delivery Window: Every minute counts. This is why we offer a precise 30-minute delivery window. Our commitment to promptness means you spend less time waiting and more time completing important tasks in your school.
• Scheduled Site Delivery 24/7: You know what delivery date works best for your school, that’s why you pick the date.
• Reduce Staff Travel Time: Precise delivery windows allow you to ensure you get the filters exactly on the date you need them, eliminating the need to receive them in advance of the maintenance leading to additional handling.
• Get More Done With Less Staff: Time saved is money earned. By reducing the hours your custodial staff spend off-site, Brookaire’s delivery service turns these hours into billable, productive time. This efficiency means you can achieve more with fewer resources, optimizing your school’s workforce.
• Ease of Installation: Our products, particularly air filters, are engineered to fit seamlessly into existing systems, ensuring a hassle-free installation process. This ease of installation means your technicians can complete more jobs in less time, significantly boosting productivity. Our filters are compatible with a wide range of HVAC systems, reducing the need for time-consuming adjustments or modifications on site. Whether you're dealing with standard or custom-sized filters, the design and build quality of Brookaire products guarantee a smooth, efficient fit every time.

Satisfaction: We Care About Your Reputation

• We Care: We recognize that as a school, your reputation can be easily impacted by disruption and downtime. That’s why our commitment to the highest standards is unwavering, as we understand that the educational performance and welfare of your school’s users is a direct reflection of the trust they place in you.
• Highest-Quality Materials: In the HVAC industry, the quality of materials is not just a feature; it's a cornerstone. We source premium materials for our products, ensuring they are robust, efficient, and long-lasting. This attention to quality means that when your staff install Brookaire products, they are installing with confidence. You will notice the difference – a system that performs optimally, with fewer issues over time, directly contributing to their comfort and trust in your school.
• Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Our manufacturing processes are at the forefront of technological innovation. We employ state-of-the-art techniques to ensure precision in every product we make. This precision translates into products that are not only top-quality but also consistent in their performance. By ensuring that each item meets our stringent standards, we provide educational decision makers with products that they can install with confidence, knowing that they will work seamlessly within any HVAC system.
• Partnering With You: We view our relationship with schools as a partnership. Your success is our success. By providing you with superior products, we aim to bolster your capabilities. We understand that each successful installation contributes to your standing as a reliable, results-focussed facility. As such, we are committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed industry standards and expectations.

We Manufacture Filters Just For You

• Customization at Its Best: Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is equipped to produce air filters of any size and in any quantity, tailored to your exact specifications. Whether you’re dealing with a unique architectural design, a specific environmental requirement, or a challenging installation space, our custom manufacturing service ensures that you have the perfect fit for every project.
• Fast and Flexible Production: We recognize that time is a critical factor in your school. That’s why we emphasize speed without compromising on quality. With a lead time of just 48 hours on special size pleated filters, we ensure that your custom orders are fulfilled swiftly, keeping your projects on schedule. Our efficient production processes and dedicated team enable us to deliver these quick turnarounds consistently.
• Easy Ordering Process: Placing a custom filter order with Brookaire is hassle-free. Simply contact us via email or phone with your custom filter request, and our team will take care of the rest. We provide personalized attention to each order, ensuring that all your requirements are accurately met. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and straightforward for you as possible.
• Quality That Speaks: Every custom filter we produce goes through stringent quality checks to ensure that they meet our high standards. Using top-grade materials and precise manufacturing techniques, we ensure that each filter not only fits perfectly but also performs optimally. This commitment to quality means that you can install our filters with confidence, knowing that they will provide the best air quality and system efficiency to your school.

We’re Your Ultimate Knowledge Resource

• Experts At Your Service: Our strength lies in our large team of HVAC experts, a group of seasoned professionals deeply versed in all facets of HVAC technology and trends. This team is readily available to respond to any queries you might have, offering insights, advice, and solutions at remarkable speed. Whether you’re facing a complex installation challenge, need advice on the latest energy-efficient practices, or have a question about system optimization, our experts are here to provide you with the answers you need, when you need them.
• Blogs & Articles: Our regularly updated blog is a treasure trove of information, featuring a wide range of topics. From installation tips and maintenance best practices to insights on the latest HVAC technologies and trends, our blogs are written to enhance your knowledge and skills. Each piece is crafted to provide practical, actionable advice that schools can apply in virtually every scenario.
• Expert Tips and Guides: Recognizing the diverse challenges faced in the field, our resources include expert tips and comprehensive guides. These resources cover various aspects of school air filtration requirements, ensuring you have a reliable source of information for quick reference.
• Technical Support and Guidance: Beyond our written resources, we offer personalized technical support and guidance. Our team is equipped to provide detailed explanations, troubleshoot issues and offer bespoke advice that aligns with the specific needs of your school.

