As the new school year begins, the importance of regularly checking and maintaining HVAC and boiler equipment cannot be overlooked. These systems are essential for providing safe, comfortable, and productive learning environments for students and staff alike. While much of the heavy lifting in terms of repairs and upgrades happens during the summer months, ongoing maintenance throughout the school year is critical to ensure the equipment operates efficiently and reliably.
The Foundation for a Successful School Year
During the summer, school facilities staff work tirelessly to prepare buildings for the upcoming school year. This preparation includes thorough inspections, repairs, and upgrades to HVAC and boiler systems. Although often overlooked, these systems are a critical aspect of a school’s infrastructure. It is important that they operate efficiently and effectively to handle the varying demands of the academic year, from the sweltering heat at the beginning of the school year to the cold winter months.
However, the work doesn’t stop once students return to the classroom. Continuous upkeep is necessary to address the daily wear and tear on these systems. Regular maintenance during the school year helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensuring that classrooms remain at optimal temperatures and that air quality remains high.
The Importance of Preventative Maintenance
HVAC and boiler systems in schools are often older than those found in other types of commercial buildings. According to a survey done by the National Center for Education Statistics, the average age of a public school’s main instructional building in the U.S. is 49 years, with 38% constructed before 1970. Additionally, most of these school buildings still rely on aging, outdated equipment. This means that preventative maintenance is not just recommended, but essential.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that commercial HVAC systems undergo maintenance at least twice a year, with more frequent checkups for older systems. These maintenance checks are required to ensure the system’s ability to achieve acceptable thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality in commercial buildings. Boilers, depending on their size and usage, should be inspected and serviced annually or semi-annually. Neglecting these schedules can lead to system failures, which not only disrupt the learning environment but can also lead to costly emergency repairs.
Specialized Service for Complex Systems
One of the challenges that school facilities staff face is the complexity of HVAC and boiler systems. Many of these systems come with specific manufacturer service instructions that must be followed to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This is where Stark Tech’s service team comes in. Our technicians are fully trained and equipped to handle both HVAC and boiler systems, no matter how complex they may be. With over 100 years of combined experience working with schools and other institutions, our team has the expertise to keep these critical systems running smoothly and efficiently.
Leaving the guesswork to our team means that school facilities staff can focus on other important tasks, knowing that their HVAC and boiler systems are in expert hands. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of the equipment but also ensures that it operates at peak efficiency, which can lead to significant energy savings for the school district.
Stark Tech Service & Maintenance
At Stark Tech, we understand the unique challenges that school districts face when it comes to maintaining HVAC and boiler systems. Our team has been partnering with schools for many years, providing reliable service that keeps their buildings comfortable and safe. At the end of the day, students and staff deserve an environment that supports learning and growth.
Stark Tech delivers top-notch service that goes beyond routine maintenance. We provide detailed inspections, preventative care, and, when necessary, expert repairs that minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Our goal is to help schools focus on what matters most—educating students—while we take care of the rest.
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Stark Tech is a market leading technology provider, delivering turnkey solutions with master systems integration, equipment, and service, and building analytics that drive sustainability goals and keep facilities on their mission. Stark Tech also manufacturers large, skidded equipment that decarbonizes and reduces greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy sources and by converting waste into renewable natural gas.
