Over the past few months, there have been incessant complaints about the Eisenhower Library’s fluctuating temperatures.
Executive Director of Facilities Lawrence Kildruff disclosed that the library currently operates on heating ventilation and air condition systems that were built during the 1960s.
“The building and its systems are coming up on 50 years of age. In short, it’s an old system that has been retrofitted over time to accommodate 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week use,” Kildruff said. Two of the mechanical systems located in the building below D Level service Levels A through D. Independently monitored systems located in open common area and office spaces on M level service that top floor of the library.
These ancient systems are not able to adjust the temperature of the library when a change in the weather occurs. “[It] is a challenge with old and unsophisticated controls systems . . . we have tried to manage space temperatures in a tighter comfort range of 70-74 degrees,” Kildruff said.
The most recent heat issues are due to temporary outages caused by all the construction for the Brody Learning Center and south utility plant occurring around the library. “These projects have imposed on our being able to continually deliver chilled water to the building.”
These problems have not gone unnoticed. Students who habitually study in the Eisenhower Library have been increasingly complaining that the temperature is definitely not one that provides for an efficient study environment. Whether they are immersing themselves on D level or chatting on M level, students are distracted and bothered by the temperature.
“Its generally too hot in the library,” Steve Cardinali said. “I get pissed off because of it and can’t study.” The senior is not the only one who is uncomfortable while studying in the library.
“The library was so hot that while I was studying for my midterm, I had to take my shoes off every time I sat down,” an anonymous freshman said. The heat not only interrupted her studying, but also led to her embarrassment. “The person next to me thought I was insane,” she said.
While it is common to see students shed layers once entering the library, others bring additional clothing in order to withstand the temperature of the library. “B level is freezing — I just wear a lot of clothes!” sophomore Miranda Baxendale said.
It is truly a phenomenon that some students find that they swelter in the Eisenhower library, while others are cold.
Director Kildruff believes that many times the temperature of the library changes dramatically, not because of the system, but because people tamper with the heating and air conditioning system,
“We often find that building occupants ‘fiddle with’ or vandalize devices they think control the temperature,” Kildruff said. He believes that this along with the age of the current systems explains the dramatic changes in temperature of the library.
When asked whether he has heard any complaints about the temperature, Kildruff admitted that complaints to the Department of Facilities are not uncommon. “It is fair to say that numbers of complaints have been increasing as has the system’s age,” he said.
Executive Kildruff and the Department of Facilities have decided that it is time for a change of the mechanical systems of the Eisenhower Library.
“Last week it was decided to advance the start of design for system upgrades and replacement of key components,” he said.
Features of the envisioned system will include new air handlers for both supply and exhaust air and a current direct digital control technology that will allow for the use of automation features. The new system called Building Automaton System is found in recently renovated or new buildings. Gilman Hall is serviced by this modernized system. Director Kildruff and the Board of Facilities, who have already begun planning for the implementation of the BAC system in the library, are waiting for the construction of the Brody Learning Commons to finish.
“Once the Brody Learning Commons is complete for occupancy, we will be in the position to begin the improvements so badly needed in the heating and cooling system,” Kildruff said.
