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Friday, March 26, 2010

Classroom Heating and Cooling

Classrooms on the Twin Cities campus may experience fluctuations in their normal temperature range throughout the year, especially during seasonal weather transition periods. The Office of Classroom Management and Facilities Management are committed to providing the best possible teaching and learning environment for University faculty and students. If you feel the temperature in your classroom is either too high or low, please contact the Classroom Support Hotline at 612-625-1086.

The following is a note from Facilities Management regarding the transition from heating to cooling in campus buildings.


With warmer weather just around the corner FM has begun transitioning buildings from heating to cooling season -- a process that takes several weeks. We will be posting daily updates to FM District Heating-to-Cooling Plans at the following links:

East
Bank District

Health
Sciences District

North-West
District

St.
Paul District



Unlike your home, the U's conversion process is not as simple as flipping a switch on an air conditioning unit. First, we drain antifreeze from the system. Then, we clean and test both pipes and pumps. Finally, cooling towers and coils are filled with water. 


The towers and coils can't be filled too early because they can crack if night time temperatures dip below 29 degrees. If a coil breaks, it must be custom ordered and can leave an area without cooling for up to six weeks.


Despite our best efforts, some spaces may experience uncomfortable temperatures for a limited time.  Our goal is to minimize this exposure.