Connecticut public school districts face two important compliance deadlines under CGS § 10-220(d) related to IAQ and HVAC systems. With these deadlines fast approaching, now is the time for districts to take action.
HVAC Assessments Beginning July 1, 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, districts must begin conducting HVAC assessments of their school buildings. The statute requires districts to conduct these HVAC inspections every five (5) years and to inspect at least 20% of their buildings each year, with all inspections for all school buildings completed by June 30, 2031 – and then the cycle repeats. The 2026–2027 school year marks the first compliance window.
These assessments cannot be performed by just anyone. The statute requires a qualified professional, specifically a certified Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (“TAB”) technician, an industrial hygienist or a mechanical engineer. Qualified technicians and their schedules are already in high demand (particularly during summer months when schools are out of session), and districts that delay in engaging these professionals risk falling behind on their compliance obligations. While the Department of Administrative Services (“DAS”) can grant a one-year waiver if technicians are unavailable, districts should not rely on this as a long-term solution. Even with a waiver, districts would still be required to achieve 40% of buildings assessed by June 30, 2028, so the relief is limited.
Annual IAQ Reports Due by December 31, 2026
In addition to the HVAC assessment requirement, since 2025, every district must conduct an annual IAQ inspection of each of its buildings using the EPA’s Tools for Schools program by December 31, 2026. Once completed, districts must post the results on both district and school websites, make them available at a regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting and confirm compliance with DAS.
The Bottom Line
Districts should not wait to begin planning (logistically and budget wise) for these deadlines. The dearth of qualified HVAC technicians makes early action on the assessment requirement especially critical. Districts that move quickly to schedule HVAC assessments and conduct IAQ evaluations will be in the strongest position to meet both deadlines without disruption. Questions? Please contact a Shipman environmental attorney for guidance.