Opening entrance windows during the cold season often leads to higher heating costs for residents of apartment buildings. Experts explain that the impact is measurable and depends on the building’s insulation and energy efficiency. Figures cited by analysts show that maintaining a stable indoor temperature becomes more costly when cold air continuously seeps into living spaces, triggering the heating system to work harder than necessary to compensate for the loss. In practice, even a small amount of uncontrolled ventilation can multiply the amount of energy needed to maintain comfortable conditions, especially in older homes where seals and walls are not as efficient as modern standards would require.
According to Tatyana Vepretskaya, who directs the ANP National Housing Congress partnership, an unheated building can cool down to dangerous temperatures within an hour when the outside air reaches minus 15 degrees Celsius. This rapid cooling creates a pressure on the heating system to respond quickly, often resulting in more frequent cycling and greater energy consumption. Her assessment emphasizes that in structures with weaker insulation, such as energy efficiency class D and lower, the effect can be noticeable at the bottom line. When windows are kept open, the cost of maintaining warmth can effectively double as compared to a closed, well-sealed environment, underscoring how sensitive energy use is to ventilation practices in frigid weather.
Oleg Rubtsov, who directs the Institute of Construction, Housing and Communal Services GASIS NRU HSE, reinforces this view by identifying external walls and windows as the primary sources of heat loss, accounting for roughly eight tenths of the total. He explains that even modest air leaks—such as ten percent of the entrance windows being left ajar—can raise overall heat loss by a measurable margin. The practical consequence falls squarely on the owners of buildings, who are responsible for covering the cost of heating for common areas and for the structure as a whole. The logic is straightforward: more leakage means more energy is needed to keep interiors warm, and higher energy use translates into higher bills that must be paid through the facility’s budget.
Dmitry Osyanin, an Associate Professor at the Main Control Directorate of Moscow PRUE named after GV Plekhanov, notes that the average overpayment on utilities varies with tariff levels but generally lands in a range that is noticeable for residents. Depending on the rate structure, the quarterly excess can fall between several dozen and several hundred rubles per apartment. While tariffs shift over time, the underlying principle remains the same: any preventable heat loss translates into unnecessary costs for households that share the same heating network. In practical terms, ensuring that windows and entrances are properly sealed becomes a simple, effective measure to curb overcharges and stabilize monthly expenses for tenants across buildings of various ages and energy profiles.
In late October, discussions in the State Duma included reminders about the consequences of neglecting regular meter checks. If tenants fail to complete verification within the designated timeframe, the resource supply organization may begin imposing additional fees that can more than double the amount owed for utilities under the current tariff structure. This regulatory context adds another layer to the importance of maintaining accurate metering and consistent energy usage. The message from officials was clear: timely meter verification helps protect residents from avoidable charges and promotes fair billing in the housing sector. The broader takeaway is that accurate measurement, together with prudent ventilation practices, can lead to more predictable energy costs and better budgeting for households living in multifamily buildings.
Historically, Moscow authorities have established procedures for calculating heating fees in apartment buildings, reflecting a long-standing focus on balancing resident comfort with economic efficiency. This framework underscores the importance of proper building maintenance, transparent billing practices, and proactive steps by management teams to minimize heat loss. By aligning insulation quality, ventilation control, and meter accuracy, residents can achieve steadier energy consumption and more reliable utility payments over the course of a heating season. The combined effect of these measures—both physical improvements and procedural safeguards—contributes to a more stable and fair energy environment for urban living.