School is about to start for the new year. Are your building’s HVAC and plumbing systems up for the challenge?
We discuss why annual maintenance — especially before the school year kicks off — is critical along with what needs evaluating in your mechanical systems.
Why Schools Should Do Regular HVAC and Plumbing Maintenance
Regular checks and scheduled maintenance offer a number of benefits:
- Catch issues early so you only have to replace parts, not whole equipment.
- Keep your equipment from falling into disrepair (e.g. corroding, leaking, breaking).
- Improve energy efficiency, so you’re not throwing away money on faulty systems.
- Prevent dust, moisture, and mold buildup, which can lead to health issues.
- Avoid costly and disruptive HVAC and plumbing emergencies.
- Keep your facility running in tip-top shape.
- Create an educational environment people enjoy being in and that’s conducive to learning.
There are a lot of people that depend on your school’s heating, cooling, and plumbing systems for the better part of a year — students, educators, administrators, parents, and other visitors. As you can imagine, that level of activity is really going to put your facilities to the test.
Keep reading to find out what you can do to ensure it stays in good working order.
HVAC & Plumbing: The Back-to-School Checklist
Before the school year gets underway, here are some things your maintenance or janitorial team can inspect, clean, repair and/or replace:
HVAC Checklist
- Inspect all indoor and outdoor equipment for obvious issues or deterioration.
- Ensure everything is operational that’s supposed to be.
- Clean and replace filters.
- Remove dust on vents.
- Dust/clean around HVAC equipment.
- Look for and clean out any standing water or leaks.
- Check and test thermostats and settings.
- Make sure air is coming out of all vents and that nothing is blocking them.
- Test exhaust fans in places like locker rooms, science labs, and cooking classrooms.
- Walk through the building, looking for random hot or cold spots where they shouldn’t be.
- Listen for excessive noises like clanging.
- Document any unusual smells.
Plumbing Checklist
- Inspect all fixtures, from showers to fountains and classroom sinks to cafeteria drains.
- Check that water is available from each tap — not just fountains and restrooms, but also the nurse’s office, science lab, gym, etc.
- Review all water lines for blockages, leaks, and damage.
- Inspect piping for signs of mold, rust, or corrosion.
- Clean faucet and shower heads to prevent calcium buildup and clogs.
- Make sure all drains are clog-free and that standing water has been removed.
- Test water pressure.
- Make sure there’s hot water where it’s supposed to be and vice versa.
- Document active leaks, puddles that won’t go away, and moisture build-up.
- Listen for strange noises like gurgling and banging.
- Document any unusual smells.
Schedule an Inspection Before School Starts
Some HVAC and plumbing issues may be obvious. A leaking faucet. A foul smell coming from the boiler. A room that never cools no matter what the thermostat says.
That said, some HVAC and plumbing issues may remain hidden until they become an emergency. When they do appear, they can cause massive disruption (and sometimes discomfort) for the people learning and working with your educational facility.
The checklists above are a good starting point when it comes to maintaining and monitoring the health of your school’s HVAC and plumbing systems. That said, every school would benefit from scheduled maintenance at least once a year.
The best way to handle it? Schedule an appointment with your HVAC and plumbing partner before the school year begins. This’ll give them time to complete inspections and manage any necessary repairs before students, teachers, and staff fill the halls again.
If you’re in the Wichita area and are looking for help with this, contact Dean E. Norris at 316-688-1901.