Michimich.com - Michigan: Schools can still take HVAC survey, qualify for help to reduce harmful aerosol transmissions

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 12, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, AssendelftN@Michigan.gov, 517-388-3135
David Herb, EGLE Energy Services, HerbD@Michigan.gov, 517-512-3325

Schools are encouraged to take part in the Michigan K-12 Public School HVAC Assistance Program by completing a survey of their building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system's ability to reduce infectious aerosol transmissions throughout the facility. A webinar is scheduled for February to explain the program and how to qualify for upgrade recommendations.

Nearly 60 school districts have participated in the program so far by completing a confidential survey to gather basic information about HVAC systems, recent improvements and current needs at a total of 328 buildings. The compiled survey data indicates that the most common action schools have taken is to change air filters more frequently or upgrading to better filters. The most common desires for schools is to switch out filters for more effective models and perform full HVAC upgrades. The full results will be used to assess the overall status of Michigan schools' HVAC systems and identify future program needs.

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A Michigan K-12 Public School HVAC Assistance Program: Outline and Guidance webinar is scheduled for 1-2 p.m. Feb. 3, and those interested can register to participate. The webinar will provide information about the application process for both K-12 public schools and licensed mechanical contractors.

Better air quality and updated school infrastructure creates a healthy learning environment for students, teachers and staff and supports improved academic performance.

Schools that complete the survey are eligible to request free assistance with recommendations to reduce infectious aerosol transmission from an approved licensed HVAC specialist (or the school's licensed HVAC contractor). The Western and Eastern Chapters of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will help with completing the surveys and provide a free, one-hour HVAC consultation. To request survey assistance or to schedule a consultation, contact Sonya Pouncy, MI ASHRAE Chapters' COVID-19 Task Force chair, at sonya.pouncy@gmail.com.

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Two school buildings per school district are eligible for assistance from the $300,000 program. Preference will be given to schools in low-income communities if demand exceeds available funding.

The survey can be found at the Michigan K-12 Public School HVAC Assistance Program website, along with timelines and an HVAC contractor application.

For information about the survey, HVAC assistance and contractors, contact David Herb of EGLE's Energy Services at HerbD@Michigan.gov.

The Michigan K-12 Public School HVAC Assistance Program is led by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy with support from the Michigan Department of Education.

Filed Under: Government, State

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