The Gables
HEATING
The Gables is not connected to the campus central heating system. Standalone boilers
burning number 2 fuel oil provide hot water for heating. There are plans to connect
the Gables to the natural gas pipeline in the future. The boilers at the Gables are
already "dual fuel" models, with the capability of burning natural gas when
available. Hot water baseboard radiation units provide heat in the Gables units.
The radiators have water control valves that are controlled by individual
thermostats in each unit.
If rooms are not warm enough during the winter, those problems are often caused by items blocking the natural convective flow of warm air from the radiators. That convective flow causes cool air at the floor level to be drawn into the bottom of the radiator as warm air rises from the top of the radiator. That sets up a circular pattern of warm air flowing up and out into the room.
If any items are located above the radiator, or on the floor in front of the radiator, the circular convective flow will be blocked and the room will not heat efficiently.
If rooms are too hot during the winter, the thermostat may be set too high or there may be an equipment failure that should be reported.
VENTILATION
There is a building-wide fan-forced ventilation
system. Large fan systems located on the roof provide ventilation air to the entire
building. The outdoor air is warmed using hot water from the local Gables boilers
before being introduced in the building. The ventilation air enters all corridors
and housing units.
DOMESTIC HOT WATER
Domestic hot water for sinks is heated by the same
local boilers that provide the heating hot water. Electric recirculating pumps
continuously circulate domestic hot water throughout the building complex, reducing the
waiting time for hot water to arrive when you open a faucet.
OPPORTUNITIES TO CONSERVE ENERGY
During the heating season:
Keep thermostats at conservative settings (68 -70) when you're in during the day, lower
when sleeping, and 60 when you'll be out for a while.
Do not block the floor in front of, or the area above, the heating radiators with any
furniture or other items.
Keep windows closed and tightly latched. Fresh air is provided by the fan-forced
ventilation systems.
During all seasons:
See the water conservation pages on this web site for ways to conserve water,
especially hot water.
Turn off all lights and electrical devices when leaving your unit.
Turn off lights in common areas when not in use.
See the "How to Conserve Energy at Home" link on the "Tips to
Conserve" page of this web site.
