City inspectors gear up for heat season, ready to ensure warmth in NYC

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Heat season began Tuesday, and PIX11 News met with the inspectors who make the heat happen in New York City.

Even though it’s warm outside, Oct. 1 marks the beginning of the heat season. The city says hundreds of inspectors are ready for the cold weather ahead. This winter, there will be 330 inspectors out in the field making sure New Yorkers feel their heat.

PIX11 News got an inside look at HPD headquarters in downtown Brooklyn and met the enforcement teams responding to heat and hot water complaints daily.

According to HPD, last year, they received almost 6,000 heat complaints per week. This winter, they are ready with more teams in your neighborhoods.

Commissioner Carrion says his teams are faster than ever before. In emergencies, they respond in less than a day, which is 10% faster than the year before.

PIX11 News has been fighting for heat and hot water for years. Last year, PIX11 News joined the city’s head of code enforcement to check on boilers in the Bronx.

Over the next eight months, from Oct. 1 through May 31, New York City property owners are legally required to keep indoor temperatures at 68 degrees or higher when outside temperatures drop below 55 degrees during the day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

At night, regardless of the outside temperature, buildings must be maintained at 62 degrees.

Carrion says they are expanding their team .

If you need to report a problem with your heat or hot water, call 311.

If you want to share your story with Monica Morales, send your story to monica@pix11.com

To learn more about staying safe this winter, visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website for resources.

Low-income property owners who struggle with heating can call the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) at 718-557-1399 for help with heating bills and equipment repairs.

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