Heat and Cool Efficiently
To align with our Energy 2028 goal of reducing energy use by 25% at Middlebury College, the facilities department is trying a new approach to room comfort control.
The point of use concept will give the occupant some level of control of the space they occupy as well as ensure that spaces are not being heated and cooled while unoccupied.
Point of use controls are utilized across campus- from classrooms to offices to dorm rooms- and if used correctly can help us work toward our goal of 25% reduction in energy usage across campus.
Remember: point of use control systems turn on when they sense movement in a room or when you physically adjust the thermostat. Please give the system time to adjust to your expected temperature from the time that you enter a room!
Heating and Cooling Sustainably
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Be patient: give the system time to heat or cool your space before taking other actions like opening windows
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To understand your dorm or campus space’s specific heating and cooling system, navigate to Facilities’ “HVAC Instructions” webpage
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As a general rule, keep thermostat settings cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer (reducing the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures (68F in winter and 75F in summer are average recommendations)
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Turn off heating and cooling when away from your space
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Use fans to cool, if possible
How Does This Work Connect to the Bigger Picture?
Explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
