How does collective heating work?

We review all the advantages and disadvantages of a collective heating system in a condominium.

Collective heating is a common solution in apartment buildings, especially in condominiums. It allows several dwellings to be heated from a single centralized system, but it also raises many questions among owners and tenants.

In this article, we take a detailed look at how collective heating works, how it is installed and switched on, and the responsibilities of the co-owners.

Collective heating: how does it work?

Collective heating is a system that heats several dwellings from one central installation. It can be gas, electric, oil-fired, or based on heat pumps, cogeneration, or other technologies, depending on the building and the condominium.

The principle is simple: a collective boiler or heat generator produces heat, which is then distributed to all apartments through a network of pipes and radiators.

How collective heating operates

Collective heating in a condominium works through a centralized network. The boiler or boiler room, installed in a shared area of the building, heats the water that circulates through the pipes and radiators.

This heat is then delivered to each apartment. Temperatures in the different rooms are regulated by thermostats and valves that control the distribution of heat.

Gas collective heating

Gas collective heating is one of the most widespread systems in apartment buildings in Belgium, especially in older buildings. It uses a central gas boiler to produce heat. This solution offers many advantages, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency, but it requires regular maintenance to ensure proper operation.

Electric collective heating

Electric collective heating is also increasingly used, especially in modern buildings. This system operates using collective electric equipment, such as built-in convectors or underfloor heating, supplied by a shared electrical network. Although more expensive than gas heating, it is easier to manage at a collective level and becomes more attractive when combined with renewable energy installations.

Collective heating: advantages and disadvantages

Collective heating offers several significant advantages: reduced maintenance costs, improved thermal comfort, and potential energy savings. Let’s take a closer look at both the strengths and the less favorable aspects of this heating system.

Advantages of collective heating

1. Centralized maintenance
   With collective heating, maintenance of the installation (boiler, technical equipment, regulatory inspections) is organized centrally by the property manager or a specialized service provider.
   The costs related to this maintenance, often significant, are shared among all co-owners and included in the common charges.
   This organization simplifies management for occupants, who do not have to handle maintenance individually, without necessarily guaranteeing lower costs than an individual system.
2. Consistent thermal comfort
   Collective heating ensures a uniform distribution of heat throughout the building, particularly in common areas. Centralized production contributes to a stable overall temperature, while still allowing occupants to adjust heating according to the use of their rooms.
   In practice, some rooms may be lightly heated or not heated at all when unoccupied. This flexibility helps balance comfort and energy consumption while avoiding excessive temperature differences within the building.
3. Energy savings
   Another major advantage of collective heating is its energy efficiency. By pooling heating costs across several dwellings, the system can be more economical than individual heating. Collective systems generally use more powerful and efficient equipment, optimizing heat production and minimizing energy losses.
   In addition, centralized management makes it easier to monitor and control energy consumption, reducing overall costs. This makes collective heating an ideal solution for buildings with multiple apartments.

Disadvantages of collective heating

1. Less individual control
   One of the main drawbacks of collective heating is the reduced individual control over the temperature in your apartment. Unlike individual systems, where you can adjust the temperature in each room according to your preferences, collective heating relies on centralized settings.
   You are therefore subject to the temperature defined by collective management, which can be frustrating if it does not match your personal comfort. In the event of a breakdown or malfunction of the central system, all residents are affected. You cannot repair or adjust the system yourself, which can cause significant inconvenience, especially in winter.
2. High heating bills
   Although collective heating can be economically advantageous in some cases, the associated charges can become quite high, particularly in large buildings. Cost allocation may not always be perceived as fair, especially when apartments vary in size.
   For example, a small apartment may end up paying almost as much as a larger one, even though its energy consumption is proportionally lower. In addition, heating charges are often fixed or based on criteria such as surface area or number of radiators, which may not accurately reflect actual individual consumption. This can lead to frustration and a sense of injustice among co-owners.

Bleeding a radiator: why and how?

If you notice that some radiators are not heating properly, there may be air trapped in the system. Bleeding a radiator is a simple task that helps restore proper operation.

It is recommended to check with the property manager whether radiator bleeding can be carried out by occupants or must be done by the designated heating contractor.

Why bleed a radiator?

When air accumulates in radiators, it prevents hot water from circulating properly. This can lead to uneven heat distribution in the apartment or inefficient heating.

How to bleed a radiator

Follow these steps:

Switching on collective heating: when and how?

When is collective heating switched on?

Collective heating is generally switched on from mid-October or early November, depending on weather conditions and decisions taken at the condominium’s general assembly. The system may be activated automatically or manually by the managing entity.

How is collective heating turned on?

The activation depends on the boiler and the building’s infrastructure. In many cases, it is automated and managed remotely by the maintenance provider, but it can also be carried out manually by the property manager.

When should collective heating be turned on?

Start dates vary from one building to another. In general, the heating season begins in early autumn, around October 15. In Belgium, there is no law setting a mandatory date for switching on collective heating: the decision is made based on weather conditions, building habits, and the property manager’s choices. Residents should check with their property manager to know the exact date.

Collective heating and the law: rules to follow

Legal rules and heating periods

In Belgium, there is no law imposing a minimum heating period in collective buildings. The heating season usually runs from October 15 to April 15 by convention, but this is a practice rather than a legal obligation. If heating is unavailable during this period, it is recommended to contact the property manager promptly.

How are collective heating costs paid?

Collective heating costs are shared among co-owners according to the ownership shares defined in the condominium regulations.
In some buildings, individual meters are installed to allow a fairer allocation of costs based on actual consumption.

What to do in case of a shutdown?

In the event of a collective heating shutdown, it is essential to report the issue quickly to the property manager or maintenance provider. A shutdown can result from various causes, such as a boiler breakdown, a pipe leak, or an electrical problem.
If the failure is general, the repair is covered by the condominium. If the issue comes from a private installation (such as an individual radiator or valve), the concerned co-owner may have to bear the costs.

What is the difference between individual and collective heating?

Collective or individual heating?

Collective heating is generally more economical at the building level, but it offers less control over temperature.
Individual heating, on the other hand, allows precise temperature control in each room but can be more expensive to operate and maintain.

What temperature for collective heating?

The ideal temperature for collective heating generally ranges between 18 and 21 °C, according to regional energy recommendations. Staying within this range helps avoid excessive energy consumption and high charges.

Collective heating is a practical and cost-effective solution for heating multiple dwellings from a single central installation. However, it requires careful organization, whether for maintenance, cost allocation, or respecting start and stop dates.

To make the most of it and ensure optimal thermal comfort, it is essential to fully understand how it works and what is at stake. With OP, you can be sure to enjoy all the benefits of collective heating while avoiding the hassles associated with its management.