Campus transitions to the cooling season
April 14, 2014
Facilities Management is reminding the campus community that building temperatures will vary over the next couple of weeks. The Division has begun the process of generating air conditioning and, because of the enormity of system, the switch can lead to a period of fluctuating temperatures.
As with most district (centralized) heating and cooling infrastructure, once there is a commitment to cooling, the process to revert to heating is equally costly and time-consuming and will only be performed in the fall. This large variation in outdoor air temperature presents the largest challenge of the spring and fall.
Facilities Management will continue to do its best to accommodate building occupants and maintain steady climate levels. The patience of the campus community is greatly appreciated and helps the members of the Division to keep focused on the task of providing comfortable studying, work, and research spaces.
Update: April 21, 2014
The chillers (for air conditioning) are being tested for operation today.
A chilled water leak has been detected, affecting air conditioning service to the follow buildings; Delaware Hall, Labatt Visual Arts, Music Building, North Campus Building, Staging Building, Talbot College. With moderate outdoor air temperatures forecasted this week, it is expected that there will be little impact on building occupants.
Work has begun to excavate and repair the damaged section of pipeline, however, no timeline for completion is available. Thank you for your patience.
Update: April 28, 2014 - Repairs complete
Service has been restored to Delaware Hall, Labatt Visual Arts, Music Building, North Campus Building, Staging Building, Talbot College following repairs to a leak affecting the chilled water main feed. Preparations for providing air conditioning to buildings on campus continues.
