craigdailypress.com

For the past 20 years, Moffat County High School could never find a balance.

Some classrooms were sweltering at about 82 degrees, while, at the same time, another room would be hovering in the low 50s.

But the days of calling maintenance to freezing classrooms are coming to a close.

In the summer and fall, Haselden Construction worked to install a $650,000 HVAC system, complete with new boilers, to help control temperatures in the building.

According to a report by the engineering company that designed it, the system also is calculated to save 20 percent of energy costs if it is running efficiently.

High school principal Thom Schnellinger said the new system comes as a relief to teachers, staff members and students.

“It’s been 20 years of bad,” Schnellinger said. “It just never seemed to have been balanced well. It was just very difficult.”

He said since the new system became operational in December, he has heard from teachers that the environment in the classrooms is the most comfortable it’s been in 20 years.

“We’re hearing more and more from teachers that has indicated it’s better than it has ever been,” Schnellinger said. “It’s a more comfortable environment to work in for the kids and teachers. It’s a morale piece for the teachers, and it’s just a more comfortable place for kids to learn.”

The new system also is designed to be energy efficient, environmentally friendly and ultimately save the district money on energy costs.

District finance director Mark Rydberg said the savings could help the district financially.

“What it’s done is improved the energy efficiency, air quality and air volume in the building,” Rydberg said. “The combination of those things results in a savings of roughly $50,000 a year.”

At that rate of savings, the system would pay for itself in 13 years, and it will not need to be replaced for 30 years.

However, there still could be a disconnect between what the system is designed to do and what it actually produces.

The district will measure actual savings once it receives its first utility bill with the new system, Rydberg said.

Schnellinger also said the “maiden voyage” of the system will not be without hiccups.

“It continues to be fine-tuned,” Schnellinger said. “But if there’s a problem, it’s an easy fix. It’s not too hot and not too cold. Just like the three bears.”