Fall Heat, Windows, and Clocks

Colder weather is coming, and the Facilities Team has begun the process to restart the campus heating system, the process will take several days over the course of this week and next; if you find your heat is not working properly, simply fill out a SchoolDude work order.  Residential students should contact their Resident Advisor (RA) for assistance with submitting a work order and addressing the issue.

As you may recall, the university conducted a ventilation assessment last year and updated or enhanced air handling systems throughout campus spaces to increase the flow of outside air in classrooms, labs, and residence halls to reduce the risk of virus transmission through the air.  Opening windows is still the simplest way to get fresh air into our buildings.

Although we recognize that keeping windows open in cold weather while the heat is on can reduce comfort and goes against our usual sustainability practices, maintaining a flow of fresh air into our spaces remains important.

So please, if you open windows for fresh air:

• Close windows completely when leaving a space overnight or for more than a few hours.
• Close residence hall windows completely when leaving for class or other activities outside your room.

Closing windows when leaving a space is critically important during winter because in many spaces, heating coils and plumbing are near windows and can freeze when exposed to cold outside air. Extensive damage can result to buildings if pipes or coils freeze and burst. We appreciate everyone’s extra diligence in monitoring open windows and freezing temperatures during these extraordinary times.

Clocks

Don’t forget: Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 2 am, which means it’s time for Facilities to change the clocks all around campus. If you are on campus and notice a clock that was accidently missed, please email facilities@wpi.edu or call x 5500 and they’ll make sure it gets changed.