I'm too hot or too cold
This page outlines what you can do to fix problems related to high or low temperature.
Check the room temperature
The University of Edinburgh maintains Space Temperature Standards that describe what temperature you should be able to expect from your work or study space. If your room does not meet those standards then it should be possible to solve the problem.
Before you proceed, you should check the actual temperature of the room on a thermometer. If you not have a thermometer you can order one from the Energy Office.
Summary of temperature standards
The University aims to provide a working room temperature of 20-21ºC in academic and administrative areas during the heating season (mid September through to early May).
During the summer cooling equipment will only be installed in areas that regularly exceed 28°C.
This temperature is the target from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
Check your thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) or electric heating thermostat
It’s much better to turn a TRV or thermostat up one or two notches than to plug in an electric heater.
Many radiators in the University have TRV’s. Look for your them in the following places:
- On the top or bottom corner of the radiator
- In the hallway of your floor
- Electric heating? Thermostats are either on top or on the front.
Many heating systems are fitted with weather compensation control.
This monitors the outside temperature and controls the temperature of the water to radiators to avoid overheating. On a cold day when the outside temperature is -3ºC, the hot water temperature might be at 80ºC.
On a mild day (say 12ºC) the hot water temperature might be at 40ºC. So if the radiators are warm rather than hot it may well be that the compensator is working correctly! This means your building will not get overheated.
In cold weather, turn your TRV or thermostat up or down by a couple of notches each day until you find a temperature that’s comfortable.
In hot weather, turn the thermostat down as far as possible, switch off all electric heaters at the wall and open windows to allow cooler air to circulate.
Out of hours working
In some locations, such as the Informatics Forum, one hour heating boost switches are available for out of hours heating. Look for them on the corridor outside your room or shared office.
Contact the Helpdesk
If these solutions don’t resolve your problem, you can contact the Estates Helpdesk. They will have the best idea about who in your building is responsible for heating, and will be able to implement changes to settings and heating provisions.