Climate Control

Climate Control

• Reduce set temperature in unoccupied space whenever possible (heating season). Review your room schedule with Facilities and Grounds to ensure maximum energy efficiency is achieved.
• Notify Facilities and Grounds if the system is not operating properly
• Keep exterior windows and doors closed when the heat or air conditioning is operating
• Refrain from using unapproved heating or cooling devices.

Heating Policy: Occupied and Unoccupied

Interior Space Temperature Range (occupied): The space temperature range for residences, classrooms, offices, and public spaces is 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures may vary slightly due to building construction and control limitations. Concerning classrooms and offices, every effort will be made to meet this range before spaces are occupied at the start of the day.

Offices, Classrooms, and Common Spaces at night (after 8 p.m.), on weekends, and during scheduled shutdown periods, spaces may not be heated. Consideration will be given to work-related requirements and special equipment needs. In many of our buildings, heating one space also requires that a large, unused section of the building be heated. Therefore, individuals wishing to work during these times may be asked to relocate to an already heated building. The library, as an example, may be available to provide this service.

Student /Staff Living Space: Living quarters are considered occupied at all times except for summer break. Staff living quarters are considered occupied at all times during the period stated within each individual's contract. Students and staff are asked to reduce temperatures within their spaces when unoccupied if possible. We ask that particular attention be paid to energy conservation when leaving for extended periods.

Supplemental Electric Heaters: When improperly used, electric heaters can be dangerous, and should be used only under controlled circumstances. These appliances also use a lot of energy and are an inefficient way of heating space. Therefore, the use of electric heaters is allowed only temporarily and with the approval of Facilities and Grounds. In the case of an emergency after hours, Campus Safety and Wellbeing staff may call residence life on-call staff to issue temporary portable heaters. Facilities must be made aware via a work order so the use of space heaters remains limited.

Room Furniture Placement: Furnishings must be kept a minimum of 6 inches from the thermostat to ensure that over- or under-heating of the space does not occur. Likewise, furniture must be kept clear of heaters to avoid a fire hazard and to maximize heating efficiency within the space.

Exterior Windows and Doors: Exterior windows and doors should not be left open to cool overheated spaces in the heating season. Please notify Facilities and Grounds if the heat is not functioning properly.

Cooling Policy

Not all spaces on Campus have cooling but where we do the space temperature range for air-conditioned spaces is 74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In areas where large numbers of people are gathered such as classrooms and auditoriums, the target temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Consideration will be given to work-related requirements and special equipment needs. Temperatures may vary due to building construction and control limitations.

Interior Space Temperature (unoccupied): Wherever feasible, temperatures within unoccupied spaces will be allowed to rise to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures will be reset to 78 degrees Fahrenheit prior to occupancy.

Temperature Setback Policy: Extended Periods and Shutdowns: At night (after 8 p.m.), on weekends, and during scheduled shutdown periods, spaces will not be cooled. Consideration will be given to work-related requirements and special equipment needs. In some of our buildings, cooling one space also requires that a large, unused section of the building be cooled. Therefore, individuals wishing to work during these times may be asked to relocate to an already cooled building. The library, as an example, may be available to provide this service.

• Room Furniture Placement: Furnishings must be kept a minimum of 6" from the thermostat to insure that over or under-cooling of the space does not occur.
• Exterior Windows and Doors: Exterior doors and windows should be kept closed in spaces where air conditioning is in operation. In spaces where cooling is not provided, the use of fans and the opening of doors to regulate temperatures is encouraged.