Keeping Warm in your College Accommodation

There is not an official start date in the Michaelmas Term when the heating is turned on as the heating remains on throughout the year. It works on the outside air temperature and is called a weather compensated system. As such, when it gets colder outside the water that circulates in the radiators increases in temperature.

When the outside temperature is above ~16°C the heating circuits close down (summer months). As the weather gets a bit chillier, the College heating will automatically turn on when the temperature drops to 19°C (inside). The heating temperature is also capped at 19°C. When the heating is on it only operates from 7am to 10.30pm each day.

For all main site College accommodation, the heating circuits work with the weather compensated system described above. As such sometimes if the outside temperature isn’t really low the radiators will only feel just warm, this is normal.

In addition for off-site properties, they are fitted with a wall thermostat so the heating will only come on when the temperature drops enough for this to operate.

Understand how the heating works: Most radiators have a manual control valve with a set of numbers (TRV), either on the left or right hand side of the radiator. Please turn the manual control valve anti-clockwise to set the valve at the highest number. Not all valves have a set of numbers on them but please still turn the isolation valve anti-clockwise in the first instance.
 

HOW TO STAY EXTRA COSY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

Use a hot water bottle:  It seems like something so simple, and yet it’ll make a big difference to how you’re feeling. Carefully fill a hot water bottle while you’re relaxing in your room or take it with you to bed. Just remember to use a cover for it so you don’t scold yourself!

Use extra bed linen in winter:  You could look at adding a blanket into the mix.

Close the curtains at night: Make small changes and eventually they’ll add up. Closing your curtains at night helps to keep heat in and reduces how much escapes through the windows. Remember to open them in the day though, as the sunlight will help to heat up your room.

Don’t open your windows: If you’re feeling a little on the warm side, try to avoid opening your window to cool down. Instead, try taking off a layer or going to sit in a communal space where it might be a little cooler. Opening a window means that a lot of energy is being wasted. Not only is this bad for the planet, but it also leaves you in a tough spot if you start to feel cold, as a lot of heat will have been lost. In fact, some of the heating controllers in student accommodation will automatically turn off if they detect that a window is open.

Invest in some winter warmers: Feeling the chill? Before trying to give the heating a boost, put another layer on. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll warm up with a cosy jumper or fleece leggings on. Thick socks or slippers will also help keep you toasty.

Don’t block the radiator with anything: The moment you put something in front of the radiator you’re shooting yourself in the foot. Whether it’s a stack of boxes or some furniture you’ve rearranged, blocking the radiator means you’ll also be blocking the heat from coming through. This even extends to hanging clothes on the radiator. Doing so not only reduces the heat getting through, but it’s also a fire hazard. In fact, many heaters in student accommodation will actually switch off automatically if they are covered up.

Still feeling cold?: If none of this advice helps you keep the chills at bay, or if you think your heating isn’t quite working as it should be, email the Maintenance Department at maintenance@joh.cam.ac.uk

How does College heating work?