Cleaner Inside Air for Hamilton Schools

In October, the Hamilton School District started an experiment with a single air handling unit at the high school.

New, technologically advanced equipment was fitted to the ventilation unit to "scrub" the air of dust and bacteria and de-contaminate the air by bathing it in UV (ultraviolet) light, said Building and Grounds Manager Jeffrey Grove.

The project was so successful in saving energy that the experimental unit will pay for itself in just seven months, Grove said in a memo to the School Board.

The benefits are cleaner air at lower cost. By removing the particulate matter, bacteria and other contaminants, the heated or cooled air can be blown at a much slower rate of speed by electricity-hungry fans, saving money, reducing noise and making the interior environment more pleasant, Grove said.

The experimental unit has been so successful that the School Board has authorized spending up to $115,000 to install the air scrubbers on all major air handling units districtwide.

The firm providing what are called "UV Coil Bathing Units" will partner with the district on a case study of the equipment's performance. In return for the case study's data collection, the firm will provide the equipment at a reduced cost.

Three installation bids have been received and all are for less than the $115,000 allocation.