Dec 27th, 2019
Heating Management System – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The following are answers to the frequently asked questions regarding the heating management system installed in some of OCH’s buildings.
- Do I have control of the heat in my apartment?
Yes. You can still set the temperature on your thermostats.
- When I put my hand in front of my baseboard heater, it is not warm. Is it broken?
No. If there is no heat, it could mean one of the following.
- Your thermostat is set to 0° C/F or “off.”
- The temperature in your apartment and on your thermostats are the same. There is no reason to continue.
- The temperature outside is warm, so your baseboard heater does not have to run as often to reach the temperature you set on your thermostats.
- You may use other heating equipment, such as electric or ceramic heating fans or indoor fireplaces. It is not recommended to use additional heating equipment because it prevents your electric baseboard heaters from turning on.
- How does the heating management system (HMS) save electricity if my thermostat is at the same temperature as last winter?
The HMS sends the outdoor local temperature to the controller and thermostats in your apartment. Based on this temperature, the system calculates how much power the baseboard needs to heat and maintains the temperature you set on your thermostats.
- My apartment is on the corner of the building on the top floor. Will the HMS provide enough heat?
Yes. Most corner apartments have more baseboard heaters in order to provide more heat. In addition, the HMS provides more power to your baseboards if you live in a corner unit, on the top floor or on the North side of a building.
- I use only the baseboard heater in my living room. I am cold. Is it because of the new HMS? What can I do?
Turn on the baseboard heaters in your bedroom(s) and living room to distribute the heat more evenly in your home. Start with a slightly lower temperature (18 – 21°C / 64 – 70°F) to prevent overheating and adjust if you are still cold. You can also review #7 of the FAQs.
- I leave my windows open for fresh air. Why is my apartment colder with the new system?
Previously, if you left your windows open in the winter, your baseboard may have run quite often if you selected a warm temperature on your thermostat to compensate.
The new system now knows, based on the size of the room, the outdoor temperature, and the temperature you select on your thermostat, how much power to use to heat your home. If you open a window, you are letting all of the heat out of your apartment and wasting electricity. If you must open your window, open it less than an inch and turn the heat down.
- Are there other ways to feel warmer in my apartment?
Yes.
- You should remove all air conditioners from the windows by no later than October 15, and ensure that the windows are re-installed properly until the Spring of next year.
- When it is cold outside, only open windows or patio doors for a few minutes at a time, or a small amount.
- Ensure that large furniture or curtains do not block the baseboard heaters to ensure the heat flows into your apartment.
- Tile and hard flooring feel cold in the winter months. Wear slippers or socks.
- The air is very dry in my apartment, what can I do?
Lower the temperature or turn off your baseboard heaters while you sleep. You could also use a small humidifier to increase your comfort during winter.
- My baseboard heaters smell when I use them, what can I do to fix this?
Dust and debris could be on and in your baseboard heaters. You should vacuum, dust or use a damp cloth to clean outside and inside your heaters before the cold season sets in.
- I have followed the advice on this FAQ sheet and I still am not comfortable with the temperature in my apartment. What can I do?
Please contact the OCH Call Centre at 613-731-1182.