| |
|
|
from the issue of June 14, 2007
|
| |
|
|
| |
Thermostats, cooling systems adjusted to curtail energy costs
BY TROY FEDDERSON, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
UNL is trimming summer cooling costs through minor adjustments to some campus thermostats and cooling systems.
According to Kirk Conger, energy projects manager for Facilities Management and Planning, thermostat "deadband sensitivity" (the point at which heating and cooling units respond to temperature settings) is being reduced in units that feature electronic controls. The change - gradually being completed in City and East campus buildings - will allow room temperatures to float within a couple of degrees of set point, rather than the half degree normally maintained.
"We are experimenting with the settings so they do not respond quite as fast to small temperature changes," Conger said. "This is going to impact classroom and office buildings across both campuses. Most lab buildings and other buildings exempt from the ventilation curtailment policy will not be affected because they need to maintain constant temperatures."
According to Department of Energy estimates, adjusting a thermostat by one degree (warmer in the summer, cooler in the winter) can trim annual energy costs by 3 to 4 percent.
In buildings that lack electronic thermostats, cooling system temperatures will be raised a few degrees where possible.
Conger said UNL faculty, staff and students might notice that offices and classrooms are slightly warmer this summer, with thermostat settings of 75 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Building System Maintenance will not respond to temperature problems unless a room is consistently 78 degrees or warmer.
Along with the thermostat change, campus heating systems have been reduced or disabled. Conger said that change might result in offices being cooler in the morning.
"We don't think any of the changes will make huge impacts on campus," Conger said. "These are methods to save on energy costs and that's something we simply must take advantage of."
To counter the slightly warmer office temperatures, Building System Maintenance has offered a number of suggestions, including: dressing for increased temperatures; turning off computers and monitors when not in use or setting them to automatically go to standby; dimming or turning off lights; closing drapes or blinds; and unplugging unneeded appliances. Faculty and staff are reminded that most campus ventilation systems do not work as efficiently when windows are opened. However, if a window is opened, be sure to close and lock it before leaving for the day. Also make sure lab hood sashes are closed when possible.
GO TO: ISSUE OF JUNE 14
NEWS HEADLINES FOR JUNE 14
Jazz ‘n Blooms
'Bright Idea' grows into brain injury support group
Manderscheid named Arts and Sciences dean
Shutterbugs' gift develops photo chair
Regents proposal to examine Whittier remodel
Thermostats, cooling systems adjusted to curtail energy costs
'Torn Notebook' rehab complete
UNL upgrading 'clicker' technology
732841S37090X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|