The weather forecast for the next several days calls for high temperatures and high humidity, which will stress the cooling capacity for both City and East campuses.

The Utilities and Energy Management Group is taking extra measures to cool buildings and prevent excess humidity from entering buildings during this time. This may cause some areas to be warmer or cooler than normal.

The UNL community can help reduce cooling loads through these actions:

• Close shades, blinds and curtains whenever possible to reduce solar heat gain;

• Make sure windows are kept closed and locked, to prevent entry of humid air;

• Reduce electrical loads wherever possible – all the electric energy becomes waste heat in your room

• Lower lighting levels if you have a dimmer or multiple switches, and turn off lights in unoccupied areas;

• Turn off computers, monitors and printers when they are not in use; and

• Turn off or unplug other electrical appliances when they are not needed (coffee makers, printers, chargers, even fans).

These actions are always recommended, but observing them is especially important during hot spells such as this, according to Clark deVries, director for Facilities, Management and Planning Utility Services.

DeVries said according to the UNL Energy Use Policy (http://bf.unl.edu/policies/fmp/BuildingEnergyUse.shtml) acceptable temperatures may range between 68 and 76 degrees (with a 2 degree tolerance). If rooms are too hot or too cold, contact your Building Maintenance Reporter.

If you have any questions, call Clark deVries at 472-9444.