For several months, various classrooms have experienced extreme temperatures, fluctuating from 60 ̊ to as high as 85 °F. This unpredictable environment has created an uncomfortable atmosphere for students and staff alike, with many having to move their classrooms outside to the hubs to seek relief from the extreme temperatures. These swings have disrupted lessons, causing unrest during the school day.
Mr. Tan Maholaream, Meridian’s Building Services Supervisor, oversees the Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems and regulates the central control system.
He explained that the current problem with the HVAC system is a result of difficulties with a central part called the compressor, and there are issues with getting a new one.
In January, Mahloream stated that the compressor should arrive by Feb. 3. However, the part is still on backorder, with no set date for when it is expected.
The current issues have sparked complaints among staff.
“There have been concerns about the temperature in this building from the day that we moved in,” Principal Peter Laub said.
Many teachers are irritated as they have been required to work in this uncomfortable setting. “It’s unbelievably frustrating,” I&S teacher, Mr. Mark Deal commented.
Some teachers find the fluctuations unpredictable and have to adjust hour-by- hour.
“My room in the morning is a tundra, and by mid-afternoon, we’re on the equator, so I have to dress for both climates,” biology teacher Mrs. Kishwar Rafique said. “My door is warped and doesn’t close properly anymore. It is just sticky in my room and doing labs has become very impossible.”
Students also struggle with the intense heat in classes.
“I have Psychology block eight so we are already tired at the end of the day and the heat makes it much harder to focus,” junior Hannah Fazio commented. “Our teacher also struggles with the heat, and one time it was so bad we had to go into the hall, but it was so noisy and distracting. This problem definitely needs to get fixed.”
The struggle with extreme temperatures highlights a deeper issue with the HVAC system.
In his professional opinion, Mr. Maholaream speculates that the issue is because the HVAC system is not designed to handle both heating and cooling demands at the same time, leading to overuse and failure of the compressor over time.
The compressor’s job is to circulate Freon — a type of refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat energy — allowing the system to cool or heat the air. If the compressor fails, then there is no refrigeration circulation and the refrigerant does not move effectively throughout the system.
Generally, maintenance on HVAC systems should occur every six months. However, it is unclear if these are occurring regularly at Meridian.
Pro Air — an HVAC commercial contractor — installed the original HVAC System when the school was built in 2021. However, after the standard one-year warranty expired, Pro Air was no longer required to be involved with the school.
Premier Systems — a company with expertise in HVAC systems — asserts that compressors should typically last up to 15 years, or more, with proper maintenance.
If so, why did a four- year-old compressor in a brand-new building burn out so quickly?
While the past few months have been challenging, this is not the first time Meridian has faced climate control problems.
“Last school year there was an issue… and we needed to get a compressor part,” Mr. Laub recalled. “And it was in another location, the other half of the fourth floor.”
However, Mr. Laub does not know if this is connected to the current issue or not. “It’s a huge problem… It’s something I’d like to know broadly about…Did we buy a lemon? Is it a bad HVAC system? Do we need to completely replace it to make it work?”
