Where's my heat?
It is November 15, and I would have thought today would be my celebratory "Heat Watch 2011 is Over" post. However, it seems that Heat Watch continues. The radiators are still slightly and perceptibly warm. They just aren't radiating, though. When I looked out the window to one of the smokestacks in town, it appeared to be spewing some volume of exhaust. It was difficult to tell, as today was a grey-air day.
It would not surprise me the start of heating season is more like a slow ramp-up this year. For the past three months, the months in which much coal changes hands in Northern China in advance of heating season, the prices have been increasing. While that is not unusual or unexpected in the face of increased demand, at least one Chinese coal company reported recently average prices this year were 13% higher year-on-year from 2010. There's been so much inflation in China this past year that I was surprised that when I paid this season's heating bill that it was the same as last year. I expected an increase.
We still are running the space heater and I am loving my slippers even more. The kids are snugly tucked in between us. Someday we'll look back on this time with misty eyes and fondness.
I know; who am I trying to kid?
It would not surprise me the start of heating season is more like a slow ramp-up this year. For the past three months, the months in which much coal changes hands in Northern China in advance of heating season, the prices have been increasing. While that is not unusual or unexpected in the face of increased demand, at least one Chinese coal company reported recently average prices this year were 13% higher year-on-year from 2010. There's been so much inflation in China this past year that I was surprised that when I paid this season's heating bill that it was the same as last year. I expected an increase.
We still are running the space heater and I am loving my slippers even more. The kids are snugly tucked in between us. Someday we'll look back on this time with misty eyes and fondness.
I know; who am I trying to kid?
Comments
My radiators here tend towards the warm rather than hot too. Still... if you think they should be hotter you might want to check they don't have trapped air inside.
Most radiators have a tap somewhere at the top that can be used to vent any trapped air from the pipes: the water pressure fills them with water from below and forces out any trapped gas. It might make a difference.
Thanks so much!