Adjusting to apartment life with central heating
It’s early October, the nights are getting colder, and the temperature has dropped to a chilly 7°C. After a fun night out, I come home to my apartment, feeling cold. No problem, I think, I’ll just turn up the heating… But nope, the room stays cold. I fiddle with the heating knob, but nothing. Whaaat?! The heating is off. And why Parisian apartments are cold? Because the central heating doesn’t get turned on until October 15!
Why a Parisian apartment can be chilly during the winter
Parisians apartments can be chilly during winter due to the age and construction of many buildings. Many lack modern insulation, featuring single-pane windows and thin walls that let heat escape. High ceilings make it hard to retain warmth, and the city’s humidity adds to the cold. Additionally, inadequate central heating systems struggle to keep spaces warm.
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Collective heating: cold until October 15th
Welcome to apartment life with central heating. If, like me, you’re used to having full control of your thermostat in a house, this is quite the adjustment. You’re no longer in control! The building manager or the co-owners’ association decides when it’s time to turn the heating on for the entire building. And this usually happens around mid-October. Until then? Well, you’ll need to bundle up or head to bed early…
And just like with turning it on, the decision to turn off the heating is also a collective one, usually around mid-April. Imagine sitting there in your cozy sweaters during spring, while the radiators have been cold for weeks. Lovely, right?
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How central heating costs are calculated in apartments
Then, there’s the cost. Traditionally, the cost was divided based on the size of your apartment, but nowadays, thanks to the ELAN law, many buildings have individual meters. If you’re lucky, you’ll only pay for what you actually use. If not, you still end up sharing the bill with your neighbors, no matter how much or how little you use the heating. So, the motivation to be energy-efficient is… let’s say… limited.
Where does Paris get its heat?
In Paris, heat often comes from CPCU, which provides warmth to the city through a network of pipes powered by everything from gas to leftover heat from waste incineration.
Pretty sustainable, but for now most of the households are still stuck with their heating schedule.
Fun fact: Excess heat from an Equinix data center was sustainably used to heat the swimming pools at the 2024 Paris Olympics. So Paris does make steps forward.
What to ask when renting an apartment in Paris to avoid the cold
When visiting Paris, the last thing you want is to be caught in a chilly apartment. Many Parisian rentals, especially in older buildings, aren’t always well-heated. To make sure your stay is comfortable, it’s important to check the heating situation before you book. You can ask the host specific questions to ensure you’re not left shivering during your stay. Here are a few key things to inquire about to make sure you’ll stay warm in Paris:
- What type of heating does the apartment have?
“Is it electric or gas heating? And is it central heating or individual heaters in each room? - Can I control the temperature?
“Can I adjust the temperature myself, or is the heating managed centrally?” - Is every room heated?
“Does the heating work in all rooms, including the living room, bedroom and kitchen?
“Does the bathroom have heating, or is it colder there?” - Are extra blankets available?
“Can extra blankets or comforters be provided for additional warmth?” - Is the apartment heated 24/7?
“Is the heating on all day, or only during specific hours?”
By asking these questions, you can ensure your Parisian apartment will be warm and cozy, no matter the weather outside.
How to keep the cold out as a tenant
- Use draft stoppers: Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
- Reflective foil: Place aluminum foil behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room.
- Curtains and rugs: Use heavy curtains and lay rugs for added insulation.
- Close doors: Keep doors between rooms closed to retain heat.
- Electric blankets: Consider an electric blanket or heating pad for extra warmth.
The key to surviving cold nights before the heating starts
To stay warm in Paris, consider these tips:
- Layer up: Dress in multiple layers to trap heat.
- Warm your feet: Invest in cozy socks or slippers to keep your feet toasty.
- Electric blanket: Use one for extra warmth while lounging or sleeping.
- Ventilate: Open windows briefly to reduce humidity; do this a few times daily.
- Hot drinks: Sip on warm beverages to heat your body from within.
- Hot meals: Eating warm food boosts metabolism and body heat.
- Bed warmer: Place a hot water bottle in your bed before sleeping.
- Aromatherapy: Use essential oils like cinnamon to create a warm atmosphere.
So what have I learned?
Unfortunately, that ‘thermostat freedom’… I haven’t found it here yet.
So, if you move to an apartment with central heating, be ready for a life of waiting until mid-October.
And when it gets cold? Invest in an extra blanket, a thick sweater, and maybe a shot of schnapps. After all, it’s what rescue dogs in the snow bring, so it should do the trick in Paris too!
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