University of Washington, Seattle
OP-T2-13: Timers for Temperature Control

In 50 buildings, the University of Washington uses direct digital control (DDC) systems to regulate temperatures during occupied and unoccupied time periods. We have several different vendors on campus, one of the systems used is from Siemens Building Technologies. The following is a link to their sales brochure. https://www.hqs.sbt.siemens.com/gip/general/dlc/data/assets/hq/APOGEE--Building-Automation_A6V10301530_hq-en.pdf

The percentage of building space (square footage) with timers for temperature control: Approximately 60% of the building space is controlled by DDC systems. In addition, UW Housing & Food Services created an inexpensive preprogrammed thermostat that does all of these things.  The new thermostat, developed in conjunction with consultants and thermostat manufacturer PSG Controls, can reduce total residence hall energy use in HFS’ new buildings by 5 percent, just through smarter room heating. Five percent energy savings for all of the students living with HFS is significant.   The HFS Thermostat allows an occupant to set the room temperature of their electric resistance heater between 68-74 degrees. With a push of a button on the thermostat, the electric heater runs at the occupant-set temperature for two hours. At the end of that time, the thermostat resets to 66 degrees.   If no heat is required for 48 hours, the thermostat resets the heater to 55 degrees, so only minimal heating is provided when students are on break. The new student buildings are well insulated, so that the temperature does not quickly dissipate once the thermostat goes into the setback mode. Also, bodies, lights, computers, chargers and appliances in the room add heat to the room.   The thermostat is located immediately adjacent the light switch in the rooms. Students can “call for” heat in the same way they control the lighting in their rooms. Because students now interact with their room heater on a regular basis, they are significantly more aware of the energy they are using. HFS hopes that increased awareness of energy use for heat will enhance the students understanding of other resources that can also be conserved, further reducing their carbon impact.