Southern Nevada summers place significant demand on our campus building cooling systems. While Facilities Management works year-round to maintain and repair HVAC equipment, extreme temperatures can occasionally push systems to their limits. During these periods, the actions of building occupants can help preserve cooling capacity and maintain comfort.
When outdoor temperatures exceed 100 degrees, every source of heat inside a building increases the workload on the air conditioning system. Occupants can help reduce that load by following a few simple practices:
- Keep exterior doors closed whenever possible. When doors are propped open, hot outside air enters the building and must be cooled.
- Close blinds and shades on sun-facing windows. Direct sunlight can significantly increase indoor temperatures, especially on south- and west-facing exposures.
- Turn off lights when they are not needed. Lighting generates heat, particularly in older fixtures and high occupancy areas.
- Power down unused equipment. Computers, monitors, printers, lab equipment, and other electronics produce heat while operating.
- Avoid using personal space heaters or other unauthorized appliances. These devices can create additional heat loads and interfere with building systems.
- Report HVAC concerns promptly. Early reporting can help Facilities Management identify and address issues before they become larger problems.
To report an HVAC concern:
- Call 702-895-HELP(4357)
- Submit a work request to the Rebels@Work portal.
During periods of extreme heat or when cooling equipment is being repaired, these small actions can help keep buildings more comfortable and reduce strain on campus infrastructure.
Maintaining a comfortable campus environment is a shared effort. By working together, we can help preserve cooling capacity, reduce energy use, and support the reliability of campus HVAC systems through the summer.
