Heating and Cooling System
Helm Building
Helm Building
Heat Type
Heat Pump
Heat Delivery
A heat pump is a device that conditions the air. The heat pump contains a valve which when turned one way acts as an air conditioner, while turned another reverses the flow of refrigerant and acts like a heater. In your building there are approximately 13 to 20 heat pumps on each floor, depending on the configuration of the space you occupy. Heat pumps draw air from your work space and pass the air through a coil where it is cooled or heated depending on the setting. The vents through which air is dispersed are called diffusers while the vents through which air is drawn out are called registers. These vents are located on the ceiling.
Heat Control
Thermostatic sensors have been installed in your building which collect temperature data. The data collected by these sensors determines whether the system needs to increase or decrease the amount of heated or cooled air coming into your office.
- Thermostatic Sensor Types and Locations
Thermostatic sensors are located thoughout your building, they are not however, contained in every office. Some thermostatic sensors do not display the temperature, they merely sense it, while others not only sense the temperature but display it as well. - Set Points
Thermostatic sensors which display temperature may be set to a desired temperature called a set point, provided it is within the standards articulated in the University Energy Conservation Initiatives. The set point for heating in your building can be between 68 and 72 degrees. The set point for cooling can be between 70 and 74 degrees. - Raising and Lowering the Set Point
To raise the set point press the button labeled "Warmer" until the desired temperature appears digitally. To lower the set point press the button labeled "Cooler" until the desire temperature appears. The heat pump will then cycle on or off to reach and maintain the set point temperature, within plus or minus one degree.
After Hours Heating and Cooling
The heating and cooling system automatically turns off after normal business hours. To activate the system after business hours, i.e. evenings, weekends, and other periods of extended absence please follow these guidelines:
- Locate the the thermostatic sensor which displays a temperature nearest to the office you wish to occupy.
- Press the button labeled "Manual On." which will result in the display of a number indicating the number of minutes the system will be activated.
- If desired, press the button again to increase the number of minutes to activate the system.
The system will then turn on to the set point previously established for the time period indicated
Tips for Occupants
If you occupy an office with a thermostatic sensor please follow these guidelines to help insure that the heating and cooling system in your building performs properly.
- Keep heat producing elements such as computer monitors, TV screens,etc., away from your sensor. Failure to do so will result in the artificial increase of the air temperature around the sensor and reduce the flow of heat or increase the flow of cooled air to the entire building.
- Keep your window closed when it is cold outside. If the temperature in your office drops because the window is open, the flow of heat will increase to the entire building based on the temperature in your office.
- Do not use a portable heater in your office. Portable heaters will increase the temperature in your office resulting in decreased heat dispersement to the rest of the building. Please note, portable heaters are prohibited in accordance with University Energy Conservation Initiatives.
- If your thermostat reads at a temperature above or below the set point, within plus or minus one degree, please contact the Facilities Service Center. Reporting the specifics of the problem, noting the date and time the problem first began will help to resolve the problem.
Reporting Problems
All heating and cooling problems should be reported to the Facilities Service Center. Technicians will be sent to your office to assess and repair the problem.