Grant for US Schools Includes HVAC Upgrades
The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the dire state of American public school buildings. Outdated HVAC systems posed risks to viral infections and poor indoor air quality, highlighting the need to improve energy efficiency in tens of thousands of K-12 school buildings.
DoE Grant Program Rolls Out
The new funding program includes grant money to help schools update HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency, lower emissions and improve indoor air quality. There is already considerable attention on these improvements, but the additional funding will make these improvements more accessible for a wide range of school districts facing budgetary restraints. The American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program has a wide range of qualifying repairs, including:
HVAC upgrades
Replacing ventilation systems
Purchasing air filters
General HVAC repairs
A Backlog of Education HVAC Projects
The pandemic led to a rush on HVAC improvements that has kept many school districts waiting. Labor shortages and supply chain disruptions have slowed new system installations and equipment upgrades in many parts of the country. This delay may have long-term effects this winter as schools face another cold season with outdated systems, volatile energy costs, and lingering COVID-19, flu and other viral illnesses on the rise.
Funding to Upgrade HVAC Systems in Schools – How Money Is Spent
As of Q1 2022, most school district plan to use the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding to upgrade HVAC systems. Nearly a quarter of the $122 billion fund will keep K-12 operating safely.
HVAC Upgrades for Schools Are Our Priority
Learn how to access these funding programs and start your HVAC upgrade process with Keen Technical Solutions. Our energy consultants can help with funding, scheduling repairs and training school facilities teams to operate new equipment to offer students and staff a safer, more comfortable place to learn. Contact us today to get started.