Clean air in classrooms

Clean air in Schools and Universities | Classrooms | Computer Labs | Staff Rooms | Canteens

70% of a student's time is spent inside classrooms that have a density of around four times higher than that found in office settings? Increased density leads to a higher infection load in classrooms resulting in greater health risks for those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma and hay fever.

Ventilation standards pre-pandemic were not designed for high infection rates and there are still a lot of schools that depend on windows for fresh air. If you want to reduce class absenteeism (staff and pupils) and you don't have the budget for introducing or remodelling mechanical ventilation, portable air cleaners is an affordable way, and the fastest way, to to provide filtration.

Choosing the right air cleaner is crucial

  • Do you need 1 larger unit or 3 smaller units? Three smaller units can spread the airflow but check you have enough sockets
  • Choose 'Simply HEPA' products (say no to Ozone), ionisers and UV introduce low levels of ozone to the air which can alter the air chemistry - always ask as sometimes this information is hidden
  • Focus on Air Changes an Hour (ACH) and Noise rather than CADR
    • 70% of teachers with air purifiers turned them down or off due to noise levels.
    • 30+ schools have just invested in an air purifier that only delivers 1 ACH based on default settings
  • Check the distance it has to be away from the walls for optimum performance. This same 30+ schools have air purifiers that should be 1m away from the wall!

Our solution for schools

From the beginning, our design team has always focused on two main priorities: high efficiency at an affordable price, and low noise levels. Our choices for schools are:

  • A single Blast air cleaner - a powerhouse on wheels, we believe this is the quietest commercial air cleaner in the market with the largest HEPA H13 medium. Its height makes it perfect for distributing a high amount of airflow over a wider surface and it also contributes to its low noise level and filter life longevity. The best placement for a single Blast unit is facing the class.
  • Multiple (5-speed) SA600 air cleaners - where sockets allow, 3 x SA600 will cost the same as 1 Blast but can be spread out across the room or wall mounted with optional brackets
  • Optional extras
    • Timer switch - more details tbc
    • Wall support / wall mounting - The Blast has brakes on the wheels but for peace of mind, brackets can secure it to the wall which has the added benefit of also ensuring it remains no less than 15cm away from the wall for optimum airflow. The SA600 can be wall mounted or placed on a shelf where floor space is minimal

So, what level of noise is acceptable? The maximum decibels to aim for is 45 dBA, while still achieving 6 ACH. For a high density place like a classroom we would recommend one blast unit or two to three SA600 placed at different areas in a classroom.

Note, the Blast Mini is a compact version of the Blast so delivers the same volume of air out of a smaller outlet. In a high density setting like a classroom, the airflow may be be felt in colder weather. That said, it is important to state that the air purifier does not need to be pointing at people. As long as there are no obstructions 15cm from the back (inlet), the air purifier can face any direction and still shift air effectively in an average size classroom.

Practical example in a school classroom

Below, we show how our air cleaner recommendations work in a school classroom

Requirement
  • Classroom size: 65m2, ceiling height of 2.4m
  • NEU recommendations: 6 air changes an hour (ACH)
Blast
  • Bulk price: £485 (ex VAT)
  • Speed: Top speed (3)
  • CADR: 950m3/hr
  • ACH: 6
  • Noise: 43dBA
SA600 x 3
  • Bulk price: £499.50 (ex VAT)
  • Speed: Speed 4
  • CADR: 960m3/hr
  • ACH: 6
  • Noise: 43dBA

Cleaner air improves the health of both staff and students!

By investing in our products, you’re not only improving overall well-being of your teachers and students but also promoting a healthier environment, which can lead to better performance and increase attendance by lowering sickness levels.

Interested in transforming your classroom's air quality but need more help?

Smart Air low cost purifiers

Smart Air is a social enterprise and certified B Corp that offers simple, no-nonsense air purifiers and provides free education to protect people from the harms of air pollution.

Certified B-Corp air purifier company