Whether too hot or too cold, one of the most frequent complaints at WHS is the temperature of the classrooms.
One of the biggest reasons the school suffers from these issues is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system installed within the school. The school uses a geothermal system with 100 percent outside air, which “helps create a healthier environment for students and staff,” says Kirk Samuelson, Principal of WHS.
When using air conditioning, the air is then run past chilled beams located in the ceiling of every room of the building. These cool the air further, making for a more comfortable experience.
The chilled beams do have some downsides, however. Condensation can form on the beams, leading to the ceiling dripping. When windows are open, too much humidity is introduced from the outside air, and the system automatically shuts off via a switch in the windows.
Kyle Stoddard, the school’s HVAC technician, has some advice for students and teachers when dealing with the school’s air conditioning: “Keep doors closed as much as possible and windows shut.”By keeping the room closed, not only will the room’s air conditioning remain on, but the system will be able to better control the conditions of the schools as a whole.
While the heat pumps used to cool the school are operating, they produce a lot of heat. This heat has to go somewhere, and the school uses a unique geothermal system. The excess heat produced by the pumps is sent to 50 different 150 ft deep wells underneath the upper parking lot, where it can dissipate into the ground.
This geothermal system is between the first-floor bathrooms outside the cafeteria and the school store.
The school’s HVAC system is an investment. When it was installed in the new building of the school, it cost significantly more than a traditional system. The efficiency of the system, however, leads to it costing less in the long run, which allows the system to pay itself off.
Another common complaint about the school’s HVAC is the pool. While swimmers appreciate the warm air after getting out of the pool, spectators at swim meets often complain that the air is too hot and humid.
The pool has to be kept hot, however. State regulation mandates that the air around the pool must be 4 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the temperature of the pool. Since Waterford High keeps the pool at 79 degrees Fahrenheit, the air must be at 83 degrees, leading to uncomfortable air.
While Waterford High School sometimes suffers from some issues with HVAC, a lot of the problems stem from improper use and the unique system of the school. Students and teachers can take some actions to help the system work better, but a lot of the time, there isn’t much people can do.
