b'F or school facilities managers, indoor air quality (IAQ) is not an abstract conceptit directly affects student health, staff performance, energy use and community confidence . The U .S . Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently ranks indoor air pollution among the top environmental risks to public health . In schools, where occupants spend long hours in densely populated spaces, HVAC system performance plays a central role in maintaining a healthy indoor environment . While routine filter changes andHVAC components should be cleaned mechanical maintenance are essential,when inspection reveals significant they are only part of the equation. Overaccumulation of particulate, microbial time, HVAC air distribution systemscontamination, debris discharge into accumulate dust, debris and otheroccupied space, or contamination contaminants that can impact both IAQfrom construction, fire or water events and system efficiency. Understanding(NADCA ACR Standard and related when and how to address that buildupwhite papers).is key. Open return plenumscommon in many schoolscan accumulate Why HVAC Cleaning Matters for IAQ dust, debris and even biological According to EPA guidance throughcontaminants over time. Because air its IAQ Tools for Schools program,moving through these spaces is often schools should take a proactive, whole- unfiltered, contaminants can settle and building approach to maintaininglater be redistributed into occupied areas indoor air quality. Poor IAQ canif disturbed. NADCA recommends contribute to respiratory irritation,periodic inspection and cleaning of these asthma exacerbation, absenteeism andareas as part of a proactive IAQ and discomfortissues that affect learningmaintenance program.and staff productivity. It is important to note that a dirty Through normal occupancy,HVAC system does not automatically contaminants such as dust, dander andmean unhealthy air. However, when particulate matter are drawn into HVACcontamination is present and airflow systems and recirculated multiple timesis compromised, cleaning becomes a per day. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) notes thatcontinued next pageWWW.MSPMA.COM|15'