Most student housing units use stand-alone thermostats. These let you change the temperature, but they are already programmed by Housing/Facilities.

• ✔ OKAdjust the temperature up or down within the normal range.
• ✘ Not OKEntering programming/installer menus or resetting the thermostat.

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Tampering with thermostat programming can cause the unit to stop working correctly and may result in disciplinary action.

Your thermostat fan setting should almost always be on AUTO.

• AUTO – Fan runs only when heating or cooling (this is what you want).
• ON – Fan runs all the time, even when not cooling/heating.

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When set to ON, the fan can pull extra humidity into your room. This moisture can lead to condensation, musty odors, and mildew on walls and belongings. Keep the fan on AUTO.

Many rooms have operable windows, but in Texas the outdoor air is often hot and very humid.

• Humidity from outside air can collect on cold surfaces indoors.
• This leads to condensation, mildew, and extra work for the AC.
• Open windows can also throw off the room’s temperature control.

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For best comfort and to reduce moisture problems, keep windows closed while the air conditioning is running and avoid leaving them open for long periods.

Personal space heaters are not permitted in student housing or campus buildings.

• 🔥 Fire hazard – They are a common source of building fires.
• ⚡ Electrical load – They can overload circuits and trip breakers.
• 🌡️ HVAC interference – They confuse temperature sensors and reduce system performance.
• 💸 Energy waste – They use a large amount of electricity.

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Instead of using a space heater, submit a Housing or Facilities request if your room is too cold. We will check the HVAC system and make adjustments as needed.

Contact Housing staff or submit a Facilities request if you notice:

• Persistent hot or cold conditions, even after reasonable thermostat adjustments.
• Visible moisture, condensation, or mildew in your room.
• A thermostat that appears broken, unresponsive, or damaged.
• Unusual HVAC odors or noises.

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Help us keep your space safe and comfortable—report issues early so we can address them quickly.