When does the Heat turn On?

Per the Chicago Heat Ordinance, the heat is turned on during the heating season, which applies from September 15 until June 1. This period may be extended at the discretion of the building's management.

"For residential buildings with central (shared) heating equipment and no central cooling (air conditioning), the indoor temperature is required to be at least 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and at least 66°F from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. for the entire heating season."

If during this heating season the outdoor temperature is 68°F, the building heat will automatically turn OFF.

Subsequently, once the temperature reaches 63°F again, the building heat will automatically turn ON.

This is to prevent short cycling of the boilers.

How is my Unit Heated?

The units receive heat in two (2) ways:

1. Heated air from the common area hallways supply

2. Baseboard heating by hot water

How does my Heating System Work?

Depending on which unit you are located in, you may have one (1) or (2) separate baseboard heating lines.

The one bedroom and more square units (Tiers 01, 04, 05 and 08) have a single baseboard heating line with a thermostat.

The two bedroom and single bedroom the more rectangular units (Tiers 02, 03, 06 and 07) have two baseboard heating lines. The one going through the living room has a thermostat and the one in the master bedroom has a manual valve, unless it has been retrofit with a thermostat (a thermostat in this location is never original to the unit. Contact the management office if you are interested in having a thermostatically controlled system retrofit in your unit).

Thermostatically Controlled Baseboard Heating

In most areas, there is a thermostatically controlled baseboard heater. 

There are four (4) important pieces to a thermostatically controlled systems that have to work well for the heat to work properly:

1. Thermostat

2. Transformer

3. Electronic valve

4. Baseboard heater

See the image below for an overview of this system:

Manually Controlled Baseboard Heating

In some areas, there is a manually controlled baseboard heater. 

There are two (2) pieces to a manually controlled systems that have to work well for the heat to work properly:

1. Manual valve

2. Baseboard heater

WARNING: Due to their age, most manual valves are prone to leaking inside the unit, if they are adjusted. If at all possible, please do not adjust these valves.

Contact the management office if you are interested in having a thermostatically controlled system retrofit in your unit

See the image below for an overview of this system:

Where is the Baseboard Heating Located?

Tier 01 Units

This unit has a single thermostatically controlled baseboard heater.

The baseboard heaters are in red color and the controls are in brown color.

Tier 02 Units

This unit has two baseboard heaters. As originally built, one is thermostatically controlled, and the other is manually controlled.

The baseboard heaters are in red color and the controls are in brown color.

Tier 03 Units

This unit has two baseboard heaters. As originally built, one is thermostatically controlled, and the other is manually controlled.

The baseboard heaters are in red color and the controls are in brown color.

Tier 04 Units

This unit has a single thermostatically controlled baseboard heater.

The baseboard heaters are in red color and the controls are in brown color.

Tier 05 Units

This unit has a single thermostatically controlled baseboard heater.

The baseboard heaters are in red color and the controls are in brown color.

Tier 06 Units

This unit has two baseboard heaters. As originally built, one is thermostatically controlled, and the other is manually controlled.

The baseboard heaters are in red color and the controls are in brown color.

Tier 07 Units

This unit has two baseboard heaters. As originally built, one is thermostatically controlled, and the other is manually controlled.

The baseboard heaters are in red color and the controls are in brown color.

Tier 08 Units

This unit has a single thermostatically controlled baseboard heater.

The baseboard heaters are in red color and the controls are in brown color.

Troubleshooting

How can I check if my heat is working?

Check the baseboard heaters with your hand. If they are warm, then the heat is on.

My baseboard heaters feel warm, but it is not warm enough in my house. What can I do?

1. Check your thermostat and increase the setpoint temperature.  (Note: some areas of units do not have thermostats. See the section named Manually Controlled Baseboard Heating.)

2. Check your windows for any leaks. 

3. Check your air conditioners. By design of the building, they must be covered in the winter time.

4. If there is a problem with your electronic valve, it is possible for the baseboard heaters to be warm, but not provide adequate heat to your unit. This means that the valve has not opened fully. If you believe this is the case, please fill out a work request. If you are a renter, please reach out to the unit owner so they may fill out a work request. 

My baseboard heaters feel cold. I am not getting any heat. What can I do?

1. Check your thermostat and make sure it is ON. (Note: some areas of units do not have thermostats. See the section named Manually Controlled Baseboard Heating.)

2. Check your thermostat and increase the setpoint temperature.

3. If you have checked these two items and you still cannot get your heat to work, please fill out a work request. If you are a renter, please reach out to the unit owner so they may fill out a work request.

The indoor air temperature is as required by the City's Heat Ordinance but I still feel cold. What can I do?

Check your windows for leaks. Also check your air conditioner covers for leaks. Cold air currents, especially on the feet, will make it feel cold and uncomfortable.

It is possible to feel cold due to radiation losses with the walls, floors and windows, even if the indoor air temperature is adequate. 

Place rugs on the floor to keep your feet warm or wear indoor slippers.

When it is darker outside than inside, cover your windows by closing your blinds or curtains. This will prevent your body from losing heat via radiation heat transfer to the dark, cold atmosphere.

Wear clothing that covers more of your skin for a similar effect.