REGIONAL INSTALLING AND OPERATING CONDITIONS OF HVAC SYSTEMS IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the actual installing conditions of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and their operations in public elementary schools based on 568 school data obtained from a nation wide investigation. Some results are shown as follows: 1) Insufficient thermal insulation and air tightness were provided in many school buildings in warm climate areas, 2) Heating systems were provided in almost all rooms but their installing conditions varied with respective areas, 3) Air-conditioning systems for cooling are on the increase in many areas, especially urban areas, and 4) Ventilating systems are not operated under optimum conditions because of inadequate management. We suggest that the building envelope systems should be improved and it is necessary to make guidelines and inform teachers of the essentials of maintenance for HVAC systems for efficient operation.