How to adjust the temperature 

Upper-class Student Housing

Students who located in our upperclassmen housing are able to change the temperature in your room. However, to conserve energy, we ask that you use the following protocol for adjusting the thermostat in your room. 

In the summer:

1. Set your thermostat to A/C
2. Adjust the temperature to 70-78 Fahrenheit
3. Always set the fan on AUTO mode 

In the winter:

1. Set you thermostat to HEAT
2. Adjust the temperature to 68-72 Fahrenheit
3. Always set the fan on AUTO mode 

Tips

• Avoid turning the thermostat OFF/ON. Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. 
• When the thermostat is on AUTO, the fan only turns on when cooling or heating is required. That means the AC fan kicks in when needed and stops running when the job is done. If the temperature changes in the room, the AC fan will turn on to re-adjust the temperature set on the thermostat. 

First-Year Student Housing

Many of our first-year residence halls are built with central air units that do not allow students to adjust the temperature in their spaces. As the weather begins to grow colder in the fall and warm again in the spring, our facility team monitors weather forecasts prior to determining when the air is turned from cool to heat. This switch usually occurs in mid-October when the nightly lows reach the desired level. When that switch is scheduled, students in those buildings can anticipate an e-mail advising of the switch to warmer air in the fall and cooler air in the spring. 

Microbial Growth

Microbial growth is a common environmental fungus. Given its natural presence everywhere we live and work, mold can grow and become obvious when conditions (mold spores, moisture, and food) are present to support growth. 

Per Housing and Residence Life protocol, Environment Health and Safety (EHS) inspects areas with suspected microbial growth. A report is then provided to Housing and Residence Life noting any repairs or actions that need to be taken in order to address the issue. 

It is important that you take the following action to help prevent the growth of mold in your living space: 

• Ensure that your area is well ventilated to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. This includes using a fan and keeping interior doors open in suites and apartments to increase the air flow throughout the space. 
•  Ensure proper air conditioning. Set your air conditioner to about 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit during the hot summer months and keep your living space warm in cool weather.  
• Set the AC fan mode to “auto”, not to “on”. When the fan is set to “on”, it runs continuously and does not allow enough time for the moisture that condenses onto the evaporator coil during the cooling cycle to drain off – it is re-evaporated and blown back into the living space, increasing the humidity level. Also, AC units should not be blocked be refrigerators, furniture, or other large items to allow for maximum air flow throughout the space. Close windows and doors when your AC unit is running. If the doors and windows are open, warm, humid outdoor air will enter your cooler space and cause condensation.
•  Take care of condensation. Mold thrives on surfaces with condensation, such as windows, metal pipes, and concrete walls. To reduce condensation in your space, you need to keep the indoor temperature higher and the relative humidity inside your space lower. If you notice condensation, make sure you dry the surface immediately; 
• Clean, dust, and disinfect surfaces. Frequent cleaning helps remove the mold spores from household surfaces and considerably reduces the dirt and grime (excellent sources of organic food for the harmful fungi) in living spaces Therefore, you are strongly recommended to wash and disinfect plastic, metal, glass, stone, tile and other hard surfaces in your space on a regular basis and dry them well immediately after cleaning. It has been found that about 80% of household mold grows on dust.
• Food and drinks should be properly stored and not left open on surfaces. 
• If you have any plants in your space, please make sure that they are properly watered and any dead leaves/debris is cleaned up.
• Promptly take care of wet clothing and towels by washing and thoroughly drying these items. 
• For cleaning of kitchens and private bathrooms use an appropriate anti-microbial disinfectant like 10% bleach, and, 90% water solution. If you are uncomfortable using a bleach solution, bleach alternatives are available in most local stores. When cleaning, wear non-porous gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from splash and contact with cleaning products.