Climate control

Heating, cooling, and more

Our building environments are set to meet university standards and address both comfort and safety. Heating and cooling systems differ from building to building.

Climate-controlled buildings manage humidity and air temperature. Overall, they lessen humidity and provide better air quality. The HVAC systems in our air-conditioned facilities perform most efficiently with the windows closed.

Information about heating and cooling ranges and switching between heating and cooling is available on each individual webpage for our residence centers.

Maintenance requests

Even though we routinely inspect and clean the HVAC in each room, parts can wear out and need attention or replacement. If you see a problem or do not believe your HVAC unit is operating properly, please let us know as soon as possible.

Request maintenance

Mold prevention

Indiana University values the health and safety of its students. If a room is not properly maintained or ventilated, mold can occur.

Residents can help prevent the occurrence of mold in their rooms by taking these important steps:

  • Do not open the windows and run the air-conditioner at the same time.
  • Keep heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) vents open to maintain proper airflow.
  • Do not block or restrict airflow from the HVAC by positioning furniture near the unit or placing wet items over the vents.
  • Hang wet or damp towels and clothes to dry on a drying rack in the room. Do not hang these items in a closet or leave them in a suitcase or gym bag. Also, do not leave wet items lying on the floor or on upholstered furniture.
  • Regularly perform good housekeeping practices like cleaning up spills quickly, cleaning out the refrigerator and wiping down the refrigerator door, removing trash frequently to designated areas, wiping down counters and desks, and vacuuming floors.

Indoor air safety

IU is committed to inspecting air handling units, replacing filters, and ensuring air handlers are functioning as designed. IU will also continue to monitor and react to federal, state, public health, and industry standard heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) guidelines to manage and mitigate risk. 

Our HVAC and mechanical systems were designed for the recommended air changes required for the particular space type and use. Unless the occupancy has increased or the use for the space has changed significantly, the same system should still remain adequate.

We change the filters in all rooms three times a year so that the heating and cooling systems function properly.

Even though residents do not need to be present, they do need to have everything (i.e., posters, lights, furniture, etc.) removed from and in front of the unit. IU Housing is not responsible for any damage that may occur to items that have to be moved for this work to be performed.

The work is typically performed by IU Housing maintenance staff and employees of a firm contracted by IU between the hours of 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and takes 10–15 minutes to complete.

Students will be notified by email before work is completed.