Heating Season Guidelines
Please note the following items to maximize heat and safety during the heating season, officially starting October 1.
Apartment Heat
Heat Activation
- Our community-wide heating system starts on October 1, and expected through mid-May (weather dependent). Please allow a few days for the boilers to begin working at full capacity.
- The heat in your unit will only activate if the thermostat reads the temperature in your unit to be less than 68° F (20° C) or the temperature it is adjusted to. Your heat will activate based on heat demand and thermostat settings. Keep in mind that on warm fall and spring days, heat demand may be delayed due to the outdoor temperature.
Temperature + Adjusting Thermostats
Temperature Range: 68-72° F / 20-22.2° C
- Normal temperature of your apartment should range between 68-72° Fahrenheit (20-22.2° Celsius).
- Use the thermometer in your unit to check the temperature and adjust it accordingly if it is too hot or too cold.
Adjust Your Thermostat
- You can control the temperature in your unit by adjusting the thermostat inside your unit.
- In 2-Bedroom Split-Level units, adjust the dial on each heat register (also known as baseboard heaters).
- Please note that it will take a couple of hours for the temperature in your unit to reflect your thermostat changes.
Troubleshooting
- Watch Your Unit's Instructional Video: Each unit type has a maintenance video to reference for specific details on your apartment's heat. Contact the office if you have concerns about your apartment's temperature or how to properly use your thermostats.
- Tips + Support:
- If your apartment's temperature is correctly within range and you feel too cold, consider bundling up with some extra layers of clothing, slippers, and even a heated blanket, as well as closing your window blinds.
- If your apartment's temperature seems to be out of range and cannot be fixed by adjusting your thermostat, refer to the following guidelines for additional troubleshooting tips to help you address common issues before reporting to our maintenance team (per the reporting section below).
Heating + Safety Guidelines
Close Doors + Windows
- Close external doors, including your storm door and the storm door insert(s).
- Close and latch windows. Ensure you fully close every window, and be sure to latch them; latching the window seals the air flow, keeping the cold air out.
- To latch the window, line up the two windows in their closed positions (the upper window is pushed all the way up, and the lower window is pushed all the way down), then close (turn) the latch.
- Be aware that leaving windows open in cold weather can lead to freezing and cracking pipes. Except for short periods of time, all windows must be kept closed during the winter. If windows are open due to negligence, residents are subject to a $45 open window fee and are entirely responsible for the cost of repairs.
No Space Heaters
Electric space heaters are prohibited in units at CTC due to fire risk, and it is a lease violation to have one in your unit. Additionally, electric space heaters can interfere with thermostat-controlled heating. Do not use a space heater under any circumstances.
Do Not Block Radiators
Keep furniture, bedding, and drapery away from the radiation units as much possible, and especially do not cover the radiator with any materials. You will get the most heat from a free-flowing radiator.
Monitor Humidity
- Be aware of the humidity levels of your apartment. If the humidity exceeds 45%, please take appropriate measures to lower the humidity:
- Immediately stop any use of humidifier
- Start the use of a dehumidifier
- Use a pot lid or cover while boiling water
- Move Hygro-Thermometer to other locations of unit to check humidity
- Wipe down any excess moisture on window or window sill daily to prevent mold and/or damage.
- Turn on the bathroom fan longer throughout the day, since for many apartments, it is the only means of removing air in the apartment.
Immediately Report Heat IssuesIf your apartment's temperature seems to be out of range (68-72° F / 20-22.2° C), or you are experiencing a heat issue, please report to the office: Emergency Heat Issues
Non-Emergency Heat Maintenance
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| Reminder: In the event of any ‘critical’ or emergency situation (i.e. water leak, lack of proper heating, smell of gas/smoke, etc.), call 651-646-7526 for immediate support from CTC’s Maintenance Team during and after-hours. |
Notify Office of Extended Home Absence
Please email the office, providing your address and dates all household members will be gone, if you plan to leave your apartment during the heating season for more than 5 days so we can take the proper precautions in your absence. View all 5+ day absence reminders in our Winter Newsletter (2023).
Additional Seasonal Resource
Find full winter reminders and responsibilities via our Winter Newsletter (2024-2025).
Remove ACs + Close Windows
Remove and Discontinue by the Final Date of AC Season (Mandatory)
All air conditioners (ACs) must be removed from windows and discontinued from use by the final date of AC season, at the latest, in correspondence with the community-wide heat turning on for the colder months.
- You will receive an Open Window Negligence Fee* if exceeded past the final date of AC. (*See current fiscal year's Fee Schedule.)
- All active ACs registrations will be automatically canceled on the final day of AC season (no cancellation form needed).
