Apartment heating

These instructions aim to increase understanding regarding apartment heating.

POLICY ON APARTMENT TEMPERATURES

During the early stages of the property’s operation, the Board established target temperatures for apartments, stairwells, common areas, and technical spaces. These target temperatures are based on official regulations and expert recommendations.

The target temperature for residential apartments is 20–22°C in living rooms and 18–20°C in bedrooms.

OFFICIAL REGULATIONS

According to the Housing Health Decree issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the temperature of a residential apartment during the heating season must be a minimum of +18°C and a maximum of +26°C. These are mandatory action limits; any deviation imposes a legal obligation on the property owner to take corrective measures.

Source: https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/saadoskokoelma/2015/545#OT21

EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS

Most experts recommend an indoor temperature of 20–22°C for living areas and 18–20°C for bedrooms. Sources include:

Motiva: Living space 20–22°C, bedroom 18–20°C.
https://www.motiva.fi/tietopankki/hyva-sisailmasto/

The Federation of Respiratory Health (Hengitysliitto): Room temperature 20–22°C, slightly cooler in bedrooms.
https://www.hengitysliitto.fi/kodin-sisailma-ja-kunnossapito/sisailman-laatu/sisailman-olosuhteet/huoneilman-lampotila/

The Finnish Real Estate Federation (Kiinteistöliitto): Indoor air temperature 20–22°C.
https://www.taloyhtiosivut.fi/public?pageid=85268

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL): Bedroom temperature 16–20°C.
https://www.ttl.fi/tyopiste/valvottaako-helle-nama-keinot-auttavat-nukkumaan-paremmin

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: What does ”target temperature” mean in practice?

Answer: A target temperature of 20–22°C does not mean a resident can adjust thermostats to achieve any specific point within that range. Rather, it means that by adjusting the thermostats, the resident will achieve a temperature that falls somewhere between 20 and 22°C. Differences between apartments are inevitable and may fluctuate during the heating season.

The target is not met if the temperature remains below 20°C while all thermostats are at maximum, or if it remains above 22°C while all thermostats are at minimum. In such cases, the housing company will inspect and, if necessary, rectify the heating settings.

Within these limits, the actual adjustment range may vary between apartments; however, as long as the temperature remains within the target range, the policy and official regulations are fulfilled, and no further adjustments will be made.

Short-term fluctuations due to rapid changes in outdoor temperature are not considered deviations from the target.

Question: I think 20–22°C is too low. Why can’t it be raised to 22–24°C?

Answer: The target temperatures align with official regulations and expert guidelines. These cannot be changed by a Board decision; they require a resolution from the General Meeting of Shareholders. While the topic has been discussed, no such resolution has been passed. Shareholders may bring this matter to the General Meeting for a vote in accordance with the Limited Liability Housing Companies Act.

Raising the temperature increases heating costs by approximately 5% for every additional degree. For instance, a two-degree increase would add roughly €3,380 to annual costs (at 2025 levels). Experts also note that temperatures exceeding recommendations may adversely affect resident health and the building’s condition.

Question: If the temperature can’t be raised for the whole building, why not just increase the temperature in my apartment, and others who wish the same?

Answer: Apartment living relies on collective rules. Because the heating system is a complex, integrated entity, exceptions for individual units are technically difficult. Increasing the temperature in one apartment or line lowers the temperature in some others. Added heat for one unit effectively draws heat from others.

Question: Why isn’t the heating system adjusted so that all apartments maintain the exact same temperature?

Answer: This is not technically feasible because, in addition to the central heating system, ”internal heat loads” generated by residents significantly impact apartment temperatures. Throughout the heating season, heat produced by residents accounts for approximately half of the warmth produced by the heating system. These internal heat loads are influenced by several variables: the conversion of electricity into heat (via household appliances and electronics), the number of occupants relative to the apartment size, the amount of time spent at home, habits regarding sauna and shower usage, cooking, and various other factors. The volume of resident-generated heat varies considerably between units, which results in temperature differences between apartments.

The impact of these internal heat loads also fluctuates during the heating season. While the amount of heat generated by daily living typically remains constant (unless apartment usage changes significantly), the heat provided by the central system adjusts according to the outdoor temperature. During mild weather, the heating demand is low; consequently, the central system operates at a lower capacity, and the proportion of heat generated by the residents can actually exceed that of the heating system. Conversely, during extreme cold, the heating demand is high; the central system operates at a much higher capacity, making the relative impact of resident-generated heat minimal.

If an apartment’s internal heat production is lower than average, the unit may feel cooler during mild weather; however, as outdoor temperatures drop and the central system’s output increases, the apartment temperature will likely rise. Conversely, if internal heat production is higher than average, the apartment may feel warmer during mild weather, but the temperature will likely stabilize or decrease as the weather gets colder and the central system takes over the primary heating load. If internal heat production is at a standard level, changes in outdoor temperature are unlikely to have a significant effect on the overall indoor temperature.

Question: What factors influence apartment temperature?

