Cold weather and heating
Heating a large building like a residence hall is complex and can be delayed by the unpredictability of Iowa autumns, where cooler days are often followed by sudden warm days. These variations can prevent our systems from operating at full capacity until consistently cooler temperatures settle in. As a result, it’s not uncommon for residence halls to feel colder before the heating system fully kicks in.
Heat process in the halls
Once Facility Services begins the process of turning on the heat in the residence halls, typically during Block 2 or 3, it is a multi-week process. Within the first few days, you should notice the temperature rising inside. Buildings with forced air systems, like apartments and suites (such as Russell Hall), may experience heat more quickly as those systems warm up faster. However, buildings that use giant boilers to cycle hot water pipes through the rooms may take longer to feel the effects of the heat.
Troubleshooting heat issues
During this multi-week process, we recommend using the blankets and warmer clothing you packed (refer to our suggested packing list for more essential items). Once the heat is fully running, you can ensure your room warms efficiently by doing the following:
- Remove all items from the top of your radiator and pull your furniture away from it to encourage proper airflow. Radiators draw cold air through the bottom and release hot air from the top, so obstructions can prevent your room from heating properly.
- Make sure your windows are fully closed and locked especially when your room is unoccupied. Leaving windows open can cause pipes to freeze, which can result in water damage to your room and surrounding areas. Some windows open at the top, so you may need to push up the top pane to lock them securely.
- If your room has a thermostat, keep heat-producing items like computers and refrigerators away from it, as they can trick the system into thinking your room is warmer than it actually is.
If your heater is warm to the touch, it’s working. Following the steps above should help improve airflow and heat in your room.
New clicking noises
You may also hear knocking or other noises from your radiator or heating panels on the ceiling as the steam pushes air out of the lines. These sounds should decrease as the system stabilizes. However, if loud noises persist after four weeks, submit a work order to have the air bled from the water line. Residents can submit their own work order to request repair, or a resident assistant (RA) can assist or teach you how to do it yourself.
Temperature adjustments
For rooms with thermostats (e.g., Pauley-Rorem, Dows, Smith), we can adjust the temperature remotely if needed. Submit a work order if you want your room’s temperature adjusted within the range of 68 to 72 degrees.
Risk of opening freezing windows
Do not leave windows open during freezing temperatures when you are not awake, not aware, or not in your room. Our Facility Services remotely monitors room temperatures to prevent damage like frozen and burst pipes, excessive condensation that can contribute to mildew growth, and ice build up on the window interiors. These things can happen when your room drops below 55 degrees (Fahrenheit). If your room becomes to cold, college staff will investigate including knocking on, announcing our presence, and entering the room to investigate the problem. If it is an unmonitored open window, we will close it. If it is a serious heating malfunction, we will begin fixing it and let you know.
Repairs and help
If your radiator remains cool, or by Monday of Block 3, week 2, you feel your room isn’t being heated properly after following the steps above, contact your resident assistant (RA) so Facility Services can investigate.