How We Heat Our APARTMENT at -64°C| -83°F - Yakutsk, Siberia

Summary

In the frigid city of Yakutsk, where winter temperatures plummet to -50°C (-58°F), residents rely on efficient heating systems to stay warm. The city uses two types of heating: central heating in older buildings and individual gas heaters in newer ones. Central heating can be inefficient, often leading to temperature fluctuations, while individual gas heaters allow for better temperature control and energy savings. The video showcases how these heating systems work in Yakutsk’s extreme climate and highlights the cost benefits of individual gas heaters, which are much cheaper and more efficient compared to central heating.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yakutsk is one of the coldest cities on Earth, with winter temperatures often dropping to -50°C (-58°F) and a record low of -64°C (-83°F).
• 😀 The city uses two primary types of heating systems: central heating and individual gas heaters.
• 😀 Central heating works by circulating hot water through pipes, but it loses heat due to the extreme cold, resulting in inefficiency.
• 😀 Problems with central heating include insulation damage and inconsistent temperatures, making some apartments too hot or too cold.
• 😀 Yakutsk's permafrost prevents burying pipes underground, so they are installed above ground to avoid thawing the soil beneath.
• 😀 Individual gas heaters are more efficient and allow people to control their apartment's temperature, saving energy.
• 😀 The apartment in the video has three radiators, one in each bedroom and one in the kitchen, with the heater set at around +40°C (+104°F) to maintain comfort.
• 😀 Despite using triple-glazed windows, the apartment still loses heat due to cracks in the outer wall, and the balcony remains unheated.
• 😀 The cost of heating with individual gas heaters is much lower compared to central heating, with the apartment owner paying only $8 for 120 cubic meters of gas.
• 😀 Central heating in older buildings is more expensive and less efficient, with some residents paying over $130 for heating.
• 😀 The speaker hopes that old buildings in Yakutsk will transition to individual gas heating or that new, more efficient solutions will be developed in the future.

Q & A

What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Yakutsk?

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Yakutsk is a staggering -64°C (-83°F).

How do people in Yakutsk manage to stay warm during extreme winters?

People in Yakutsk stay warm by using heating systems, such as central heating and individual gas heaters, to keep their homes warm despite the extremely cold temperatures.

What is central heating, and how does it work in Yakutsk?

Central heating in Yakutsk works by sending hot water through pipes that go through the building to warm the rooms. However, this system is inefficient due to heat loss caused by the cold outdoor temperatures.

What are some issues with the central heating system in Yakutsk?

Central heating in Yakutsk can be inefficient due to heat loss from damaged insulation, broken pipes, and the temperature fluctuation between apartments depending on their distance from the boiler house.

Why are pipes installed above ground in Yakutsk?

Pipes are installed above ground in Yakutsk because the ground is frozen year-round due to permafrost, making it impossible to bury the pipes underground.

How does individual gas heating differ from central heating in Yakutsk?

Individual gas heating provides each apartment with its own heater, allowing residents to control the temperature, improve energy efficiency, and avoid the temperature fluctuations seen with central heating.

What special features help keep the heat inside buildings in Yakutsk?

Buildings in Yakutsk have special features such as three doors at each entrance to trap heat, steam from heaters running through a single pipe, and thick, well-insulated walls with an extra exterior layer.

How does the heating system work in the speaker's apartment?

In the speaker's apartment, there are three radiators (one in each bedroom and one in the kitchen). The heater is set to about 40°C (104°F), and the apartment stays comfortably warm at around 25°C (77°F).

What challenges does the speaker face with their apartment's heating system?

The speaker's apartment has some challenges, including heat loss through triple-glazed windows that don't retain heat well, and cold air entering through cracks in the damaged outer wall.

How much does heating cost in the speaker's apartment compared to apartments with central heating?

The speaker's apartment, using individual gas heaters, costs about $8 for 120 cubic meters of gas per month. In contrast, relatives with central heating in similarly sized apartments pay over $130 for their heating.