How to Keep Cool & Green

With its year-round temperate weather and low humidity, the Bay Area enjoys one of the country’s most ideal climates. Because of our moderate temperatures, only a very small percentage of Bay Area households have air conditioning.

Because air conditioning would drain regional energy sources, conflict with Stanford’s commitment to sustainability, and raise costs for students, Stanford doesn’t offer air conditioning throughout the residences.

During warm weather, we encourage you to follow the suggestions below to keep cool.

Cool Your Room Or Apartment

• Keep your drapes, blinds, and windows closed when they are exposed to direct sunlight.
• Open your drapes, blinds, and windows in the evening to bring in cooler air.(If you have sliding windows and want to use wooden dowels for security, contact your Housing Supervisor.
• Use desk and floor fans to keep the air flowing.
• If you live in an apartment, keep your bedroom doors open.
• Use your stove or oven as little as possible. Make more salads and sandwiches.
• Turn off the lights and, if you’re not using them, electronic devices.
• If you have double-hung windows, you can increase air circulation by opening the window at both top and bottom. Cool air will flow in through the bottom of the window, hot air out the top.

Find A Cool Place To Study

• Use the cooler common areas in your building.
• Study in a library. Green Library is open from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday, and 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Sunday.
• Use the 750 Pub and Eatery, open from 6:00 p.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday and from 6:00 p.m-1:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Cool Yourself

• Wet your wrists with cold water.
• Go swimming.
• Stay in the shade or in air-conditioned buildings.
• Drink plenty of water; avoid sugary drinks.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing.
• Spray yourself with a squirt bottle filled with water.

How to Stay Warm & Green

Depending on weather conditions, Student Housing turns the heating system on for residences in late October and off in April or May. To conserve energy and to keep the buildings from overheating, the heating systems are shut off during the heating months when the outside air temperature exceeds ~65°F. During the coldest months of winter, the heat system runs until temperatures reach ~70°F outdoors.

If you have children and need heat before the heating systems are turned on, please contact your Housing Front Desk.

Warm Your Room Or Apartment

• Keep your drapes, blinds, and shades open when windows are exposed to direct sunlight. (If you have sliding windows and want to use wooden dowels for security, contact your Housing Supervisor.
• Close drapes, blinds, and shades at night or when the sky is overcast.
• Keep your thermostat or heating unit at the lowest comfortable temperature—preferably 68°F while you are in the room, 60°F-63°F at night, and off while you are away during the day or during winter break.
• Use a room humidifier or shallow pan of water near radiator tops or warm air vents. Humidity holds heat.
• Leave the oven door open after cooking to let heat escape.

Warm Yourself

• Dress warmly; wear a sweater or sweatshirt.
• Wear a blanket or throw when sitting still.
• Exercise.
• Drink warm beverages.