Temperature Control

Building Operations Technician Group

Our Building Operations Technicians play a crucial role in operating and maintaining the temperature control equipment that ensures campus comfort throughout the seasons. If you encounter any heating or cooling issues, please contact our FMP Service Centre (ext. 3668) for assistance.

Thermostats

We strive to provide a comfortable environment for everyone on campus. Most campus spaces, such as classrooms, offices, and research areas, are equipped with local thermostats on the wall. We manage and maintain over 5,000 thermostats and room temperature sensors through our facility shop.

If you suspect an issue with your thermostat, for example, if it’s making unusual noises like hissing, please don’t hesitate to contact the FMP Service Centre (ext. 3668). We will promptly schedule a technician to inspect and address the concern.

Building Automation System

Most buildings on campus are managed through a computer-based system known as the Building Automation System (BAS). Our BAS is intelligently programmed to optimize room temperatures while efficiently managing the consumption of primary energy sources like natural gas and electricity for temperature control. Additionally, the BAS serves to monitor critical alarms, including temperature fluctuations and specific research equipment. In case of an alarm, the system promptly notifies the appropriate personnel, ensuring swift corrective actions are taken.

Seasonal Switchover to Cooling in Campus Buildings

Every year, our FMP team carries out a systems switchover from heating to cooling in May and cooling to heating in October.   This process involves many behind the scene activities and recently Carleton University has upgraded some of their HVAC systems so that they can be more adaptable to ever changing weather conditions. The process starts with examining weather forecasts and building conditions

1. Weather Projections: Weather forecasts for the next 14 days are essential. Starting the cooling systems too early and having water freeze in the cooling towers and pipes can lead to significant damage to the mechanical components, causing delays and the need for repairs.  Switching to heating too early can also lead to not having cooling available on hot autumn days.

Typically, the switchover process begins in mid-May for cooling and early October for heating. However, we continuously monitor temperatures, weather forecasts, and adapt our response accordingly.

For the transition, we follow these established priorities:

1. Student Comfort: Ensuring a comfortable environment for students in residence.
2. Equipment and Research Protection: Maintaining required temperatures to safeguard equipment and ongoing research.
3. General Campus Service: Serving the broader campus community and activities effectively.