Air Make Up Units for Schools and CTE Programs
School and CTE labs that use paint booths, prep stations or blast equipment need replacement air that works within a campus building, not just inside the shop. Double D Mechanical installs, relocates and services air make up units with attention to classroom adjacency, lab scheduling, utilities and facility maintenance access.
Discuss your installationReplacement Air for Instructional Labs
CTE spaces may have short operating periods, multiple instructors and equipment used for demonstrations rather than full-shift production. Make-up air planning should match the booth or lab exhaust modes while keeping doors, corridors and nearby classrooms from becoming part of the airflow path.
Building Pressure Around Campus Spaces
A shop exhaust system can affect hallways, storage rooms, offices and adjacent labs. Supply air location, temperature control and start-stop sequencing should be reviewed with the facility team so the lab does not pull air from unintended parts of the building.
- Identify adjacent classrooms, corridors, offices and mechanical rooms.
- Review roof access, ceiling height and existing air handling equipment.
- Plan service areas that school maintenance staff can reach.
Utility Planning With Facility Staff
Air make up units may require electrical power, controls, fuel piping and duct penetrations through roof or wall assemblies. Coordination should include campus shutdown requirements, after-hours access, equipment staging, roof protection and any work that must happen outside instructional time.
Walkthrough Information to Gather
Helpful preparation includes lab drawings, booth or prep equipment information, photos of mechanical rooms and roof areas, utility panel locations, ceiling measurements and the expected class schedule. Facility staff should also identify any areas where students or staff cannot be disrupted.
Frequently asked questions
Why is make-up air important in a school paint lab?
It helps replace air exhausted by booths or prep stations so the lab is less likely to pull air from corridors or other classrooms.
Can an air make up unit be coordinated around school schedules?
Installation planning can account for class schedules, campus access rules, shutdown periods and work areas that need to stay separated from students.
What should facility staff provide for a site visit?
Lab plans, equipment drawings, utility locations, roof access details, ceiling heights and photos of adjacent mechanical areas are helpful.
Does the unit need regular maintenance access?
Yes. Filters, fans, burners, dampers and controls should be reachable without moving classroom equipment or stored materials.