When is ‘chauffage collectif’ (communal heating) switched on in France?
Around one in five people have a communal heating system
Communal heating is usually switched on around mid-October in multi-residential buildings in France
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Some apartment blocks in France are set to have their communal heating systems turned on soon, which will come as a relief to some amid dropping temperatures.
‘Chauffage collectif’ (communal heating) will be turned on next week in some apartment blocks (copropriétés), with the expected date typically around October 15.
Around 20% of people in France benefit from this type of heating system, which can run on electricity, gas, oil, or even a heat pump. Typically, the communal systems stay on until April 15.
Read also: Copropriétés: Co-ownership in France explained
Read also: Why is the heating always on in our French apartment building?
Yet, there is no obligation to wait for these dates to turn the heating on or off, if all residents agree to changes.
Read more: Tips for saving hundreds of euros on annual energy bills in France
Heating dates
The date of October 15 is not set in stone; it depends on a number of factors, including:
The region where you live
Co-ownership regulations
The decision of the union council
The quality of the building’s insulation
If you believe that the heating should be turned on earlier, you can contact your building council to request it. You can also take the matter to court if you are not able to reach an agreement.
Even when the heating is on, the law states that the communal system temperatures must be set at no more than 19C (and sometimes 18C depending on the age and insulation of the building).
In your individual flat, you are able to have the temperature set a little higher than that, especially if your property is more difficult to heat.
Read also: French copropriétés split energy bills by usage to cope with rises
One building group successfully took their council to court in Châteauroux (Indre, Centre-Val de Loire) last winter, after the communal heating was set at just 15C. This had been set to save money, also some in the building had complained that the previous level of 20C was too hot.
A majority vote saw the level reduced by five degrees, but this was later overturned in court.
