Clean Air For Schools

Yes. CDPHE will provide units free of charge to Colorado schools. This program is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, via a cooperative agreement program between CDPHE and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) titled “Reopening Schools: Support for Screening Testing to Reopen & Keep Schools Operating Safely.”

The program’s goal is to provide up to 70,000 HEPA portable air cleaners (HEPA PACs) to 70% of K-12 Colorado schools by July 31, 2023. All Colorado K-12 schools (including public, private, Tribal, parochial, and charter) should apply. CDPHE will work to reach schools and districts with the highest need, based on factors such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) rating, infrastructure age, location, population served, and other factors. If you are a school administrator and would like to learn more about whether your school would benefit from HEPA PACs, complete the interest form above, call (720) 336-0433, or email ChrisBrady@kkmb2b.com.

As many as needed to provide adequate air filtration to your school. To learn more about how many units would be appropriate for your school, complete the interest form above, call (720) 336-0433, or email ChrisBrady@kkmb2b.com.

No. Carrier West will deliver the HEPA PACs directly to your school at no charge to you, along with corresponding supplies (e.g. extension power cords, power strips, floor power cord covers and replacement HEPA filters) and instructional information and materials.

No. The HEPA portable air cleaners are standalone units that plug into a standard electrical outlet. CDPHE will also provide additional supplies such as surge protecting power strips to ensure that teachers do not lose valuable outlet space in their classrooms. These additional supplies also ensure that teachers can place their units in optimal areas of the classroom.

Installation is easy. Simply unpackage the units, place them in the room, and plug them into a standard electrical outlet. All schools will receive user manuals and installation guides along with the HEPA PACs.

CDPHE chose HEPA PAC models that can be used without disrupting regular classroom activities. The air cleaners can be placed near a wall or in the corner of a classroom. Avoid placing items close to the units so that the  inlets (sides) are clear. Make sure there is at least a foot of space on all sides of the HEPA PACs. Most classrooms can expect to receive two units. Placing the HEPA PACs on opposite sides of the room enhances filtration and circulation in the space. Here is a link with examples of where to place the units.

Download the PAC placement diagram here.

We understand that power outlets can be in high demand in classrooms. We will provide extension cords, cord covers, and surge protector power strips to make sure the HEPA PACs do not disrupt normal classroom activities.

The units are very quiet, like a whisper or refrigerator hum. They are not expected to be a distraction in the classroom. If you have a concern about students, teachers, or staff with auditory or sensory disabilities, reach out to our team so that we can assist in optimizing the placement of the units within the classroom.

Yes. All HEPA PAC units and supplies are UL listed and CARB-Certified where applicable. They are also designed to prevent small fingers from getting into them. The program will provide surge protection power strips and floor trip protectors/cord covers so that power cables do not pose a physical hazard in the classroom.

Simply change the HEPA filter once per year. That is all!

The HEPA PACs come with two years of replacement filters at no cost. Schools will be responsible for the cost of replacing the filters once the free filters have been used. Carrier West can ship you additional replacement filters once you order them. Carrier West also offers a yearly filter subscription service that schools can choose to pay for at the end of the program.