You're About to Stop Shivering: Indoor Heating Rolls Out for the Winter

Nick Richards | Nov 8, 2013 1:00 pm | 5 comments | 1994 reads

 

Winter heating testing began on Thursday in residential compounds across the city. This means we can expect to have cozier apartments within the next two weeks as the boilers gurgle to life and warmth trickles into our bedrooms. The testing period is in line with the municipal calendar which schedules heating trials to begin on November 7 and the official "switch on' to be November 15 of each year.

Early heating did not come this year as temperatures in early November remained "average," or around 5 degrees celcius. 2002 and 2009 were the only years were the heating was switched on early according to the City of Beijing website altough cold snaps in recent years have forced residents to bundle up early.

About 50 percent of the city's boilers were expected to be ignited in the run up to "switch on" day, China Daily reported yesterday. The heat should last until March 15.

With Beijing's heating and the winter climate generally comes very dry air, chapped lips and itchy noses. A humidifier is an excellent appliance to have running and keep you comfortable through Beijing's arid winter nights. They are easily purchased in local supermarkets like Carrefour or Wal Mart, or on Taobao.

For those unfamiliar with the city's heating arrangment, it was mandated by the Beijing government in 1994 and is explained in full on their website. We've included an excerpt below:

Quote:
How is the heating period (from November 15th to March 15th) determined? According to the requirements of existing Code for Thermal Design of Civil Buildings (GB50176-93), the heating period in cities and towns in northern China is calculated on the basis of daily average outdoor temperature (less than or equal to 5℃). That is, heat supply starts when the daily average outdoor temperature is less than or equal to 5℃, and stops when temperature is higher than 5℃. Therefore, in Beijing Residential Boiler Heating Management Regulations, the No. 15 mandate issued by Beijing Municipal Government in 1994, it's stipulated that Beijing's winter heating period is from November 15th every year to March 15th next year, and the heating costs and prices shall be calculated in accordance with this time period.

Photo: Chinadaily.com.cn

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zhuwensen's picture zhuwensen Submitted by Guest on Sat, 11/09/2013 - 13:11

the dates represent the last date for heat to be turned on.

most of us start our heating before that when it starts to seem cold.

you'll need as humidifier anywhere in the world in the winter.

the heating of cold air reduces the relative humidity because the saturation vapor pressure of water is increased by heating while the amount of water in the air stays the same.

beijing is a relatively dry area so the heating effect is enhanced here. an added benefit of adding water vapor is that the room will seem warmer if the relative humidity is higher.

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