Studies reveal that maintaining adequate ventilation and thermal comfort in classrooms contributes greatly to student learning and performance. Proper ventilation and temperature have been proven to raise student engagement and test scores in the classroom. Read on to find out more about what the ideal temperature is for your kids to perform well in school.
How Does Classroom Temperature Affect a Student’s Performance in a Test?
Temperature has been shown to have a tremendous impact on student performance, and it all begins with altering our mood. Temperature’s effect on mood decreases memory and cognitive ability which is what affects learning ability. Data collected from a study done by the University of Scranton reveals that students perform best in controlled temperatures with test scores averaging in the 90th percentile. When temperatures were too hot scores averaged in the low 70s, and at the mid-70s when they were too cold.
61 degrees: Students averaged a score of 76%
72 degrees: Student achieved an average score of 90%
81 degrees: Students averaged a score of 72%
Further research conducted by Tulsa University has also revealed that above and beyond temperature’s effects on cognitive ability, there are other factors that disturb student performance as well:
- Leaky roofs
- Problems with HVAC systems
- Insufficient cleaning
- Excessive use of cleaning chemicals
These factors also trigger various health issues, including allergies and asthma, which have been linked to decreased student performance as well.
Maintain an Ideal Temperature With Quality HVAC Services
Researchers recommend installing HVAC units in all schools to consistently heat and cool temperatures in classrooms. An HVAC unit also increases ventilation rates, which regulates temperatures. The ideal temperature can be maintained by a properly installed HVAC system which will ensure that your students are comfortable in their learning environment. Based on what the school’s needs are, management has the option of installing individual air conditioning units for each classroom or a centralized unit that serves multiple classrooms.
Need to have your school’s ac unit looked at? Book online now with the EZ Book Online button below.
Does Classroom Ventilation Affect Student Performance?
Many schools fail to comply with the recommended levels of ventilation rates. Increased ventilation rates help to keep temperatures consistent throughout the day and all types of weather.
Sufficient ventilation involves a prescribed amount of outdoor air entering the classroom to replenish the stale air with fresh air.
The director of Tulsa University’s Indoor Air Program, Richard Shaughnessy, explains:
“The right amount of air exchange for a classroom depends on the number of students as well as building characteristics. In addition, in highly polluted urban areas, supply air should be filtered to prevent exposure to outdoor air pollution.”
Recommended Ventilation Rates: A minimum ventilation rate of 7.1/s per person is recommended for increased decision-making and concentration.
Check HVAC Operation at the Beginning of the School Year
The best time to see if HVAC systems are running without problems is at the beginning of the school year. Optimal HVAC operation is vital to students’ success. Serving South Florida for over 40 years, Sansone provides air conditioning, electrical and plumbing services for commercial and residential facilities. Schedule a service today!
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