As part of UB’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality, the university is working hard to decarbonize its heating and cooling systems, and become more efficient. However, as the transition to this work occurs, the fall and spring shoulder seasons present challenges to UB’s existing heating and cooling infrastructure.

Commercial HVAC systems are not easily transitioned between the heating mode and the cooling mode. It is not as simple as flipping the switch on the thermostat in your home. It is unusual for October, but for the next few weeks, temperatures in Western New York are forecasted to range significantly, from daytime highs near 80 degrees to overnight lows in the 40s. These daily fluctuations between the need to provide heat in the morning and cooling in the afternoon can be challenging for UB’s various building mechanical systems to manage. 

Facilities Operations always strives to maintain comfortable indoor air conditions. UB’s heating and cooling policy is to provide winter indoor temperatures between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and summer indoor temperatures between 74 and 76 degrees.

In the upcoming shoulder season days ahead, it is recommended that people dress in layers to accommodate the quickly changing temperatures throughout the day. Having a fleece jacket or sweater available to you in the cool mornings may provide an additional layer of personal comfort to your day.