The Effects of School Building HVAC System Conditions on Student Academic and Behavioral Outcomes

This study contributes to research on the quality of school buildings and student outcomes. It examines the impact of school buildings’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on student attendance, behavior, and learning. The authors connect school building inspection reports to educational records for public K-12 schools in New York State outside of New York City during the 2005-06 to 2018-19 academic years. Utilizing statistical methods, the authors find that improvements to the conditions of school HVAC systems over time lead to reduced student absences, decreased student suspensions, and modest increases in student math and reading scores. The study concludes that investments in enhancing HVAC systems can promote student comfort and well-being and expand educational opportunities.