Heat Cost Allocation in Central Heating

In buildings with central heating, the question "I opened the radiators little, why do I pay the same heating cost as my neighbour?" is asked often. To remedy this unfairness, the heat cost allocator system and a specific sharing rule have been introduced. In this guide we explain heat cost allocation in central heating, the heat allocator system and the 70/30 rule based on the relevant regulation.

What is a heat cost allocator?

A heat cost allocator is a device attached to each unit's radiators that measures the heat energy consumed by that unit. Each unit thus pays according to the heat it drew from the central system. The aim is to ensure that everyone pays according to their usage, creating fair sharing. The system is governed by the "Regulation on the Allocation of Heating and Domestic Hot Water Costs in Central Heating and Domestic Hot Water Systems".

Why is the expense not shared entirely by consumption?

At first sight, "everyone pays according to what they consumed" seems logical. However, in central systems some expenses are independent of consumption: the heating of common areas, heat losses in pipes, system operating expenses and minimum heating. Even if a unit uses no heating at all, it remains at a certain temperature thanks to heat coming from neighbouring units and installations. For this reason, the entire expense cannot be tied to consumption alone.

The 70/30 sharing rule

The regulation strikes this balance with the 70/30 basis:

• 70% based on consumption: 70% of the total heating expense is shared according to the measured heat consumption of the independent units.
• 30% based on area: 30% of the total heating expense is shared according to the usage areas (square metres) of the independent units, as expenses for common usage areas, system losses, minimum heating and operating expenses.

Most of your heating bill therefore depends on how much you heat, while a part depends on the size of your unit. This dual structure balances both fair use and the sharing of the system's fixed costs.

Why can I not close my radiator completely?

This is a much-asked topic. Even if a unit closes its radiators completely, it still pays its share from the 30% shared by area (minimum heating, system losses). In addition, because the heat of neighbouring units passes through the walls, "zero consumption" is not possible in practice. It is therefore not possible to say "I did not heat at all and I will not pay"; there is always a minimum contribution.

Is the system installation mandatory?

The energy efficiency legislation makes it mandatory to install systems (such as heat cost allocators) that provide sharing according to heat usage in buildings with central heating. New buildings are required to meet this condition for a permit; existing buildings with central systems also need to have these systems installed. Fitting thermostatic valves to radiators is also required by the regulation.

Difference from general expenses

Heating expense allocation works on a different logic from the apartment's other common expenses. While general expenses such as security and cleaning are shared under the rules of the Condominium Ownership Law, heating and hot water expenses are shared under the rules of this specific regulation (70/30). Knowing this distinction makes it easier to understand the differences on the heating bill.

Summary

In central heating, the expense is shared through the heat cost allocator system and the 70/30 rule: 70% by measured consumption, 30% by unit area. Even if the radiator is closed completely, the 30% share is paid. Installing the system and thermostatic valves is required by the regulation. Heating expense operates on a different logic from general expenses.

Calculating heating expense allocation manually with measurement data is complex. Apt Yönet tracks heating and other expenses separately, providing units with accurate and transparent expense allocation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

According to what is heating expense shared?

70% of the total heating expense is shared by measured consumption, 30% by unit usage area (square metres).

Do I pay if I do not heat at all?

Yes. Even if you close your radiator completely, you pay the share for minimum heating and system losses shared by the 30% area basis.

Is fitting a heat cost allocator mandatory?

The regulation makes it mandatory to install systems that provide sharing by consumption in buildings with central heating.

Is heating expense included in the dues?

Heating expense is shared under a separate regulation (70/30), different from general common expenses; it is usually calculated separately.

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This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You are advised to consult a legal expert about your specific situation.