The heating season – what should you remember?

The heating season started quite early this year. It is now November, and each of us has already had to deal with various ways of heating a flat or house. Poles still choose different options: central heating, gas, coal. We are aware of the pros and cons of some solutions, but it is worth broadening your knowledge. We want to pass on a few tips on getting through the heating season. We will focus above all on issues related to central heating.

Settling central heating costs

When it comes to a flat, the most convenient solution is central heating. Its costs in a multi-unit building, that is, in a block of flats or a tenement house, should be settled in accordance with the Energy Law Act. The new rules require a settlement method to be chosen. We can pay on the basis of heat meter readings, readings from devices enabling individual cost allocation, or the floor area of a particular flat.

Fixed and variable costs

The costs of central heating, that is, of supplying heat to a building, can be divided into fixed and variable. How do they differ? Fixed costs are in this case independent of how much heat was used in a given unit. They are divided according to the share of usable floor area or of the unit. The conclusion is that the size of the property in square metres affects them. Things are different with variable costs. They are determined solely on the basis of readings from the metering and billing system.

How long does the heating season last?

In 2007 the heating season was precisely defined. It is the period in which weather conditions make it necessary to supply heat continuously in order to heat buildings. What is this necessity? The exact duration of this period is not specified. As a rule it lasts until March or April, and it starts in October. However, we can ask for an extension in the event of unfavourable weather changes.

Stove heating

Not everyone has central heating in their home. In many flats and houses, heat is supplied using a stove. This is not a recommended form, but sometimes residents have no other option. Let us remember to burn only fuels intended for the purpose. This affects comfort and the environment. The most popular fuel is coal. It is better not to leave buying it until the last moment, because the closer it gets to winter, the more prices rise.