School administrators can't alter thermostats at the school. It solves the problem for that day, but the next day, it'll be another room. Mr. Weaver and Fauquier's maintenance and repair Supervisor Craig Wakefield failed to return repeated telephone calls this week. Centrally controlled systems have gained popularity because they help keep fuel costs down, but they also have their drawbacks, according to Mr. Woods. It saves money on fuel bills, but employees get sick, students miss school.
People get what they pay for, but nobody's off the hook.
Trouble-shooting such a complex system poses a real challenge, said Dr. Hughes. Exhaust fans in the kitchen or locker rooms may not be working right. Dampers or valves may not be responding properly. The computer controls may not be sending the right signals. Phil Brummett knows this firsthand.