Inexpensive Emergency Lighting

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"Heat Season" Begins

Fines for Owners who do not provide Adequate Heat have Increased

HPD Commissioner Shaun Donovan reminded residential building owners of their legal obligation to provide tenants with hot water year-round and 24-hour heat when outdoor temperature warrants it.

The season began on October 1, continues through May 31.During heat season, residential owners with tenants are required by law to maintain an indoor temperature of at least 68F between 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. when the outdoor temperature falls below 55 deg. Between 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M., they must maintain an indoor temperature of 55F when the outside temperature falls below 40F.

In the event of a heat deficiency, a tenant should first attempt to notify the owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should call 311 (open 24/7). Hearing-impaired tenants should call via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf TDD at (212) 504-4115.

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 HANAC Weatherization Program

This NYS Dept. of Housing and Community Renewal sponsored assistance program is committed to using energy efficiency to reduce heating costs and maintain affordable and healthy housing for low and moderate-income families in Northern Queens.

First, we determine that a building meets federal weatherization eligibility criteria. Next, we provide a comprehensive energy audit, and implement measures that pay for themselves over the life of the measure.

When will building owners have the chance to have a FREE professional energy audit analysis performed on their building which would determine exactly how to reduce the building's gas, electric, oil, and hot water bill? Oil prices are high and rising.

By weatherizing their buildings, owners save money, have fewer complaints and less maintenance, and tenants live more comfortably.

For more information contact Alexandra Floratos, HANAC Weatherization, 31-10 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11102, 718-626-7575, wxhanac@yahoo.com.

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Demonstrating Biofuel for NY Apartment Buildings

Cornell University Cooperative Extension’s NYC Program, in concert with NYC Technical College and Brookhaven National Lab, will begin a demonstration of heating apartment buildings during the coming (Fall ’05 through Spring ’06) heating season using biofuel - #2 heating oil with 20% plant product (soybean oil). This mix, known as B20, has already been successfully used through an entire season in over 100 homes in the Newburgh, NY area.

The pilot phase will include 12 to 15 buildings with from 16 to 30 apartments each. If you or your management company is interested in participating, please contact Dick Koral of Apartment House Institute/Superintendents Technical Association at 718-552-1161 or rkoral@citytech.cuny.edu. 

We will be organizing the project during the coming Summer months, and look forward to your involvement.

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