Update on Air Quality at Peabody School
Posted on 08/31/2020
- This summer, improvements in the ventilation system and repairs to the existing HVAC system based on findings from last spring were completed.
- The funding for the complete replacement of the main chiller and the overhauling of the HVAC system has been approved. It is funded by the school department through the City of Cambridge. This work request will now be sent out to bid and work should get started in the 20-21 school year. (This replacement will require an extensive amount of work.)
- Here is the report on Air flow in the schools by an independent agency that was shared on 8/21/20 with the School Committee (by the buildings and grounds subcommittee.) Air flow rates show the amount of time that the air is turned over in an hour within a space.
- The Peabody School average air flow exchange rate for the building is 3.2. To put this into perspective, the average air flow rate in the new King Open building is a rating of 3.8
- Air Temperature and Humidity monitoring sensors have now been installed in the ceilings in various places (such as hallways, office spaces and classrooms) throughout the school. Findings are being compiled by the plant maintenance. This will be very helpful with monitoring the mold situation.
- The HVAC system is now being flushed 24 hours per day.
- An initial purchase of 20 Air Scrubbers with HEPA filters have been purchased for use in the building. HEPA filters have been installed in all of the classrooms and we have extras that can be placed in other teaching spaces or areas as needed.
- Regular testing and monitoring of the Co2 levels in the school will be ongoing. Especially once the buildings are occupied regularly this fall.