Winter in Canada can be quite harsh, with temperatures falling below the freezing point. The average winter temperature in different territories ranges between -21℃ to -32℃. Therefore, having a reliable heating system in your condo building is essential for maintaining warmth and comfort in apartment buildings. But when do condos turn on heat?
Condo residents should understand how central HVAC systems work in condominiums. Usually, condo syndicate management is responsible for condo HVAC maintenance that ensures proper air conditioning during heat waves and heating during winters.
As a condo owner or resident, you must know the responsibilities of property managers and the legal aspects of these types of heating systems. This article highlights everything you need to know about when condos turn on heat.
How does heat work in Condos?
Usually, condos are equipped with centralized HVAC systems, offering efficient heating. They provide heating and cooling to individual units. These systems are typically controlled by the condo’s administrative management and serve all residents within the building.
HVAC can produce heat with gas and electricity as well. There are two main sources of heat in condos:
- Central heating: A central boiler or furnace circulates hot and cold water through pipes to radiators or fan coils in each indoor unit.
- Individual heating: Each indoor unit has its individual heating equipment, such as a forced-air furnace, electric space heaters, or a heat pump.
Property Managers’ Responsibilities for heating system
Besides knowing when do condos turn on heat, you must also understand property managers’ responsibilities for the heating system. Heating systems in condos are not just about constant heating in cold temperatures. High-rise condo buildings don’t have consistent temperatures, a common issue for condo managers.
Property managers must ensure that the heating systems function optimally. This responsibility encompasses regular routine maintenance, inspections, and timely responses to residents’ heating-related concerns.
Local climate considerations
The climate in Canada varies significantly from region to region. Property managers must consider the local climate conditions to ensure that the condo heating system can combat the drop in temperature. They should adjust the heating system settings to align with the external temperatures, ensuring that residents are kept warm the entire heating season.
Building management policies and practices
Each condominium building may have its building management policies and practices regarding heating. Some condos may have specific rules about the outdoor temperature at which heating systems are set to turn on and off. Understanding these policies can help residents anticipate the heating schedule and prepare to stay warm during the winter.
Legal regulations and guidelines
In Canada, the rights and responsibilities of condo residents, condo owners, and property managers are governed by legal regulations and guidelines. Property managers must abide by the law regarding heating systems in condominiums. These regulations often outline the minimum temperature standards for residential units and provide a framework for addressing heating-related disputes between residents and property managers.
When do landlords turn on heat in Ontario?
In Ontario, City of Toronto bylaws require landlords to maintain a minimum temperature of 21 degree Celsius between September 15 to June 1. Although, the timing of turning on the heat in condos may vary, but it’s typically done before winter sets in. Condominium property managers and landlords are responsible for the maintenance of the building and providing adequate heat to ensure residents’ comfort.