It may still feel like summer outside, but cooler temperatures will be here before we know it. Remember WSU’s policies regarding space heaters and HVAC systems:
- WSU Policy 11.20 – Space Heaters generally prohibits the use of portable space heaters in campus buildings. There are good reasons for that policy: space heaters can create fire hazards, place additional loads on electrical systems and consume significant amounts of energy.
- WSU Policy 11.27 – HVAC Systems Standards also establishes temperature standards for campus buildings. During the heating season, occupied spaces are maintained at above 67 degrees, with a maximum set point of 68 degrees. During the cooling season, the standard is 76 degrees, plus or minus one.
It’s about more than just one office
Everyone’s comfort level is a little different. One person may be perfectly comfortable while someone else is reaching for a sweater. However, using a space heater in one part of a building can affect the comfort of people elsewhere.
Most of WSU’s HVAC systems are designed to work together as a building-wide system. A space heater can warm the area around a thermostat and cause that part of the HVAC system to reduce or stop heating, while another area of the building may still be cold. In other words, trying to make one office warmer can sometimes make another area colder.
There is also a financial reason to leave the space heater at home. Portable heaters use a significant amount of electricity, and avoiding unnecessary energy consumption helps reduce WSU’s utility costs and supports the university’s energy-conservation and sustainability efforts.
If your office is too cold
If your workspace doesn’t seem to be within the university’s temperature standards, contact Facilities Services and submit a work order. Facilities Services can check the temperature and determine whether an HVAC issue needs to be addressed.
Thank you for helping keep Wichita State safe, comfortable and energy conscious. Facilities Services appreciates everyone doing their part to protect the campus and Shocker community.
