Judging by past years, the heating season in Bishkek usually starts in late October or early November, by decision of the city authorities. Yet cold nights arrive as early as late September. For that gap and for hard frosts there are simple ways to keep the warmth in.
1. Check the windows
A large share of heat escapes through windows. Seal gaps in wooden frames with special tape or insulation. Plastic windows have a winter setting — turn the hardware so the sash presses tighter.
2. Close the gap under the door
The gap under the front door lets in cold air. A rubber seal or a simple draught snake helps.
3. Heavy curtains
Heavy curtains drawn at night block the cold from the window. Open them during the day to let the sun in.
4. Keep radiators clear
Don’t cover radiators with furniture or curtains. A foil reflector behind the radiator sends heat back into the room.
5. Insulate the floor
A bare floor, especially on the ground floor, draws heat away quickly. A carpet or thick rug makes the room warmer.
6. Choose the right heater
- Oil-filled radiator — heats slowly but holds heat for a long time; good for bedrooms.
- Convector — wall-mounted, heats the room evenly.
- Fan heater — heats fast but is noisy and dries the air.
- Infrared heater — warms objects and people rather than the air.
Pick a model with a thermostat and tip-over protection. Mind the bill: each kilowatt above 700 kWh a month costs more. More in how to save electricity.
7. Warm textiles
A warm duvet, wool or felt rugs and warm socks are the cheapest heating. In the catalogue: home textiles, felt products.
8. Watch the humidity
Heating dries the air; at 40–60% humidity you feel warmer and breathe more easily. A humidifier or simply a bowl of water helps.
9. Ventilate properly
A window left ajar for a long time chills the walls. Better to open it fully for 5–10 minutes and air the room quickly.
10. Safety
- Don’t plug several powerful appliances into one socket.
- Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture, and don’t dry clothes on them.
- If you use a stove or gas, install a carbon monoxide detector and take care when closing the flue at night.
Source: kaktus.media — start dates of past heating seasons in Bishkek. The exact date is announced by the city hall.