The link between cooling mechanical system type and student achievement in elementary schools

Abstract

In aggregate, air-conditioning systems are the largest contributors to classroom noise, and some types of air-conditioning systems are noisier than other types. The impact of noise in human performance has been widely studied and found to be stronger in children. A study of 73 elementary schools in a single Orlando, Florida school district sought to relate mechanical cooling system type with student achievement. It found that for schools populated with students of similar socio-economic background, schools cooling with the noisiest types of mechanical system underperformed on student achievement tests relative to those with quieter types of systems. It also found that schools with the poorest students were more likely to cool their classrooms with noisier systems.