Johnson Senior High School’s New Heat Pump Improves Cooling

Johnson Senior High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, installed a geothermal heat pump system to address overheating issues. This system, which uses cooler underground temperatures, has significantly improved the school's environment, reducing the number of students visiting the nurse's office due to heat-related issues. The installation was part of a broader trend, with many schools across the U.S. updating their heating and cooling systems, supported by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. The improved air conditioning has also positively impacted students' mental health and allowed the school to host summer classes for the first time. This change reflects a growing recognition of the role schools play in providing safe and comfortable environments amid climate change.

Jeff Hammond, executive director of the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, agreed, pointing out that schools can now get 30% of their costs for new systems reimbursed through the Inflation Reduction Act. That’s in recognition of the fact that they cool the air very well using little electricity. Only ground source heat pumps are eligible under the IRA, not air source heat pumps that are installed above ground and are more common.

At her school in St. Paul, Randall saw that lack of air conditioning had become a major problem for students and staff. Now, she said there are fewer headaches and the cooler air even helps the students manage their mental health.