10/24/2023
By Lisa Rolfe

During this time of year, as New England transitions from summer to fall, known as the “Shoulder Season,” temperatures may fluctuate from 30F to 80F. Many of the building systems can provide heating or cooling, but they cannot offer both simultaneously. For most buildings, switching equipment for heating and cooling to accommodate changing weather can be complex and is not easily reversible. Because of this, Facilities Management closely monitors temperature forecasts and tries to stay ahead of prolonged temperature changes.

When determining the date of switchover for each building, Facilities Management considers prevailing weather, building HVAC capabilities, type of system controls, and building usage. The current practice targets mid-October as an estimated switchover completion date for changing system modes from cooling to heating and is consistent with New England HVAC standards. As seasonably low temperatures have already begun, we have already initiated the switch over to full heating and have started winterizing our cooling systems. We continue to monitor outside temperatures and only turn the heating on in the morning for a few hours to help limit overheating the buildings if outside temperatures will be warm in the afternoon. Occasionally, buildings will be warmer then expected if there are high outdoor temperatures.

When Facilities Management receives calls about building temperatures during the shoulder season, we ensure systems are functioning correctly. However, indoor temperatures may drift beyond established guidelines during these unpredictable days. Campus community members are encouraged to prepare accordingly for daily weather conditions to help minimize the effects of these temperature changes.

We hope this provides a better understanding of how UMass Lowell building systems work and the challenges we face during the shoulder season in New England. We apologize for any inconvenience from short, uncomfortable temperature periods that may occur during this time.