Suspected radiator changes delayed heating in Priedaine

Heating was delayed in Priedaine village in Kuldīga municipality after water was apparently drained from the system, possibly during an unauthorised radiator replacement, LSM reported, citing Latvian Radio.

The situation has been resolved, but residents said they had expected heating to be connected earlier. One resident told Latvian Radio that it was cold indoors, including for a young child visiting, and said mould had appeared on belongings in a first-floor home. The resident also said two oil radiators had to be used.

Ita Bērziņa, head of the property management division at Kuldīgas komunālie pakalpojumi, said the cause had not been confirmed and the company was focused on resolving the problem. She said radiator replacements must be agreed with the property manager in advance. The manager can then drain the system and provide technical requirements for the installation to avoid disrupting it.

Ervīns Šteinbergs, head of Kuldīgas siltumtīkli, said draining the system can cause long-term damage, including rust in heating pipes, and creates extra costs for both the company and residents. Once an old system has been emptied, it must be vented. In Priedaine, venting may have to be done in basements or top-floor flats, he said.

Kuldīga municipality’s heating tariff is currently below the national average, but rising prices for wood chips, gas and pellets may also affect heating bills.