PSA: That overheard comment about school HVAC systems got me thinking

I was at a teacher training last week in Austin and overheard two facilities guys talking about how they run the AC at 50% capacity on weekends and holidays. They said it saved the district about $12,000 a year just from one middle school. It made me realize I never think about the energy waste when buildings are half empty. So I started checking our school's thermostat schedule on Friday afternoons and adjusting it before I leave. Turns out the custodial staff didn't even know they could override the default settings. Has anyone else looked into their workplace or school's off-hours energy use? What did you find?

2 comments

2 Comments

ivan_mason17d ago

Wait, you mean the custodians didn't even know they could change the thermostat? That's wild, seems like a huge oversight by the district. I can't believe a simple schedule change saves twelve grand a year with zero effort.

bennett.nora17d ago

Right, because obviously the custodial staff memorizing the thermostat manual was the top priority before this. But hey, twelve grand a year in savings with zero effort? That's basically free money just sitting in a control panel. Probably the best return on investment since someone figured out you can just unplug the vending machine at night.