Temperature Control

Control Technicians Group
The Control Technicians operate and maintain the temperature control equipment that allows the campus to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Thermostats
We strive to maintain comfortable conditions for everyone on campus. Most campus users will have a local thermostat on the wall of their classroom, office or research space. There are over 5,000 thermostats and room temperature sensors which are maintained by our shop. If you think that you have a problem with your thermostat (perhaps it is hissing) please contact fmp.service.centre or (613) 520-3668 and someone will be scheduled to have a look at it.

Building Automation System
Most buildings on campus are controlled with a computer-based system referred to as a Building Automation System (BAS). Our BAS is programmed to optimize the room space temperature while managing the amount of primary energy (natural gas and electricity) used to maintain that temperature. The BAS is also utilized to monitor critical alarms for temperature and even some research equipment. When an alarm comes in, the appropriate persons are notified and corrective action is taken.

Seasonal Switchover to Cooling in Campus Buildings
Annually, Facilities Management and Planning does a systems switchover from heating to cooling taking into account two important constraints:
(1) three consecutive days of 25 degrees Celsius outside temperature, and
(2) weather projections for the next 14 days.

We have to take into account that if we were to start the cooling systems and subsequently have water freeze in the cooling towers and pipes, this could inflict major damage to the mechanical parts of the systems, delaying cooling for the season while systems are repaired – and we do not want to do that.

The switchover process usually starts mid May. However, temperatures and weather forecasts are monitored taken into consideration.

The changeover to cooling is performed on the basis of priorities established to

Provide comfort to students living in University Residences,
Maintain required temperatures to protect equipment and research in progress, and
Serve the greatest number of individuals and activities.

Facilities Management and Planning appreciates your patience during these switch over periods