68˚F is a special temperature: the lowest you should be able to set the temperature control in a centrally air conditioned building on campus. This value is known as the "minimum setpoint" of the thermostats, and if the thermostat is working properly, you can't set the temperature below 68˚F. This is, in part, due to energy reasons related to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment that President Joseph E. Aoun signed.
If your thermostat goes below 68˚F you have more freedom in temperature control than you should have. If your thermostat does not go down to 68˚F (for example: it only goes down to 70˚F) then call Facilities at 617-373-2754, enter a Work Order online, or send us an e-mail and include your room number, building, and phone number and we'll get the problem fixed for you.
4 comments:
This temperature has been steady since the summer of 2006, when temperatures used to be set at 72 degrees during daytime hours and 76 degrees during nighttime hours in NU enhanced housing. RSA worked to get it a little bit more comfortable, and it has been cooler ever since!
I think with the amount we pay for housing, there really should be no limit for cooling / heating. If you want 55 you should get it. If you want 85 you should get it.
It's good that we don't have a day/night difference anymore -- that would be more confusing. As for the not having a limit idea, most thermostats have a limit on their own. Commonly you'll see them go from 60-80 for temperature ranges. However, the limit exists to ensure that energy use doesn't skyrocket.
I like that this is the set temperature. It keeps the energy costs predictable and can contribute to our sustainability as a University. Just a fun fact: Rhodes University in Grahamstown South Africa has heatlamps as their only cooling/heating system even though temperatures get down to 30 degrees F at night! Their other cooling/heating system is extra blankets...
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