This article is also available in:
Русский (Russian) 
Uzbek
In Tashkent, central heating has long been one of the most talked-about and painful issues. Every winter, as the cold season begins, social media fills with complaints: residents freeze in their own apartments while heating is still off, and when it’s finally turned on, the radiators remain lukewarm. All of this occurs against a backdrop of rising heating rates, which continue to increase every season, despite the declining quality of service.
Many people have been wondering for a long time: how can you opt out of central heating and use the money that goes towards lukewarm radiators on something that will actually heat the home — such as buying heaters or air conditioners? People are tired of waiting months for warmth.
Discussions on this topic are active in the “Consumer.uz” community, where users share their experiences and advice.
Opting Out of Central Heating: The Experience of Others
Although opting out of central heating is challenging, some people have managed to do it in certain cases. For example, in Tashkent Region, there are already numerous cases where residents have successfully disconnected from central heating. In Tashkent itself, it’s also possible, but far less common and usually requires a court order. Here’s a real-life story:
“My friend, who lives on the top floor, managed to opt out of heating. They had the radiators disconnected and the pipes insulated to prevent heat loss in her apartment. Now they use air conditioners for heating. And most importantly, they no longer pay for heating, only for hot water based on meter readings,” one user shared.
What Risks Do Those Who Choose to Opt Out Face?
Even after completing all the necessary steps, complications can still arise. For example, when selling an apartment, new owners may be required to restore the heating system to its original state. Here’s another story:
“Our friend did everything officially, installed boilers, opted out of heating, and only received bills for hot water. But when he decided to sell the apartment, he was billed for all the years without heating. They said it was his personal decision to opt out, and by law, he was not exempt from mandatory payments,” noted another user.
Why Are More People Considering Opting Out?
This season has been especially telling: the heating has yet to be turned on, even though the cold has already set in. People are sitting in the cold, with no answer as to when the heating will be turned on. And when it is finally switched on, there’s no guarantee that the radiators will heat to the stated norms. More likely, people will have to continually struggle to keep their apartments warm.
Why, then, should one pay for a service that is barely provided? Those who have managed to opt out argue that, from an economic standpoint, heating the apartment is cheaper if you exclude the costs of buying and installing heaters and air conditioners.
Is a Future Without Central Heating Possible?
Opting out of central heating is a temporary and complex measure. But as experience shows, more and more people are seeking alternatives, and heating issues are becoming a topic of serious discussion. People are simply tired of freezing, and perhaps it’s time to consider a more flexible system that allows residents to choose between central heating and individual heating solutions.
The future of heating lies in transparent and affordable options that enable residents to control their expenses and feel comfortable in their own homes.
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
