Heat in Residence Halls FAQ

The College turns the heat on each year when the outside temperatures drop consistently below 55 degrees on a regular basis. Since it is based on weather, there is no predetermined day, but it usually falls during late September or early October.

The heat in residence halls is set to maintain a temperature between 65 and 70 degrees.

In the majority of residence halls, we are not able to control the heat on a room-by-room basis. The heat in the residence halls operates on two or more zones depending on factors such as relationship to the sun and location of the room within the building. Outside air temperature, room size, number of windows, number of exterior walls, number of people, and amount and placement of furniture in a room all impact the temperature.

The radiators are not warm all the time. When the sensor reads that the temperature in your zone is correct, the heat to the radiators will stop until the sensor reads a temperature that is below the set point.

First, you can check on a couple possible causes.

• Is the outside temperature much warmer today than yesterday? (The heating system in a large building can be slower to adjust to fluctuating outside temperatures. This can be a particular problem in the fall and spring when the daily highs can vary by 20 or 30 )
• Is there a window or door open elsewhere in the building that could be activating the heat?

If these do not seem to be the cause, please submit a work order request, contact Facilities Services at 207-859-5000, or if after hours contact Colby Security at 207-859-5530. Please ensure that you provide your name, phone number, building, room number, type of problem, and what parts of the building are impacted.

DO NOT simply open the window. It wastes energy, it will not solve the problem and may, in fact, make it worse.

First, you can check on a couple possible causes.

• Make sure that the radiator or baseboard heat is not obstructed. If furniture is placed directly in front of the heat, pull it away from the wall to allow the air to circulate.
• Check to make sure that there are no heat producing items (i.e. refrigerator, computer, or lamp) are placed in front of a thermostat or sensor. This would give a false reading of warm temperatures to the thermostat/sensor.
• Check to make sure that there are no windows open. When closed, windows must be securely latched. If you have a storm window, ensure it is down and locked as well.
• Ensure you are dressed for the season. In shorts and a t-shirt many people feel chilly at 65-70 degrees.

If these do not seem to be the cause, please submit a work order request, contact Facilities Services at 207-859-5000 or contact Colby Security at 207-859-5530 if after hours. Please ensure that you provide your name, phone number, building, room number, type of problem, and what parts of the building are impacted.