Answer: Apartment temperature is a result of several variables:

  • The building’s heating curve (automated adjustments based on outdoor temperature).
  • Water flow adjustments in specific radiator lines and individual radiators.
  • Thermostat settings (resident-adjustable).
  • Ventilation flow and the temperature of pre-heated replacement air.
  • Waste heat from hot water circulation pipes.
  • Solar radiation and the cooling effect of wind.
  • Individual living habits.

Question: What are the instructions for using radiators?

Answer: It is essential that radiators are not obstructed by heavy curtains, furniture, or other items. For example, a sofa placed directly in front of a radiator can trap heat, causing the thermostat to ”misread” the room temperature and prematurely reduce heating power.

Radiator surfaces must be kept free of dust to ensure heating efficiency remains unaffected. Residents may adjust thermostats to find a most suitable indoor temperature within the target range. It is also advisable to monitor radiator performance; if a bubbling or gurgling sound is heard from inside the radiator, it typically requires bleeding. In such cases, the maintenance company should be contacted. The need for bleeding may also be indicated if the bottom of the radiator is warmer than the top. In a properly functioning radiator, the top should be as warm as, and often warmer than, the bottom. When adjusting the thermostat, it should visibly move closer to or further from the radiator. The physical resistance when turning the dial should be consistent across all radiators; the thermostat must not spin freely. If any of these issues occur, please contact the maintenance company.

Question: There are two pipes connected to my radiator; one is significantly cooler. The top of my radiator is warm, but the bottom is cool. My radiators become cold even during the winter season. Is something wrong?

Answer: These observations do not indicate a fault in the heating system. One pipe delivers warm water to the top of the radiator, which then flows downward and exits through the second pipe at the bottom. Because the water has already released its heat into the room, the return pipe and the bottom of the radiator are naturally cooler. This is the intended operation of the system.

Furthermore, assessing temperature by touch is unreliable. Even if a surface is at 20°C, it will feel cold to a hand at 35°C. Even a radiator at 30°C may feel cool to the touch.

Radiators operate under the control of building automation, warming or cooling in response to outdoor temperatures. Additionally, radiator thermostats adjust the heat output based on the current ambient temperature of the apartment. If the demand for heating decreases, it is normal for the radiator to cool down, even during the heating season. This occurs particularly during extended periods of mild weather.

Question: When is the heating turned on and off?

Answer: There are no fixed calendar dates. The transition depends on seasonal conditions and indoor temperature measurements. Heating is activated in the autumn once the building has released its stored summer heat and sensors indicate a need for supplemental warmth. It is deactivated in the spring when the outdoor air provides sufficient warmth. Typically, the heating season lasts approximately seven months, from October to April or May.

Question: I live on the top/bottom floor. Do I receive the same heating power as other floors?

Answer: Yes. Heating water circulates from the bottom up and returns downward. While the water temperature in upper-floor radiators may be slightly lower due to heat loss in lower units, this is compensated by a pre-adjusted increased water flow rate in the upper floors. In a balanced network, the floor level does not impact heating performance.

Question: My home is 20.5°C when it is -2°C outside. How cold will it get when temperatures drop to -15°C?

Answer: The apartment temperature will remain within the target range regardless of outdoor conditions. Building automation continuously monitors the outdoor temperature and automatically raises the heating water temperature as it gets colder outside. For example, at +5°C outside, the radiator water may be 30°C, whereas at -26°C, it increases to 62°C. These automatic adjustments ensure a consistent indoor climate.

Please note that during exceptionally rapid temperature shifts, there may be a brief delay before the system fully adjusts.

Question: My wall thermometer shows 18°C. Who do I contact to have my heating increased?

Answer: Heating adjustments are never made based solely on a resident’s personal thermometer. Consumer-grade thermometers are often inaccurate. Official measurements must be conducted according to expert guidelines (at a height of 1.1 meters in the living zone and at least 0.6 meters from walls).

If a resident has reason to believe the target temperature is not being met, they may request a professional measurement from the maintenance company. A technician will then perform a verification using a professional-grade precision meter. If a deficiency is confirmed, the matter will be escalated to the Property Manager and the Board. Maintenance personnel are not authorized to change radiator settings at a resident’s request without confirmed cause.

Question: Even when I adjust the thermostats, my bedroom and living room are the same temperature. Can the bedroom be made cooler?

Answer: In some layouts, the bedroom is a semi-open space without a door, meaning it shares air with the living room. In these cases, achieving a lower temperature in the bedroom without also cooling the living room may be impossible. Residents may, however, turn down thermostats for the sleeping hours.

Question: My temperature is within the target range, but I want it warmer. What can I do?

Answer: Residents may, at their own expense, use supplemental space heaters provided they are approved devices and used safely. However, the installation of air-source heat pumps for heating is prohibited due to risks associated with the freezing of condensate water.

The Board also advises following expert recommendations. According to the Indoor Air Association (Sisäilmayhdistys), excessively high indoor temperatures can cause feelings of dryness, fatigue, and reduced concentration, and may aggravate respiratory or skin conditions.