As students rush through the halls of North Atlanta, thoughts of upcoming tests, assignments, and social activities fill their minds. Rarely do they pause to consider the intricate infrastructure that operates behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth functioning environment for everyone.
One crucial aspect often overlooked by students is the complex web of systems that control the climate within the building. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a pivotal role in maintaining a comfortable and conducive learning environment. According to the most recent school assessment report, rooftop package units provide heating. Cooling, on the other hand, is supplied by cooling towers and chillers. Controls and instrumentation are digital and are centrally controlled by an energy management system. This explains the often fluctuating temperatures of the school.
The anticipated cost of essential school repairs over the next ten years looms at $2,765,243, with the replacement value of the entire school estimated to be a staggering $126,892,141. The sector requiring the most attention is “Conveying,” encompassing hydraulic and traction elevators and wheelchair lifts, with an estimated $2 million required for repairs. Following behind that is “Interior Finishes,” demanding $456,000, and “Electrical Repairs and Upgrades,” calling for an investment of around $160,000. Students have varying opinions about the triage of the various sectors of improvement. Sophomore Elizabeth Nilson suggests directing substantial funds to the exterior enclosure and electrical…
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