DPW prepares for heating to cooling

By Susan C. Galentine, Directorate of Public Works sustainability specialistMay 2, 2023

DPW prepares for heating to cooling
DPW prepares for heating to cooling (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CARSON, Colo. — The Directorate of Public Works (DPW) operations and maintenance contractor begins the transition from heating to cooling season during the month of May, which includes turning off heating and preparing buildings for cooling.

The process to turn off heating and prepare cooling systems for summer takes about four weeks and is completed based on facility type. Often during this time of year, Colorado temperatures fluctuate greatly.

Regardless of how well the DPW plans, weather on a particular day may make the indoor air less than comfortable during this transition period. The DPW staff appreciates customer patience as the seasonal transition takes place. The following is a tentative schedule for shutting down and isolating heating systems to prepare for the upcoming cooling season. (Subject to change due to weather conditions.)

Early to mid-May: All child care facilities, Soldier barracks, community service facilities, dining facilities and post and division headquarters buildings.

Middle to end of May: All remaining buildings, facilities and industrial areas.

During cooling season, the temperatures are set for comfort cooling. Areas with thermostat-controlled air conditioning will not be cooled to a temperature lower than 74 degrees. The DPW will maintain appropriate cooling temperatures for those facility systems controlled by the centralized Energy Management Control System.

Building occupants can submit service orders for maintenance and repair, including cooling issues (once the heating to cooling transition season is complete), via the Army Maintenance Application (ArMA) website  https://www.armymaintenance.com/arma. New customers will need to complete the registration process on the website first before submitting service orders. A government email account must be provided to register.

Customers must still call in Priority 1/emergency service orders to the DPW operations and maintenance contractor service order desk at 719-526-5345, which is staffed 24/7.

Note: ArMA is not for use by Fort Carson Family Homes residents, who have a separate service order process.

For more information about the heating to cooling season transition, call 719-526-9241 or email jason.r.giberson.civ@army.mil.