November 10, 2023
Dear Residents:
Heating season is here. I know there have been several questions about the new energy management
system for the boilers and how it works. Before I can explain this, you must first understand the NYC Heating Laws. Whenever the temperature falls below 55 degrees during the hours of 6AM and 10PM, we must maintain an inside temperature of at least 68 degrees. From the hours of 10PM to 6AM, we must maintain an inside temperature of at least 62 degrees. This is in accordance with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Unfortunately, the old system has no inside thermostats to monitor the inside temperature. So, these buildings have been overheated for many years. The new system comes with 24 inside temperature sensors. The new system will read these sensors via Wi-Fi and use them to establish an average inside temperature. It will then maintain the inside temperature (based upon the average temperature) at 72 degrees during the hours of 6AM to 10 PM and 69 degrees from the hours of 10PM - 6AM. This will lessen the cycles of the boiler and reduce fuel consumption. Lowering fuel consumption will reduce our fuel bills and our greenhouse gas emissions.
I’m not sure how many of you are aware of Local Law 97. This law was passed by the City Council in April 2019 as part of the Mayor’s New York City Green New Deal. This law requires us to meet new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions limits. We are currently in line with 2024’s limits but are working on stricter limits coming into effect in 2030 (40% reduction) and 2050 (80% reduction). I know seven years may seem like a long time, but these upgrades are costly. So, we must transition gradually. Early this year, we completed a master venting project that will allow steam to travel more quickly through the system. This, in turn, will complete our heating process faster. This will also help reduce the length of a boiler cycle, which will further reduce our fuel consumption, save us money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are currently exploring roof upgrades, solar panels, motorized barometric dampers, and electric heat pumps for the domestic hot water during off season heating period. All these improvements will put us on a path to becoming a greener or more efficient cooperative.
I would also like to remind everyone, to avoid radiator leaks, please remember to turn your radiator valves all the way to the left to allow heat in or ALL THE WAY to the right to turn the heat off. The heat is either ON or OFF. There is no middle. Turning the valve slightly to the left or the right does not control the temperature; it only causes leaks.
Best,
Douglas Elliman Property Management a/a/f
Bonnie Mutignani
Account Executive