Is the Heating Coming on Early This Year?

Lauren McCarthy | Oct 20, 2010 10:00 am | 8 comments | 3289 reads

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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Jerry's picture Jerry Submitted by Guest on Fri, 10/22/2010 - 17:45

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

songgirl78's picture songgirl78 Submitted by Guest on Thu, 10/21/2010 - 01:20

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)

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