Is the Heating Coming on Early This Year?

Cold temperatures the past few days have reminded everyone that winter is coming – and that the city-wide central heating doesn’t come on until November. Rumors have been circulating that the heating will go on early this year, but Xinhua has stated that the schedule will only change if really bad weather sets in.

Last week, Xinhua reported that the heating will only be switched on if Beijing suffers five consecutive days of average temperatures below 5 C (that’s 41 F for Americans). Earlier dates will also be considered based on heavy snowfalls or high winds, though no specifics have been given.

Trial heating normally begins on November 7, so chances are you’ll get some heating before it is “officially” turned on.

Last year’s winter – “the coldest winter in 10 years” – still haunts people’s memories. The heating was turned on for an extra three weeks – a fortnight early in November and one extra week in March. After that experience, we’d prefer it to stay warmer and do without the extra heat.

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During the in-between periods, why can't they just put the heating on the evenings?

It's silly leaving the heating on while everybody's at work anyway.

I think it's primarily because so many tenants are past due on heating and management fee payments, they have trouble keeping up. At least my conscience is clean - bring on the heat!

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

Jerry wrote:
I just paid three years of heating bills (retroactive) on our apartment. They'd better turn on the damn heat soon!

I'm shocked that they let you get away with that for so long. They must've harassed you a lot.

^ Separatist!

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We are sooo lucky here in our compound - we're on autonomous, non-political heat! So are already cozily warm at home. At a cost, of course, but this is the first time in China that I have "pro choice" on this comfort issue and after seven years of freezing it's an immense relief. Still won't be able to do without that sexy long underwear all too soon though! :o)

I just paid three years of heating bills (retroactive) on our apartment. They'd better turn on the damn heat soon!

Jerry Chan, Digital Marketing & Content Strategy Director

First snow fall in Beijing municipality reported this morning:

http://www.globaltimes.cn/www/english/metro-beijing/update/society/2010-10/583970.html

Register and post your own events on the beijinger website.

What a bummer! I was really looking forward to the early heating. Well, at least they are being green.