Occupant Comfort

The following guidelines establish guidelines for the operation of heating, cooling, ventilating and other systems for the Dallas Independent School District MEP Department in establishing schedules for the Energy Management System (EMS) and in establishing set-points for pneumatic controllers, thermostats, and other devices.

MEP Building Operating Procedure and Freeze Protection Guidelines Operating Hours:

1. Heating Systems 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Elem) *optimized start
   7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Middle/High)*optimized start
2. Cooling Systems 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Elem) *optimized start
   7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Middle/High)*optimized start
3. Air Handlers Same as a. and b.
4. Domestic Hot Water Boiler/Heater Same as a. and b.

Normal Operation: Except for very severe weather conditions, the chillers, boiler or air handlers should not be turned on before 6:00 a.m.

MEP Building Operating Procedure and Freeze Protection Guidelines

1. EMS Operation: During very severe weather conditions, EMS optimal start program enables the chillers, boilers, or air handlers to start before 6:00 a.m.
2. Thermostat Settings
   
   Space Temperatures
   
   Space temperature thermostats are not connected to or controlled by the EMS; instead they are powered locally by compresses air or electricity. There are two types of thermostats in DISD.
   
   Heating: Set to maintain indoor temperature of 69-71 degrees.
   Cooling: Set to maintain indoor temperature of 76-78 degrees.
   
   Domestic Hot Water
   Water arriving at the point of use in restrooms should be no hotter than 105 degrees Fahrenheit; water arriving at the kitchen should be no hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, where there is a kitchen booster heater and 180 degrees Fahrenheit where there is no booster heater.
   
3. Normal Heating Season:
   
   Begins: First Friday of October
   Ends: Second Friday of April
   
   Heating System Operation: (Monday through Friday)
   The Boiler and associated equipment will be enabled (allowed to operate) as needed to maintain the facilities between 69-71 degrees F. during the heating season.
   
   During cold weather, and especially on long weekends when there is a Holiday on Friday or Monday. It will be necessary for the Facility Supervisor or designated person to come in much earlier than normal to start the heating system to ensure that the building is comfortable for the start of the school day.
   
   Freeze Protection Guidelines:
   (30 degrees F. or below as indicated by calling (214) 787-111 nights, weekends, and holidays)
   1. The Facility Supervisor or his/her designee at each facility will be responsible for firing the boiler and checking the
      heating system for proper operation during freeze protection conditions. (This includes portables and modular building).
   2. Freeze Conditions
      
      Condition-When outside temperature is between 20 and 30 degrees F. continuously for a period of eight hours.
      Action: Fire heating boiler/system for four (4) hours on and four (4) hours off. (Rotate)
      
      Condition-When outside temperature is 19 degrees F. and below.
      Action: Fire heating boiler/system continuously until the outside temperature rises to 20 degrees or above.
4. Normal Cooling Season
   Begins (cooling tower filled): First Monday of April
   Ends (cooling tower drained): Third Monday of November
   
   Cooling System Operation: (Monday through Friday)
   District air conditioning systems are fully automated and are started and stopped by the “EMS” System in accordance with the district guidelines established in the Energy Conservation Plan of May 12, 1987.
   
   Chillers, air handlers, and all other air conditioning equipment will be operational to maintain 76-78 degrees in facilities during the cooling season.

MEP Building Operating Procedure and Freeze Protection Guidelines Summer School MEP Operations:

Air Handlers 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Chillers 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

*Note: Request for heating/cooling service, beyond normal operating hours or for special activities such as pre-k breakfast or PTA meetings, etc., must be approved by the Principal or his/her designee and Area Superintendent and submit (24) hours prior to the scheduled event/activity