Residential Cooling

There can be wide swings in daily temperature during early fall and spring in the DC area before buildings’ systems are transitioned. Transitioning mechanical systems from heating to cooling, and vice versa, may take a few days to accomplish. During the cooling transitional period, turn off heating units, turn on ventilating fans if available, and open windows (unless it’s raining).  

Check below to see which kind of HVAC unit your residence hall is furnished with.

Fan Coil Units

If your fan coil unit isn’t producing cool air, check that the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature.

Below are a list of residential buildings that use Fan Coil Units:

  • 1959 E Street
  • Amsterdam Hall
  • District Hall
  • Frances Scott Key Hall (FSK)
  • Fulbright Hall
  • Guthridge Hall
  • Lafayette Hall
  • Mitchell Hall
  • Munson Hall
  • Pomomac Hall 
  • Somers
  • South Hall
  • Townhouse Row
  • West Hall
Window Air Conditioners (AC)

If your window AC isn’t producing cool air, make sure the unit is plugged into an outlet. Some units will have a wall switch near the AC outlet. Make sure this is on. Check to make sure the unit is set to cool and not just fan. 

Never use your air conditioning when outside temperatures are below 55° F, because the coil may freeze. During winter months, you may use the fan setting to cool your room down.

Below are a list of buildings that use window units:

  • 2109 F Street
  • Building JJ
  • Madison Hall
  • Strong Hall
Heat Pumps

If your heat pump isn’t producing cool air, make sure the thermostat is set to the appropriate mode and temperature.

Below are a list of buildings that use building pumps:

  • Aston Hall
  • Dakota Hall
  • International House
Central AC


If your building isn’t producing cool air, make sure the thermostat is set to the appropriate mode and temperature.

Below are a list of buildings that use building pumps:

  • Cole Hall
  • Clark Hall
  • Hensley Hall
  • Merriweather Hall
  • Sorority and Fraternity Townhouses