Every fall, the same questions start popping up in NYC buildings: “When does the heat turn on?” And every spring: “Why isn’t the AC running yet?”
NYC has clear rules for when buildings must provide heat. Knowing what to expect can make seasonal transitions a lot smoother for everyone.
Heating season: October 1 – May 31
From October 1 through May 31, NYC law requires buildings to maintain specific indoor temperatures:
- 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.: If the outdoor temperature falls below 55°F, indoor spaces must be at least 68°F.
- 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.: Indoor temperature must stay above 62°F, regardless of how cold it is outside.
Hot water must also stay year-round at a minimum of 120°F.
That said, the heating season doesn’t always mean boilers turn on right at the start of October. Many buildings wait until temperatures drop consistently before firing up the system. Turning on the heat too early can waste energy — and lead to complaints when the weather warms back up a few days later.
In most buildings, the board decides when to officially start the heat, with guidance from the property management team. Firing up the boiler isn’t usually as simple as flipping a switch — it’s a full process involving inspections, system tests, and coordination with vendors. Once the system is running, it takes a few days to balance and deliver even warmth throughout the building.
If your apartment feels cold early in the season:
It doesn’t necessarily mean the heat “isn’t on.” Your management team is monitoring forecasts, indoor temperatures, and system performance to ensure heat is delivered efficiently once it’s truly needed.
How your management team plans ahead
For both heating and cooling seasons, your property manager and board start preparing weeks in advance. Together, they:
- Schedule inspections and maintenance before the seasonal deadline.
- Budget for higher energy use during peak months.
- Coordinate with service vendors to test and certify systems early.
- Track historical data to spot recurring issues and improve performance year after year.
That proactive planning keeps buildings compliant, efficient, and comfortable — while avoiding last-minute surprises.
What you can do as a resident
- Report issues early. If your apartment feels unusually warm or cool, let management know. Clear details help diagnose whether it’s an isolated issue or building-wide.
- Be patient during transitions. It can take a few days for large systems to stabilize when temperatures shift suddenly.
- Stay informed. Boards and management teams will share key updates around seasonal changeovers so you know what to expect.
Why it all matters
Comfort, compliance, and communication all go hand in hand. NYC’s heating requirements are designed to protect residents, but it’s the coordination between boards, managers, and vendors that keeps buildings running smoothly.
Your management team handles the technical side — boilers, inspections, and compliance — so you can stay comfortable and confident, no matter the season.
