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FACILITIES · TEMPERATURE & COMFORT
🌡️ Too Hot, Too Cold? Here’s What to Know About Blinn’s HVAC Systems
Keeping classrooms, offices, housing, and common areas comfortable is a big job, and our heating and air-conditioning systems work hard behind the scenes every day. Because our campuses include many different types of buildings—some brand-new, others decades old—you may notice that temperature controls work a little differently from one place to another. This article explains how our HVAC systems function, what you can expect from thermostats, and how you can help keep your space comfortable.
1. Blinn Uses Several Types of HVAC Systems
Across the district, we operate a mix of heating and cooling equipment. Each type functions differently, which is why temperatures can respond differently from building to building.
Large Commercial 4-Pipe Hydronic Systems
• Common in our larger and newer academic buildings
• Use central chillers (cooling) and boilers (heating)
• Deliver hot or cold water through a network of pipes
• Designed for efficient, building-wide temperature control
Packaged Rooftop Units
• Serve medium to large sections (zones) of a building
• Located on the roof with equipment contained in one package
• Provide both heating and cooling to specific zones
Split Systems and Mini-Splits
• Found in smaller offices, remote buildings, or additions
• Provide targeted heating and cooling to individual rooms or small areas
• Some are tied to our central controls; others operate as standalone units
Different types of equipment result in natural temperature variation, even when everything is working correctly.
2. What Is a Building Automation System (BAS)?
Most major campus buildings use a Building Automation System (BAS)—the “central brain” that helps keep everything running smoothly.
What the BAS Does
• Monitors temperatures, humidity, and equipment performance
• Controls building setpoints (typically around 68°F for heating, 72°F for cooling, and 55% relative humidity)
• Adjusts for energy efficiency during unoccupied periods
• Alerts Facilities if equipment begins to fail or run inefficiently
BAS-Connected Thermostats
• If your building is connected to the BAS, your thermostat has limited adjustment range.
• Typically, users can adjust the temperature only ±2°F from the programmed setpoint.
• This helps maintain comfort while preventing parts of the system from working against each other.
• The BAS ultimately maintains the building’s heating, cooling, and humidity targets in the background.
Example of a BAS-connected thermostat (Delta-style). Controls are intentionally simple with a small adjustment range.
3. Buildings With Local Thermostats
Not all buildings are connected to the BAS. Some still rely on locally controlled thermostats, similar to what you might have at home.
How Local Thermostats Work
• They are programmed and set up by Facilities Maintenance.
• Many allow some user adjustment within a small range.
• They should not be reprogrammed by occupants.
• Overriding or tampering with settings can cause equipment failures, poor temperature control, or moisture problems.
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Tampering with thermostats—such as forcing covers open, changing advanced settings, or using unauthorized devices—can damage equipment and affect comfort for other occupants. If tampering is discovered, it may lead to disciplinary action.
Example of a stand-alone programmable (residential-style) thermostat. Please use only the basic temperature adjustment controls.
4. Thermostats in Student Housing
Many student housing facilities use standalone thermostats that are not connected to the BAS. Because these units operate independently, how you use them matters.
Do Not Tamper With Programming
• Use the thermostat only to adjust the temperature up or down.
• Avoid entering advanced menus or changing time schedules.
• If the thermostat seems to malfunction, contact Student Housing or submit a work order.
• Changing internal programming can cause the HVAC unit to stop functioning or to develop condensation problems.
Keep the Fan Mode on “AUTO”
• AUTO mode runs the fan only when the system is actively heating or cooling.
• ON mode runs the fan continuously, which increases indoor humidity.
• Higher indoor humidity can lead to mildew, odors, and moisture damage to walls and furniture.
Avoid Opening Windows
• Most student housing windows can open, but doing so introduces humid outdoor air.
• Texas outdoor air often contains high moisture that can overwhelm the cooling system inside.
• This can lead to condensation, mildew growth, and uncomfortable indoor conditions.
5. Older Buildings May Still Have Pneumatic Thermostats
Some legacy facilities still use older, dial-style pneumatic thermostats. These devices control HVAC using air pressure rather than electricity.
• Adjustment is usually very limited.
• They may feel different or less precise than digital thermostats.
• They should not be forced, taken apart, or tampered with. Doing so can disrupt temperature control in multiple rooms or areas.
Example of an older dial-style pneumatic thermostat. Please do not force the dial or attempt to open the cover.
6. Why Temperatures May Vary
Even well-maintained systems cannot keep every room at exactly the same temperature at all times. Variations occur due to many factors outside the HVAC system’s direct control.
Common Reasons for Temperature Differences
• Sun exposure on exterior walls or large windows
• Large groups of people in a room generating heat
• Electronics, projectors, or computers adding heat
• Doors opening frequently to hallways or outside
• Time needed for large systems to respond to changes
• Sudden outdoor weather swings, especially humidity
If a space is consistently uncomfortable—too hot or too cold—please report it so Facilities can investigate and adjust the system.
7. When to Contact Facilities Maintenance
Please submit a Facilities service request if you notice any of the following:
• A classroom, office, or housing unit stays too hot or too cold despite reasonable thermostat adjustments
• A thermostat appears damaged, loose, or unresponsive
• Unusual smells (burning, chemical, or musty odors) from vents or equipment
• Unusual noises (grinding, rattling, or whistling) from HVAC units
• Water leaks or condensation around vents, ceilings, or mechanical closets
• Persistent humidity or mildew growth
• You believe a thermostat or HVAC component has been tampered with
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For non-emergency comfort concerns, use the online Facilities Work Order system. For urgent issues like active leaks, electrical burning smells, or rapidly worsening conditions, call Facilities directly during business hours or Campus Police / 911 for emergencies.
Blinn’s goal is to keep campus spaces comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient. Your proper use of thermostats, prompt reporting of issues, and care for windows and doors all help us maintain a healthy environment for everyone.