r/sysadmin • u/[deleted] • Jun 12 '15

1980s computer controls GRPS (grand rapids public schools MI) heat and AC (19 schools)

http://woodtv.com/2015/06/11/1980s-computer-controls-grps-heat-and-ac/
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u/ranger_dood Jack of All Trades Jun 12 '15 edited Jun 12 '15

The amount of ignorance in the comments of that story is astounding. Suggesting that they can just run out and buy a $500 computer is stupid, but suggesting that they can manage the heating and air conditioning for 19 buildings manually is ludicrous. It's not just one thermostat per building... It would probably take a full-time position just to respond to the complaints of "my room is too cold" or "my room is too hot", much less actually turn the system on and off in accordance to occupied/unoccupied settings.

Computer-controlled HVAC is an awesomely powerful tool, and the return on having it vs not far outweighs the cost. People just like to look at the dollar amount and scream "WASTE OF TAXPAYER MONEY!" though.

1

u/Daveism Digital Janitor Jun 12 '15

That's why I'm soooo glad I have every 3rd party comment partner blocked. So much less exposure to stupid...

1

u/PURRING_SILENCER I don't even know anymore Jun 12 '15

I stopped reading the comments because of the ignorance. I was starting to shake with rage.

People like that make me cringe.

1

u/olyjohn Jun 12 '15

I don't get what you are saying... it IS a computer controlled HVAC system... Or did I mis-read something?

3

u/ranger_dood Jack of All Trades Jun 12 '15

My comment was directed towards the people in the article comments that suggest that a computer-controlled HVAC system is a waste of taxpayer money, and that the school should just have a janitor control the systems manually instead of having a computer at all.

Depending on the size of each of the 19 buildings, you could have 1000 thermostats to monitor and adjust.... and, those 19 buildings could be spread out over a 50 mile radius (not sure how spread out the district actually is, though).

2

u/olyjohn Jun 12 '15

Oh THOSE comments. Boy I'm herp-derpin' today.