Heating Season Policies and Procedures

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. With respect to classrooms and offices, every effort will be made to meet this range before entering these spaces at the start of the day.

Interior Space Temperature (unoccupied): During regular, non-scheduled hours such as evenings, space temperature will be set at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Consideration will be given to special equipment requirements. Whenever feasible, temperatures may be set lower.

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

Supplemental Electric Heaters: When improperly used, electric heaters can be dangerous, and should be used only under controlled circumstances. Therefore, use of electric heaters is allowed only temporarily and with the approval of facilities and grounds. In the case of emergency after hours, Campus Safety and Wellbeing staff may call residence life on-call staff to issue temporary portable heaters.

Room Furniture Placement: Furnishings must be kept a minimum of 6" from the thermostat to insure 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 opened to cool spaces. Please notify facilities and grounds if the heat is not functioning properly.

Assisting Our Sustainable Energy Efforts

Lighting

• Turn lights off when leaving the room
• Avoid the use of non-essential decorative lighting
• Turn lights off in occupied room when daylight is sufficient
• Use energy-efficient lighting in all applications

Heat and Cooling

• Reduce temperature in unoccupied space whenever possible (heating season)
• Notify facilities and grounds if the system is not operating properly
• Review your room schedule with facilities and grounds to insure maximum energy efficiency is achieved
• Keep exterior windows and doors closed when the heat or air conditioning is operating

General

• Turn personal computers off when leaving. (Check with help desk or owners manual) Frequent cycling of modern computers does not harm the equipment.
• Minimize the use of personal refrigerators, hot plates, and microwave ovens
• Encourage fellow faculty, staff, and students to conserve energy

Notify facilities and grounds and/or Special Programs of schedule changes or special needs.