Feb. 18, 2026 – When it comes to maintaining Team Duval’s air conditioners and heaters, the numbers speak for themselves. With more than 11,000 units, 213 chillers, and 142 boilers in 156 schools and eight administrative locations –– staff remain busy year-round.
Team Duval News received an inside look at how the district responds to HVAC maintenance requests. Much of this work begins with the Facilities and Maintenance Department using advanced technology to actively monitor and respond to requests.
“We come to work ready for the challenge every day,” said Will Sacarelos, Director of Facility Engineering and Energy. “We understand it’s an important role, and it's a large undertaking.”
Each day, staff gather in a large, open space inside the Schultz Center with more than a dozen workstations. On one wall, a large monitor lists every school and district site using a color-coded system to highlight problems and issues. Team members have access to the same display on their computers, with the ability to take a closer look at individual schools and sites.
As maintenance requests for air conditioners and heaters come in, staff use their software to virtually navigate through hallways, floors, vents, and classrooms. Their goal is to pinpoint the exact units and parts that need attention before technicians ever arrive on site.
“We typically try to know the issue before we get there,” he explained. “It’s really important for us to have the shortest amount of downtime possible, and our control systems help us do that.”
Once staff have an idea of what’s going on, technicians – both in-house and contracted – are deployed across the district. Armed with laptops, workers are able to take their technology on-site and continue troubleshooting problems.
While the goal is always the fastest response time possible, Sacarelos said timelines can vary depending on the time of year. During peak seasons, when temperatures are extremely hot or cold, the department receives hundreds of calls and emails daily. Older equipment and limited part availability can also lead to additional delays.
“The majority of our schools have old equipment,” he explained. “We have equipment that is 20-plus years old, and we’re still trying to maintain it until we can get the appropriate funding to replace it."
To manage the workload, the team prioritizes emergencies and issues that impact entire schools or vulnerable populations, such as ESE students. No matter the day, temperature, or season, Sacarelos said one thing remains constant: a commitment to providing the best possible learning and working environment for students and staff.
"We strive to maintain an environment where people don't even have to think about the temperature,” he said. “We want to find that issue before they even know about it, and get it resolved before they're aware.”