The Inventory Every School Needs

Brookaire's pleated MERV 10 air filter is the most common style filter used in HVAC systems. These filters are fabricated using a wire backed synthetic media assembled within a beverage board cardboard frame. Pleated MERV 10 air filters come in a vast array of standard size die cut frames in 1", 2" & 4" depths. The pleated style design provides additional surface area of media maximizing the air flow and efficiency. These air filters provide the perfect balance of air flow and efficiency. Pleated MERV 10 filters are commonly used in high end residential and commercial HVAC systems.

With lower initial resistance and better dust holding capacity, this is the high capacity version of Brookaire's pleated MERV 10 air filter . These filters are fabricated using a wire backed synthetic media assembled within a beverage board cardboard frame. High Capacity Pleated MERV 10 air filters come in a vast array of standard size die cut frames in 1", 2" & 4" depths. The pleated style design provides additional surface area of media maximizing the air flow and efficiency. These air filters provide the perfect balance of air flow and efficiency. Pleated MERV 10 filters are commonly used in high end residential and commercial HVAC systems.

Brookaire's pleated MERV 11 air filter widely used in HVAC systems. The filters are manufactured using a wired backed synthetic media assembled within a beverage board cardboard frame. Pleated MERV 11 air filters come in a vast array of standard size die cut frames in 1", 2" & 4" depths. The pleated style design provides additional surface area of media maximizing the air flow and efficiency. These air filters provide a great balance of air flow and efficiency. Pleated MERV 11 filters are commonly used in high end residential and superior commercial HVAC systems as an upgrade to standard pleated MERV 8 air filters. They can also be used when the HVAC system's airflow capacity does not allow for MERV 13 use, but higher grade filtration is required. Captures: Legionella, Humidifier dust, lead dust, milled flour, auto emission particles, nebulizer drops, and more! Made in the USA.

Brookaire's MERV 13 pleated air filters are best in class. Made with synthetic media wire backed and inserted into a sturdy moisture resistance beverage kraft board frame it achieves long service life. This high performance pleated air filter provides the highest initial and sustained efficiency along with a lowest initial pressure drop in its class. The MERV13 media made with Nanofiber technology enabling great air flow while sustaining high filtration achieving MERV 13 per ANSI/ASHRAE Std. 52.2. These filters are available in 1", 2" and 4" depths in a full range of standard and custom size. MERV 13 pleated filters are used as a pre-filter for high end final filters.

• Typical Applications: Superior Commercial Buildings, Hospital and Pharmaceutical, Education Facilities, Gyms, Hospitality
• Captures: All bacteria, droplet nuclei, droplet borne viruses, cooking oil, most smoke (3rd hand smoke), insecticide dust, most face powder, most paint, pigments.

Brookaire’s Ring Panels, Ring Links & Cube Filters are made with a graduated density polyester media with a dry tackifier on the downstream side. It is designed to replace pleated and/or fiberglass throwaway filters. MERV 8

Brookaire Mini-Pleat Air Filters. Synthetic Filter Media, next generation mini pleat compact filters in polyester media, high surface area, high dust holding capacity, low pressure drop, increased filter life & ensured filtration performance with plastic ABS or cardboard die cut frame, best for green building concept and variable volume areas.

Brookaire V-Bank Air Filters. Synthetic Filter Media, Next generation mini pleat compact filters in polyester media, high surface area, high dust holding capacity, low pressure drop, increased filter life & ensured filtration performance with plastic ABS frame, best for green building concept and variable volume areas.

Brookaire's HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing) Filters are designed with premium air filter media to maximize the amount of particles removed from the air when installed in an HVAC system. HEPA filters are commonly used in critical environments like clean rooms for pharmaceuticals, hospitals, food manufacturing, data centers and more. The use of HEPA filters increases the protection of your HVAC equipment while providing maximum efficiency in removing contaminants from the air. True HEPA air filters are at least 99.97% efficient in capturing particles between 3 - 10 microns.

Introducing Brookaire's Metal Mesh Filters, crafted from high-quality aluminum and designed for durability and reusability. These washable filters are an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for your HVAC needs, providing excellent filtration without the need for constant replacement. They can be reused multiple times, reducing waste and saving on the cost of frequent filter replacements. Ideal for both commercial and residential systems, these filters are not just a practical choice but an investment in sustainability.

V-Belts

The outside fabric wrap is treated with highly oil and heat resistant, engineered synthetic rubber, specifically compounded for superior wear resistance, proven through thousands of hours of customer use to be durable and dependable. The helically wound tensile cords are specially manufactured with twisted, heat and chemically set, polyester material. The body rubber is a highly engineered synthetic rubber compound, specially compounded for cool running, crack resistance, and excellent bonding to the outside fabric and tensile cords.

Calling all HVAC Contractors: Partner with Us Now

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