Students looking for sanctuary from the chilly weather on campus might find that some buildings are not exactly warm and cozy.
UF’s primary heating system stopped working several weeks ago due to a broken part in the turbine engine that keeps the system going, according to an e-mail sent out Monday night by Ed Poppell, UF vice president for business affairs.
The jet engine had to be shipped back to its manufacturer, General Electric Co., to be repaired.
UF spokesman Steve Orlando said the unit was back on campus as of Monday and undergoing tests.
“They are hoping to have everything up and running by Wednesday,” he said.
In the meantime, the university has been using a back-up steam system that produces less heat than the jet turbine.
Though classroom buildings, offices and dorms are chillier than usual, the heat currently being produced is going to those who need it most.
“The priority is given to the Health Science Center and Shands,” Orlando said. “We make sure they get enough steam and heat, and the rest of campus comes next.”
He noted that the parts of campus farthest away from UF’s Progress Energy cogeneration plant will probably have the least heat.
This includes the northeast corner of campus and Orlando’s office.
“My office was a little chilly today,” he said.
