The email below is being sent to residents in the following halls:
Bishop
Emerson
Ethridge
Havighurst
Heritage Commons
Maple Street Station
Morris
Peabody
Tappan
Thompson
As the Ohio seasons change, we are entering the time of year when we experience warm day time temperatures, but cool nights. Unlike your house back home, your residence hall does not have “heat on demand” in that the entire heating and cooling system for the hall must be switched from cooling to heating before heat is available in your individual room. In an effort to keep your housing costs affordable by keeping utility costs in line, heating to the hall is typically not turned on until we experience several continuous night time temperatures dipping below 50 degrees.
Because different individuals may experience/require different comfort levels, we encourage you to take appropriate steps to stay comfortable at night during the fall’s temperature fluctuations. These steps include:
-Keeping your room window and shade pulled closed once the sun goes down
-Closing common area windows in bathrooms, stairwells, living rooms; these are the primary reasons for heat loss to the building during nighttime hours;
-Wear appropriate, warm clothes and socks while in your room and while you sleep;
-Use additional blankets and/or comforters on your bed as needed.
Some additional notes to be aware of:
-Please read the instructions posted on the wall near the heater on how to properly operate the heater in your room. If you have questions, see your RA for assistance;
-Ensure at least 12-18 inches are cleared in front of your room’s radiant heater. The heater will not work if ambient air is not able to enter and radiate up from the floor through the top of the heater. This may require moving beds, furniture, storage containers, book bags, etc., ~ 12-18” away from the heater. Last year, most “no heat” -Work Order repair calls were actually the result of residents not creating air adequate space in front of the heater for it to work properly;
-Halls with window air conditioner units will not be removed. Please submit a Repair Request (www.miamioh.edu/housingcontract) if your window a/c unit has large gaps around it and/or if your window is missing its black foam insulation strip to ensure cold air entering the room is minimized;
-Space heaters are not permitted in resident rooms due to fire safety regulations.
Taking a few moments each day to address these simple steps that will ensure your hall will remain comfortable through the night time hours will benefit everyone! Thanks in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
Miami’s Campus Services Center
[email protected]