We moved into our apartment back in May, and are just now dealing with heating issues. We have the furnaces that go about half way up the wall, and under our windows. On the side there is a knob from 1 to 5. I've had them set between 4-5 since Saturday and it's still freezing in here. Is there something that we should have done before hand? Some initial thing the first time we used it? The only place that we are actually getting heat is in the bathroom - which I am seriously starting to consider sleeping in! In my previous two places this was never an issue. The only think we were told when we move in is to keep the knobs at 5 during the summer when the whole system is shut off. We tried to talk to our hauswart about it but she wasn't there.

You might have air in the system. Are the radiators getting warm at all or is only part of it warm and the other cold. Then you normally have to let the air out. There is normally a little knob you can turn which will let air out. Hold a little cup under, and let the air go until a little water drips out.

If that is not the case then I would talk to the landlord.

The metal part connecting the furnace to the floor is warm, but the ceramic part is the same temperature all over. I noticed the little nozzle that you were talking about to let the air out, but of course there is a special square key needed to open it. I think we may just call the agency tomorrow and tell them to send somebody.

Thanks for the help!!!!!

You can get the square key at any hardware store. Buy two because you will lose one (I buy a new one every year it seems).

Thanks for the tip,

What if you have the other problem, where the temperature is turned completely off yet you still get the heat?

How old are your radiators? Ours are oooold. I would guess WWII era. Some I can't even turn the knob, others turn but don't shut off. Told the landlord a couple of years ago and he doesn't seem bothered. We pay a flat fee for heating so whatever .

So it stays 26 degrees in our place all winter. Too much for me- but the wife loves it!

Thanks Mud, place dates back to the 80's, so more like War on Drugs era

I have a similar problem. Actually second time round. Last year, I was in an apartment where no matter how you turn the knobs, no heat came out of the radiator except in the spare bedroom. Agency did not fix it all winter.

Now in new apartment. Heating from the floor. Some days we freeze here even with knobs turned full on. Other days its so hot you can hardly breathe!!! Only place which works constantly is kitchen floor...which has since become the favourite sleeping spot of my dog and cat. Gave up on the heating though. Decided to turn them off and use fireplace when home....at least until they finally decide to fix it or make it work constantly.

Nowadays radiators are equipped with thermostats. They sort of indirectly check the flow of heating water in the radiator. The numbers on the knob should represent some definite temperature in the room. That is, if the thermostat has ever been checked and adjusted in winter.
These things can get stuck during summer when not used for months. Make sure the radiators are evacuated as described above. If they still don't work, call the landlord, "Hauswart" or a plumber.

Our heaters had to be looked at when they were all fired up recently. The LL got someone to check the boiler or something. Now its all good.

Ummm, don`t know if this would be any help .... but we had the same sort of problem in apartments .... and then I became the expert at setting the radiator heats!

We had those plastic dial knob things on each radiator and you turned it to the desired number. BUT ... on the front is another little tiny knob thingy up against the numbers, with a ratchet type turning sound ...and a small indicator .. SO...... you ALSO got to turn that till its little indicator is at the same number as the big round thing you just turned ... and Hey Presto ... out comes the heat!

Sorry that sounds very amateurish ..... but when all else fails, sometimes you can listen to the old Granny... it may just work?

Otherwise just get a plumber to come look and advise.... they`re very quick and efficient and charge by the 1/4 hour generally.

Draining water out of the system could get a bit scary.

Wow! I hope you got a serious rent reduction.

Another thing you might want to take note. In really old apartments the windows are also old. Like in mine they are still the wooden types. I get cold air seeping in all the time and my heaters are not warm enough to overcome it.

Heating on !!! - i still have front room and bedroom patio doors tilted open, guess my neighbours below are keeping my apt warm...

I hope you sort out problem though, not good...