Space heater warning!

As the temperatures dip and New Yorkers (especially those in older buildings) switch on their radiators, many find that the output isn’t enough to keep the chill away. Every year, in an effort to keep warm, people hook up electric (and horrifyingly even gas) space heaters. And every year, people are killed when the heaters malfunction or catch on fire.

If your radiators aren’t working contact the management company. Many radiators simply need “bled” in order to operate. Drafts are also a major cause of heat escaping and cold sweeping in. Seal windows. Special window seal kits can be picked up for less then $10.00 at most hardware stores or at Kmart. If you have no heat and the landlord isn’t repairing the problem, contact 311. An investigator will schedule a visit and landlords can be fined (and even jailed) for failure to provide heat and hot water.

originally posted November 18, 2006