Is your home ready for winter?

With cooler months already settling in, it’s important to maintain comfortable conditions in your home. If you are having issues with things like the right unit temperature and indoor air quality, there are usually simple solutions.

Did you know that when your building is overheated, it could be caused by too many open windows? When windows are left open in winter, it causes the building’s heating system to work harder to re-heat the air. This causes further overheating of your building. TCHC is required by City of Toronto bylaws to keep buildings heated to a minimum of 21 degrees Celsius between September 15 and June 1.

Please do not use open windows to lower the temperature in your unit or improve air quality. If you need fresh air, you can use your bathroom and kitchen fans to increase air circulation in your unit. TCHC has upgraded ventilation systems to bring in plenty of fresh air without opening your windows.

Odours can also affect the air quality in your home! Disposing of waste in a timely manner, keeping your kitchen catcher in the fridge or a small container in the freezer can reduce the odours indoors.

If you are too hot or too cold inside your home and have a thermostat or TRV (Thermostat Radio Valve) installed, you can control the temperature by yourself. Please keep in mind that radiators take some time to heat up. Wait a few minutes after it turns on for it to warm.

If you need help using your thermostat, you can download a simplified version of thermostat manuals from our website (see details below). It is important to always check if the batteries are still working. If you experience issues with your thermostat that you can’t resolve, please notify TCHC site staff or Client Care Centre. 

Here are a few more tips to stay warm and cozy at home:

• Keep the vents and radiators clear of any obstructions so the air can circulate around your unit. For example, you can move the furniture away from radiators and walls so there’s enough space for air to come out and circulate.
• Wear more layers of clothing to stay warm. It’s important to dress according to the weather.
• Keep yourself warm and hydrated with warm liquids like soups and hot drinks.
• You can use thick curtains for your windows to keep the heat in and add an extra layer of insulation. You can open curtains during the day to let the sun in and warm your rooms. Keep them closed at night to keep the warmth.
• Draft stoppers at the bottom of your doors can also prevent cold air from entering your unit.
• If you have a floor air conditioner, you should remove the AC hose from your window and close the window properly to avoid heat escaping.

Please remember:

• Do not use ovens for warming up your units. It is a fire hazard!
• Always notify site staff or Client Care Centre when there is an issue in your unit. If more tenants are having the same problem, that could mean there is a bigger issue that needs to be looked into.  

For more information on conservation initiatives, please contact conservation@torontohousing.ca or visit our Conservation page. 

You can contact the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 or help@torontohousing.ca.