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The purpose of this policy is to establish temperature conditions that provide a comfortable and productive environment while controlling energy costs and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
The purpose of this policy is to establish temperature conditions that provide a comfortable and productive environment while controlling energy costs and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Deviations from this policy must be approved by Facilities Operations and Management (FO&M). This policy applies to the General plant Undergraduate College, research and athletic facilities (administrative, academic, arts, athletic, and support facilities) – see building list at the end of this Policy. Professional schools (Tuck School, Thayer School, Geisel School of Medicine) and the Office of Residential Life set policies based on their own facility requirements.
In general, indoor temperatures, and in some cases humidity levels, are controlled by building automation systems managed by FO&M. The overall goal is to have the temperature of offices and similar spaces controlled within a range of 69°F (heating) to 75°F (cooling) throughout the year while using minimum amounts of energy. Typically occupants do not have the ability to select specific temperature set points within this range. These space temperature settings are based upon the State of New Hampshire Energy Code and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) research and guidelines for comfort conditions for typical indoor activities.
Spaces such as laboratories, museums, server rooms, and other spaces where specialized temperature and/or humidity requirements exist, will have conditions controlled based on the functional requirements of their program.
Classrooms and event spaces are controlled based on the nature of the event and may require sub-cooling prior to occupancy to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout an event.
Building occupants can contribute to their own comfort by wearing seasonably appropriate clothing and making sure that windows, storm windows, shades and blinds work and are positioned appropriately for the season.
FO&M implements this Policy via a continuous commissioning program to improve building system performance and energy efficiency.
Our goal is to maintain a space temperature of 69°F. Due to the accuracy of thermostats and sensing devices, temperatures may fluctuate within or between spaces. If the temperature consistently drops below 68°F, please contact FO&M's Work Control office.
If the space is not maintained at our minimum goal, FO&M will make necessary adjustments to the system or provide supplemental heating until the problem can be fixed. FO&M may need to place a temperature recording device in the space to monitor conditions and help identify the problem.
Electric heaters: Electric heaters may be temporarily provided by FO&M if necessary to supplement heating. Heaters are only allowed with the authorization of FO&M. Campus departments and occupants may not purchase or install supplemental heating devices. These devices can be dangerously misused and are allowed only under controlled circumstances. Unapproved space heaters will be removed by FO&M.
Seasonal Activation and De-activation of Heating: Dates when heating systems are activated vary slightly each year based upon weather and activities in the buildings. During September or October, when an extended cold period is forecast, FO&M will activate the heat for the season. In May, when daytime temperatures stabilize, heating is generally deactivated for the season.
During the winter, temperatures in storerooms, stairwells and other unoccupied areas may be kept in the 45°F to 55°F range.
Air Conditioned Spaces: In buildings with central air conditioning systems, space temperatures will typically range between 75°F and 69°F. Due to the accuracy of sensing devices, and/or humidity control requirements, temperatures may fluctuate within or between spaces. Buildings with reheat systems may experience space temperatures lower than 75°F. While this may appear inefficient, it is a result of system design and is less expensive than heating spaces up to 75°F.
If temperatures should rise above 78°F or drop below 68°F for an extended period, please contact FO&M's Work Control at 6-2508.
Non-Air Conditioned Spaces: In non-air conditioned spaces, occupants will need to rely on ventilation from fans and open windows to maintain reasonable working conditions. During periods of high heat and humidity, individuals will have to cope as best they can with temporarily uncomfortable working conditions. During these periods, managers are urged to consider turning off unnecessary lights and electronic equipment, relaxing the dress code, adjust working hours and making other adjustments if possible.
Supplemental Air Conditioning Units: Departments may contact FO&M to request seasonal installation of freestanding or window air conditioning units. Supplemental freestanding units provide temperature relief but may not perform consistently under high humidity conditions. Departments will be responsible for paying for the unit, seasonal installation and removal costs, an energy surcharge, and any electrical upgrade required for the unit. Freestanding units are typically installed on an annual basis from late May - early June and removed from mid-September to mid-October. Due to safety and permitting concerns, departments are not allowed to install supplemental air conditioning units. If a department is interested in this program, please contact Work Control for further information.
Note that in some buildings the HVAC systems are designed to seasonally switch between heating and cooling (air conditioning). Therefore air conditioning cannot be provided until the heating system is de-activated.
Temperatures in offices and common spaces may be allowed to drift outside the 69°F to 75°F range during unoccupied periods. Unoccupied temperature ranges will be evaluated, set, and controlled by FO&M to ensure that space temperatures do not drift excessively and that they are back within normal range by the time of scheduled occupancy.
Regardless of the season, one of the most frequent causes of temperature complaints is a window or storm window that is left open. If you find that your space is uncomfortable, please check the window and storm window to ensure that it is closed. If it is open, please close the windows and allow an hour for the system to adjust. If the window cannot be closed, please contact FO&M's Work Control at 6-2508.
IIn many cases, FO&M responds to calls and finds office furniture, books, or boxes blocking radiators or fan coil units impacting the ability of the systems to deliver heat or cooling. Please keep these devices clear of furniture, books and equipment. In older buildings, individuals seated adjacent to large windows during the winter may experience a radiant cooling effect, making them feel uncomfortable regardless of the temperature in the space.
If you have questions about how your particular building operates and how the controls are set up, please email F&OM. A representative from FO&M will respond to your inquiry and explain the systems in your building.
If heating or cooling systems are not performing adequately, please contact FO&M's Work Control at 6-2508.