Office of Energy and Sustainability

Radiators

Heating buildings has historically been the college’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. The college has upgraded the heating infrastructure from using fossil fuels to an all-electric geothermal heat pump system to heat and cool buildings. There are two types of heating and cooling units across campus, fan coil units and radiators.

Radiator unit in dorm
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Office of Energy and Sustainability

Radiator Best Practices

Rooms with radiators are heated with water from the all-electric geothermal heat pump system. The natural airflow in your room circulates around the hot radiator to warm the room.

If your radiator has a dial (valve), lowering the number on the dial will lower the temperature. Raising the number on the dail will raise the temperature.

Remember: The temperature in your room can affect the temperature in other rooms because they are all connected; please be considerate of your neighbors!

Keep your system running efficiently

Keep items 1 foot away from the radiator to ensure proper air intake to heat the room. Clear your personal items from in front of the radiator. It is best to move all furniture, clothing and books. Even small items can block the warm air from the unit.

 

Watch this short video made by Oberlin College students for more information! 

 

  • If you see water around the radiator, it is broken. Please submit a Work Order.
  • If your room is too cold, please check the area around the radiator to see if there is anything blocking the airflow. If the temperature is uncomfortable, please submit a work order or notify your RA.
  • Space heaters and other appliances that produce heat can signal to a temperature sensor or thermostat that your space has reached its set temperature, keeping the radiator from turning on to warm the room. Please refrain from using such appliances to keep your unit functioning efficiently.