The types of systems installed within a building have an effect on the overall comfort levels throughout each of the spaces within the building. Similarly, the types and location of building controls and control systems, such as thermostats, along with other variables such as the room exposure (north, south, east, west), the room internal heat sources (lights, people, computers, etc.), are all factors that have an impact on overall space comfort and temperature.

For these reasons there may be a temperature swing from the intended university temperature policy heating and cooling set points. Also, certain research facilities may have differing temperature setpoints, which are dictated more by the nature of the work than by the temperature policy.

View the temperature policy

Seasonal Shifts in Climate

During the shoulder seasons in the spring and fall, it is important to remember to close your windows in the evening when temperatures are expected to drop. Not doing so can lead to a chilly building space in the morning. Additionally, refer to the air conditioning and heating changeover schedule to find out when your building's heat (in the fall) or air conditioning (in the spring) will be turned on.

Many of the campus buildings utilize heating and cooling systems that are of a changeover design, which allows for the system to provide for either cooling or heating depending upon the season, but not both at the same time. The changeover design is a concern during the shoulder seasons, as facilities management staff must manually change the operation of the building system from heating to cooling and vice versa. As this changeover process is time-consuming, the changeover schedule is annually set based on the building needs, outside air temperatures and anticipated weather forecasts.