Retrofitting HVAC systems in K-12 schools is rarely simple. Between aging infrastructure, limited installation schedules, and tightening budgets, school administrators and facility teams are under more pressure than ever to quickly and reliably deliver comfort, air quality, and efficiency.
That’s where Bard comes in to help. With more than a century of experience serving customers and six decades of designing and manufacturing HVAC systems for schools, Bard simplifies complex retrofit projects through solutions engineered for flexibility, efficiency, and minimal disruption. In this post, we’ll break down retrofit challenges K-12 schools face and how Bard helps you solve them.
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The Retrofit Challenge: How Bard Addresses Common Issues for K-12 Schools
Simpler Installation, Reduced Project Timelines
As summer breaks continue to shrink, schools have increasingly limited schedules to complete necessary HVAC retrofits. Bard’s simplified installation helps schools complete projects within condensed summer schedules without extending into the school year.
- Quicker, cleaner installations: Unlike centralized systems that require extensive ductwork and piping, Bard HVAC systems can often be installed by cutting a wall opening, positioning the unit, and connecting electrical and controls.
- Reduced demolition and construction: Bard eliminates the need for duct runs, structural modifications, and other invasive work above the ceiling that complicates your project and leads to added costs and delays.
- Installations that remain at classroom level: Unlike centralized systems, Bard units bring access to the classroom level and eliminate the need for cranes or any work associated with rooftops or mechanical rooms.
- Pre-install flexibility: Schools can pre-cut wall openings and install sleeves ahead of delivery, further compressing the project timeline.
- Less dependency on other trades: Bard factory-packaged systems can be installed by smaller crews with broader skill ranges, meaning your school can move forward without waiting for electrical, fire suppression, or other contractors to finish.
- Reduced change orders: Between streamlined HVAC systems, pre-install diligence, and expert technical support from Bard distributors and service teams, our systems can drastically reduce the need for mid-project scope changes.
Flexible HVAC System by Design
Every school facility presents its own set of challenges. A 50-year-old single-story school in Alabama has different needs than a multi-story building in Ohio, but neither have the time for lengthy timelines or complicated coordination. Bard’s individualized approach to climate control helps schools and design teams move faster, control costs, and maintain comfort.
- Interior and exterior options: Bard can provide sophisticated systems tailored to your particular building, whether your classrooms are a better fit for an exterior wall-mount or interior HVAC solution.
- Less building downtime: Bard systems serve individual classrooms by providing independent climate control that prevents the need for entire building shutdowns when installing or servicing equipment.
- Weekend installations: Bard factory-packaged, decentralized HVAC systems give schools the flexibility to break up larger retrofits throughout the school year. Maintenance teams can replace up to six units over a weekend, allowing schools to keep classes running during the week.
- Easier transportation: Systems like Bard I-TEC air conditioners and heat pumps can be disassembled into two parts, making it much easier to transport the units through elevators and doorways without having to tilt them.
Simple to Own and Maintain
The value of a retrofit doesn’t end when installation is complete. Bard systems are designed to make ownership more straightforward and built for lasting performance and ease of service.
- Single, separate comfort system: Since each Bard system serves individual classrooms, teachers and other school staff can adjust settings for each room.
- Designed for long-term simplicity: School technicians can handle routine service without the need for specialized contractors unlike some more convoluted centralized systems.
- Easier access: Bard systems are built with access panels and modular components to facilitate quick service, all without ever having to go on the roof of the building.
- Ongoing support and education: Bard offers ongoing technical support and customer training that is available before, during, and after installation, while our distributors serve as a local source for warranty assistance and other needs.
Quality HVAC Solutions that Keep Budgets in Line
A lean school budget shouldn’t prevent you from investing in modernized HVAC solutions. Bard delivers measurable savings through simplicity, speed, and reduced coordination costs, all without cutting corners on quality.
- Lower total project costs by reducing labor and demolition required for a retrofit.
- Shorter installation times allow schools to finish projects when needed instead of causing shutdowns during school days.
- Long-term energy efficiency makes it easy for school staff to lower annual energy consumption through optimized performance and room-by-room control.
- Reliable comfort, humidity control, and air quality for decades with minimal disruption.
Bard: A Smarter Way to Retrofit for K-12 Schools
Retrofitting K-12 HVAC systems doesn’t have to mean lengthy timelines or complicated coordination. Bard’s classroom-by-classroom solutions help schools and design teams move faster, control costs, and maintain comfort.
Ready to invest in less invasive, budget-friendly HVAC systems that can provide healthy and comfortable conditions for students and teachers alike? Breathe easy. You’ve got Bard.
