The heat cost allocator measures the difference between the radiator temperature and the room temperature over time, recording fractions of degree-hours called “units,” which correspond to thermal energy consumption. The greater the difference between the radiator and room temperatures—meaning higher energy use—the more “units” the allocator records.

Allocators are CE compliant. Due to their design and operating principle, they are not subject to metrological control (just as thermometers are not), which is why they are not included in the official list of measuring instruments under legal metrological control.

In Romania, the installation and operation of allocators are strictly regulated, controlled, and monitored. This involves an authorization procedure not only for service providers but also for the allocators themselves, ensuring their CE compliance.

If the display works after pressing the control button and does not show “Error,” the allocator is functioning properly.

Both before and after installing allocators, the total energy consumption of the building is measured and billed by the thermal energy supplier based on the readings of the main heat meter at the building connection. After installation, total consumption at the connection point decreases, and the distribution among apartments becomes fairer.

Before allocators, the measured and billed consumption is the maximum possible that the system can deliver, and costs are distributed by the homeowners’ association on a flat-rate basis (according to each apartment’s floor area). This means some apartments cover extra consumption generated by others.

Radiator valves are usually left fully open, often stuck in this position, which explains the maximum possible bill. Even with thermostatic valves, few residents would lower their heat level if they still paid flat rates and didn’t benefit directly from savings.

In many buildings, some apartments have replaced or added radiators with higher capacity. The extra consumption is recorded at the main meter and then divided equally among all apartments, meaning those with original radiators end up paying for others’ excess use.

After allocators are installed, the total measured and billed consumption decreases and is distributed by an authorized provider based on each apartment’s allocator readings, using a specialized program that follows the calculation algorithm defined by the Regulation on heat cost allocation in condominiums, approved by ANRE Order no. 7/2024.

Thermostatic valves are also installed with allocators. Since each resident pays based on their actual consumption, they are motivated to reduce waste by adjusting the temperature according to their comfort needs. This leads to lower energy use and a smaller total bill for the building, with each owner paying only for what they consume.

For apartments without allocators, consumption is calculated according to legal provisions, using precise formulas—either based on the highest consumption recorded by a single radiator equipped with an allocator, or on the highest total consumption recorded in an apartment where allocators are installed.

These formulas are designed to ensure fair cost distribution among apartments while protecting those with allocators from paying more than apartments without them.

Installing heat cost allocators is a legal obligation for property owners, but only the homeowners’ association can sign a service contract with an authorized provider. Therefore, regardless of how many owners agree to the installation, the association is legally required to sign such a contract to enable compliance with this obligation.

If the association fails to sign the contract, the executive committee may face sanctions for not ensuring legal compliance and for not issuing the required decisions. In addition, the president, committee members, and auditor may be held personally or jointly liable for damages caused to owners whose right to install allocators and pay based on actual consumption is violated.

Once the contract is signed, each owner is individually responsible for accepting or refusing the installation, and the association bears no responsibility for the number of apartments equipped.

Owners who refuse the installation may face legal penalties, and their apartments will be treated as non-metered in the allocation calculations.

The association must provide the following data: the status of connected and disconnected apartments, spaces with other uses than residential (with separate supplier contracts), usable floor areas, and the number of occupants (for water meters). This information is used to ensure fair cost allocation in accordance with legal requirements.

The protection of personal data is guaranteed.