How does my HVAC System Work?

Georgia Tech residence halls are equipped with two types of HVAC units, two-pipe and four-pipe.

A two-pipe system, or building-wide system, means that the entire building is either in heating mode or cooling mode. Individual rooms are not able to adjust thermostats. When seasons change, the building-wide system is switched from cold to heat or vice versus. Additionally, when the temperature outside is between 45 and 55 degrees (F), the building-wide systems will not utilize chilled or hot water, but the fan will continue to pull in fresh air from the outside.

A four-pipe system, or individual control system, means that residents can manage their bed space temperature separately from other units within the building and provides slightly more flexibility.

Controlling humidity in large, heavily populated buildings is challenging, especially in places with fluctuating weather like Georgia. Substances like mold and mildew can grow if a room is not properly ventilated, so residents should submit a maintenance request to report any problems with the air conditioning or heating systems.