When heating rental properties in Israel during the winter, safety and cost efficiency are top priorities for landlords, tenants, and property managers. Although Israeli winters are short, they can be quite cold—especially since homes are designed to stay cool in summer. However, winters are generally not harsh enough to justify investing in heavy insulation for cold weather.
As experts in property management in Israel and abroad, we understand the importance of providing efficient heating and cooling solutions for the rental homes we manage.
We also recognize the fire hazards of coil heaters, which can easily ignite, and therefore ensure that tenants make optimal use of existing heating systems. Our preferred options are radiators and air conditioners, as they are considered the safest and most effective heating solutions.
Common Heating Systems in Israel
Air conditioning systems are widely used for heating during the Israeli winter, especially in central regions where winters are generally mild. They are energy-efficient and require only a simple adjustment of the air vent direction for summer and winter use. Additionally, ceiling fans with a reverse rotation function can help redistribute warm air from the ceiling down to the floor.
Hot water supply in most Israeli homes relies on solar energy, with solar panels and water heaters installed on rooftops. However, during winter, lack of sunlight may lead to insufficient hot water for tenants. To address this, most homes are equipped with a secondary water heating system, either electric or gas-powered, often featuring timers that allow residents to schedule heating for their convenience.
Installing New Heating Systems
When renovating properties and considering heating system upgrades, we typically recommend gas-powered heating to property owners. In recent years, gas has become more cost-effective than other fuel types, especially since Israel discovered and began utilizing its offshore natural gas reserves.
Underfloor heating is a popular addition during property renovations, as it requires removing floor tiles to install the hot water piping system. This option is particularly beneficial in Jerusalem and other cities where temperatures often drop to freezing or below.
Safety First
While tenants often keep doors and windows closed when heating their homes, it is essential to ensure that properties with heating and hot water systems have adequate ventilation for safety.
For example, when using gas heating, proper ventilation is crucial to allow the safe release of harmful fumes. Additionally, we strongly recommend installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors near gas-powered heating systems to enhance safety.
