Is Your Apartment Ready for Heating Season?

October in Southern Ontario brings the first real cold nights of the year, and with them the shift from keeping your apartment cool to keeping it warm. Most buildings in Ontario are required to provide heat once outdoor temperatures drop, but there are practical steps renters can take on their own to stay comfortable all season. Taking a few steps now pays off through the months ahead.

When Does Your Building Heat Turn On in Ontario?

Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 21 degrees Celsius between September 1 and June 15 whenever outdoor temperatures fall below 20 degrees. In practice, most buildings in Toronto and the surrounding area activate their heating systems at some point in October, depending on how the weather shifts. Every building operates a little differently, so if your suite feels colder than expected during the first cool stretch, reaching out to your building manager early is the right move. At Keelegate Towers at 2050 Keele Street in the Brookhaven-Amesbury community of North York, residents have access to onsite management, making it straightforward to flag a comfort concern before a minor issue becomes a problem.

How Do You Find and Seal Drafts Before Winter Arrives?

Drafts around windows and exterior doors are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in an apartment, and they are easy to overlook until a cold snap hits. On a breezy day, hold your hand near window frames, balcony door edges and exterior wall outlets to feel for air movement. A draft stopper at the base of an exterior door is inexpensive and makes a noticeable difference right away. Heavy curtains or thermal drapes add another layer of insulation without any permanent changes to the unit. If you find a broken window seal or a gap that needs attention, let your building manager know. Renovated buildings like 3460 Bathurst Street in the Lawrence Manor neighbourhood of North York tend to have updated window seals, but checking your unit at the start of each heating season is always a good habit.

What Else Can You Do to Stay Warm This Winter?

A few small adjustments make a real difference once temperatures drop. If your apartment has a ceiling fan, reverse its direction to run clockwise at low speed, which pushes warm air down from the ceiling into the room. An area rug over hardwood or tile floors changes how the space feels on cold mornings and reduces heat loss underfoot. Swapping lightweight curtains for heavier ones and layering your bedding lets you stay comfortable even when the heating system takes time to respond to a sudden drop outside. Managing indoor humidity matters too: heating systems dry out the air, and a small humidifier can make a warm room feel noticeably more comfortable.

If you are searching for a new apartment this fall, it is worth asking about heating systems, window quality and how the building handles maintenance in winter. The right home should keep you comfortable from the first frost of October through to the final days of spring.