About Freaking Time: Beijing's Heating Comes on November 15

Margaux Schreurs | Nov 8, 2015 3:21 pm | 5 comments | 8691 reads

Fed up of not being able to feel your toes around the house?

So are we.

But despite the unusually early snowfall we witnessed last week, the city's public heating system will not be turned on early this year, and thus we have one more week for our colds and flus to percolate before the centrally-imposed November 15 start date for heat arrives. 

As reported by The Beijing News, the temperature forecast for the coming week is for an average of between 6 and 7 degrees Celcius, which is actually slightly warmer than the typical Beijing November, which averages 5.5 degrees Celsius.  We found even warmer temps forecasted for Beijing on weather.com:

Ipso facto, we're a bunch of softees and shouldn't be complaining.

If this all strikes you fresh-off-the-boaters as strange, it helps to know that most of Beijing's housing stock receives their indoor heat not from on-site heating systems controlled by private property management companies, but rather from massive central boilers that then send heat via hot water radiators.

According to Beijing regulations, central heating is turned on early only in the case of unseasonably cold weather, which is defined as a forecast of 5 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days.

Either way, all you've got to do is get through this week and then we will all be walking around the house like the man in the cartoon on the right, while our Shanghainese and other southern friends spend the winter much like the man on the left.

More stories by this author here.
Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Images: northtimes.com

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britomart's picture britomart Submitted by Guest on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 15:23

Steven Schwankert wrote:

Britomart, you were absolutely right.

At least we didn't hit 1400. Or did we? I saw numbers only in the 300s, but then I wasn't checking consistently over the weekend. Too depressed.

Doubt wisely; in strange way / To stand inquiring right is not to stray; / To sleep, or run wrong, is. (Donne, Satire III)

admin's picture admin Submitted by Guest on Mon, 11/09/2015 - 11:23

I tried to find out what percentage of the city's heating is created by burning coal, but could not locate that data -- anyhow in terms of waste, I'm all for delaying the heat as much as possible as I'm much more concerned about the bad air than the temperature outside. 

in other words, I'd rather be forced to wear an extra layer or two rather than a mask

 

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Tim USA's picture Tim USA Submitted by Guest on Mon, 11/09/2015 - 11:04

it doesnt save anything,,, with all the electricity being used its still causing environmental damage i a much worse way...

this is one of the most ignorant policies of this city... the weather this last week, the heat should be turned on... no regard for infants and older people... only care about there one face.... wonder how many people actually die from this policy this time of year, of course, there would be no government figures showing a much higher rate of illness from pnuemonia or flu related deaths.... after all, the policy maker is sitting in his warm government paid for electrically... lets see the presidents home and the others, have their heat turned off, like everyone else,,, imagine the first lady sitting in her winter clothes trying to have her morning tea!!! hahahaha

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