Why Daycares & Schools Are Increasing Commercial Air Duct Cleaning To Protect Child Health This Winter

We all know how children spend a large portion of their time indoors during the school year, and this is particularly the case during the coldest stretches of winter. 

Yet many educators and parents don’t think about the types of air quality systems that run through the walls of educational institutions, which are inevitably circulating the air that kids breathe for hours on end. And as respiratory health concerns continue to grow, new research is highlighting a unique link between childhood wellness and indoor air quality (IAQ). 

This link has subsequently led countless daycares and schools to reinvest in their air duct cleaning solutions in order to proactively safeguard the health of students and toddlers. We recently interviewed the air duct cleaning pros in Salt Lake City at Apex Clean Air to learn more about what schools and daycares are currently doing to support child health, so check out the below sections to see how IAQ control is becoming a frontline defense for creating healthier learning environments this winter!

Why IAQ Matters Much More For Children 

A lot of adults don’t realize this, but children just so happen to be uniquely vulnerable to all sorts of airborne issues. This is largely because their lungs are still developing, which means they’re prone to breathing more rapidly in comparison to adults. 

Children are also confined to close quarters with other children in daycares and schools, which can be particularly problematic during the winter months when windows stay shut. Pollen, dust, bacteria, mold spores and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) typically accumulate deep within HVAC ductwork systems—which then recirculate through playrooms and classrooms. 

And when these types of indoor pollutants increase, so do very troubling health symptoms like runny noses, chronic coughing, asthma attacks and allergy flare-ups. For kids with respiratory problems, poor IAQ at school can actually be dangerous. This is why daycares and schools are finally taking notice with their wallets by investing in sanitation and hygiene strategies that include comprehensive duct cleaning each winter. 

How Dirty Air Ducts Negatively Impact Children’s Health 

It’s normal for air ducts at large commercial properties like schools to collect pollutants, and this is due to factors like large square footage, heavy usage, and older HVAC systems not quite keeping up with today’s air quality standards. 

When ductwork systems aren’t regularly cleaned on at least a yearly basis, the following problems often arise in educational buildings: 

• Virus & Bacteria Spreading: With so many young kids congregated in one place, harmful pathogens can quickly accumulate in a school’s ductwork and spread throughout the property rather easily. 

• Increased Irritants & Allergens: Pollen, dust mites and pet dander typically build up within dirty ductwork and unfortunately end up recirculating throughout the property.

• Poor Ventilation: Clogged air ducts inevitably force HVAC systems to function much harder than they’re actually supposed to, which results in issues like stale, stagnant air.

• Mold Growth: Schools and daycares also often experience humidity fluctuations that end up creating perfect conditions for mold development. 

And for elementary-age children and toddlers, the above factors are particularly triggering in terms of increased illnesses and higher absentee rates!

Why Daycares & Schools Are Currently Making The Shift This Winter 

The great news is that many school administrators and facility managers are beginning to shift their focus from reactive to preventative maintenance regarding student airborne health. 

This is why several trends are currently driving an increased demand in school-based air duct cleaning, and some of these trends include the following:

• Broader Airborne Transmission Awareness: The COVID pandemic opened a lot of eyes a few years ago in terms of how schools go about handling IAQ, which has subsequently increased the overall emphasis on clean air and ventilation. 

• Stricter Safety & Health Regulations: Just like with most health-related issues, many educational institutions are now improving air quality control because regulatory guidelines are forcing them to do so today in 2025. These guidelines also pertain to HVAC maintenance and ventilation upgrades. 

• Parental Pressures: Many parents are also increasingly more concerned about a school’s ductwork maintenance and IAQ strategies, which is leading to more pressure and questions regarding an educational property’s ventilation, cleanliness and sanitation. Regularly cleaned ducts clearly demonstrate a way for schools to show parents that they’re taking child health seriously. 

• Cost Savings: When schools regularly clean their air ducts, they’re also reducing the overall strain on their HVAC systems. This lowers energy costs, which is particularly appealing for budget-conscious school districts. 

What The School Duct Cleaning Process Technically Involves 

Air duct cleaning at schools and daycares often includes the following appointment features and steps:

• High-powered vacuum extractions to effectively remove debris and dust
• Thorough inspections of HVAC components and ductwork systems 
• HEPA-filtered equipment to proactively prevent recontamination
• Agitation tools to properly dislodge pesky buildup areas 
• Antimicrobial treatments specifically targeting bacteria and mold 

It’s also important to note that most schools and daycares will schedule these types of maintenance appointments during the weekends or during holiday breaks, so the general process isn’t disruptive for the children’s learning experience. 

Air Duct Cleaning Provides A Simple Step Toward Child Health Protection For Schools & Daycares 

As daycare centers and schools navigate their ways through all sorts of health priorities this winter, we’re now seeing commercial air duct cleaning as a must-have part of educational wellness strategies. 

These solutions definitely aren’t just about providing schools with cleaner vents, because it’s all about supporting childhood development, reducing illnesses, and creating better learning environments that make it easier for young children to thrive.

And by prioritizing IAQ solutions now during months like December, countless schools around the United States and abroad are simultaneously investing in the long-term health of their students throughout the rest of this winter season!