Back‑to‑School HVAC Checklist for Schools and Universities

It’s time to get ready for the first semester with clean air, cool classrooms, and fewer surprises down the road. Back-to-school season is here, and while students are stocking up on supplies, your facilities teams should have their own to-do list. And priority #1 should be ensuring your school or university’s HVAC system is in the best shape possible.

Whether you’re managing a single building or a whole campus, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning setup plays a big role in keeping everyone comfortable and safe. Proper maintenance leads to better indoor air quality, less unexpected breakdowns, and more energy savings over time.

So, let’s make sure your system is ready for the bell with this practical, easy-to-follow HVAC checklist.

1. Book a Full HVAC Inspection with Parker Services

Start the school year off right by having a Parker Services professional assess your system. Our expert technician can catch the little things before they become expensive problems. 

During an HVAC inspection, we check your system in all areas to make sure everything is working smoothly. We’ll monitor refrigerant levels, test your thermostats and electrical connections, and look out for any indications of wear and tear that could lead to bigger issues down the line. 

Booking an inspection is especially important if your school has had reduced summer use or if your system was running overtime to cool things down.

2. Replace or Clean All Air Filters

When filters are clogged, airflow suffers, and your system has to work harder than it should. That means higher bills and lower air quality. Maintaining clean air filters is a simple practice that makes a significant difference. Check and replace filters in:

• Classrooms
• Dorms
• Offices
• Libraries, gyms, cafeterias—anywhere people gather

3. Test and Program Your Thermostats

Are you sure that your thermostats are working correctly? Are they on the right schedule for the new school year? Before the first day of class, make sure:

• All thermostats are accurate and responsive
• Programmable models are set to match class and dorm schedules
• You’re not wasting energy cooling empty rooms

Smart thermostats are an excellent upgrade for school HVAC systems—they can even send alerts if something seems off!

4. Have Parker Services Improve Your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor air quality matters more than ever, particularly in schools, where students and staff spend hours each day. Poor IAQ can contribute to everything from allergies and headaches to reduced focus and higher absenteeism. That’s why we offer solutions to help your school breathe easier.

From upgrading ductwork to adding advanced purification systems, we can help improve overall comfort. Whether you're dealing with older systems or just want to stay ahead, our team can evaluate your needs and recommend the best upgrades to keep your classrooms healthy.

5. Let Parker Services Inspect and Seal Your Ductwork

Leaky ducts can be a huge energy waster—sometimes letting up to 30% of your cool or heated air escape before it ever reaches the rooms. What does that mean for you? Your system is forced to work overtime, driving up your energy bills and creating uncomfortable classrooms.

At Parker Services, we will thoroughly inspect your ductwork for leaks, cracks, or damage. If we find problem areas, we’ll seal them up to improve airflow and boost your system’s efficiency.

Start Strong with Smart HVAC Planning

No matter the size of your campus, investing in proper maintenance and system improvements sets the stage for a productive year ahead. If you’re looking for expert support to get everything checked and ready, that’s what we’re here for! From thorough inspections to energy-saving upgrades, we’re here to make sure your school’s system works smoothly all year long.

‍Contact us today to schedule your back-to-school HVAC checkup. Let’s make sure you’re ready for anything the school year brings!