The heating season in Poland does not have a strict start date. Its start depends on weather conditions, rather than rigidly set regulations.
It is usually assumed that the heating period begins when the average daily air temperature falls below 10-12°C for several days in a row. In practice, this means that in cooler summers heating can be started as early as September, and in warmer summers - as late as October.
In multi-family buildings managed by communities or cooperatives, the decision to turn on the heating is made by the administrator, taking into account weather conditions and the needs of residents. In the case of single-family buildings, owners can flexibly adjust the timing of the heating start according to their preferences.
When the heating season ends
The end of the heating season is also not regulated from above. It is assumed that the heating season ends when the temperature outside stays above 12-15°C for several days. In most cases this occurs in April or May, although in some years heating is sometimes turned off as early as the end of March.
As with the start of heating, in multifamily buildings the decision to turn it off is made by the administrator, who often takes into account tenants' notifications.
How long is the heating season?
The length of the heating season in Poland depends on climatic conditions and can vary from year to year. On average, it lasts from 5 to 7 months, which means that residents face heating costs for a significant part of the year. In mountainous regions the period can be longer, and in warmer parts of the country it can be slightly shorter.
It is worth noting that in modern buildings with good thermal insulation and an efficient heating system, the active heating time can be shorter. Thanks to adequate thermal insulation, buildings lose heat more slowly, allowing heating to be activated less frequently even in the colder months.
Heating season - legislation
The law does not regulate the exact timeframe of the heating season, but it does specify certain rules for providing heat in multi-family buildings. According to a 2007 decree of the Ministry of Economy, the heat supplier is obliged to provide heating in facilities with central heating if weather conditions require it. This means that the building administration should respond to the needs of residents and turn on the heating when the temperature inside the building becomes too low.
How to prepare for the heating season
To avoid heating problems, it's a good idea to take care of a few key issues beforehand:
- Inspection of the heating system - before the season, check the condition of boilers, furnaces and radiators to avoid breakdowns during the winter.
- Checking the tightness of windows and doors - leaks cause heat loss, which increases heating costs.
- Ventilate with your head - short, intensive ventilation instead of tilting the windows for a long time avoids cooling the interiors.
- Adjust the temperature as needed - the optimal temperature in the living room is about 20-22°C, in the bedroom 17-19°C, and in the bathroom 22-24°C.
The heating season in Poland usually lasts from September/October to April/May, but its length depends on the weather. Regulations do not specify rigid dates, but building administrators are obliged to ensure the thermal comfort of residents. To minimize heating costs, it is necessary to properly prepare the heating system and ensure proper insulation of the house.