Keeping your room a comfortable temperature in a large, shared building is a little different than when living in a house or apartment. Below are some tips to help negotiate the various temperature controls as you get settled into your room.

Heating
All residence halls except Mayflower are heated with steam. When the outside air falls below a predetermined temperature, the main supply valves to the building are automatically opened to allow steam to circulate throughout the building.

In each residence hall room, the heat can be individually controlled. It is quite easy to do. There is a control valve to each radiator in each student room. These valves are either a black control knob on the lower right or left of your radiator (A) or behind a small hinged door on the radiator cabinet (B). Turn the valve counter-clockwise to increase the amount of steam to your radiator and heat the room to a high temperature. Turn the valve clockwise to decrease steam to your radiator and reduce the heat to your room.

Diagram of radiator control valve

Turn valve counterclockwise = more steam = more heat in room

Turn valve clockwise = less steam = less heat in room

Your room will be more evenly heated if you keep your desk, bed, boxes, etc. at least one foot away from the front and top of your radiator. It is important that there is unrestricted air flow around the radiator. Problems should be reported to your 24-hour desk.

Air Conditioning
Room air conditioners are provided in many residence hall rooms. Students may not bring their own units. Air conditioners are designed for use during the "cooling season" from April 15 - October 15. Requests for air conditioner repair or replacement are only acted upon during this time period. The following are detailed instructions on air conditioner operation. Report any problems by going to your 24-hour desk. Students should not make repairs themselves.

• Operate the unit only with the windows closed.
• Set the thermostat dial at 6; if this is too cool, decrease the setting to where it is comfortable.
• Never set the dial at the maximum setting for long periods of time.
• Keep the front of the unit free of drapes, posters, etc.
• Do not operate the unit when it is below freezing outdoors. If you do so, ice will form on the coils and the unit will be damaged. You will be charged for repairs.
• After turning the unit off, wait several minutes before restarting the air conditioner to avoid damaging the unit.
• Use the wall outlet specifically designed for your air conditioner. Other outlets in the room are not designed to handle the additional electrical load.