Beginning the Transition from Cooling to Heating in Campus Facilities

The annual transition from cooling to heating is underway in campus buildings. This process can take several weeks to ensure all facilities make the conversion and are operating correctly. F&S team members are working steadily to get all systems running, although the process can vary from facility to facility. Many perimeter heating systems across the Urbana campus are automated, and operation is enabled based on outside air temperature readings. Steam and hot water service equipment, especially in older buildings, must be brought up slowly and, once started, kept at a constant temperature to confirm proper performance. Also, some facilities may have multiple systems that must be brought online jointly.

Hot/Cold Temperature Reporting and Occupancy Scheduling

Remember to contact the F&S Energy Management Control Center (EMCC) fandsenergycomm@illinois.edu, 217-244-3783, for questions or to report any significant hot/cold issues in campus facilities as soon as those situations are discovered. Facility managers and liaisons should continue collaborating with departments to review current occupancy scheduling options for building spaces and coordinate with the EMCC to manage mechanical systems during periods of decreased or limited building activity. Your patience and assistance are greatly appreciated as crews perform this temperature control work. Thanks for supporting this yearly effort, which benefits energy conservation strategies, enhances system reliability, and safeguards campus equipment and resources.