Best Of

And just to reiterate, even though you are experiencing the symptoms of a messed up heating system in your particular apartment, there is a pretty good likelihood that the cause of the problem is located elsewhere. And always passable that there are a combination of factors.

Having the thermostat, in an unheated hallway, is quiet silly. Let's just envision the following scenario. The building is 60 degrees. Someone turns on the thermostat and sets it to 70 degrees. Let's say in 20 minutes, the radiators start heating up a bit. In 30-40 minutes, the apartment room temperature has climbed a degree or two. In one hour, the apartment room temp has climbed a few more degrees. Meanwhile, the hallway, is as cold as ever. Because it is unheated. Maybe the hallway will get a bit of heat, from the surrounding apartments. Maybe for every 5-7 degrees of temperature rise in the apartments, the hallway will increase 1-2 degrees. As you can readily see, this setup is a guarantee to have overheated apartments. And it is obviously extraordinarily inefficient. Boiler will need to run how much longer than it should have to.

There is a relatively easy solution to this problem. Put in a thermostat with locking features. That only the landlord can control. Install remote sensors in one or more apartments. Landlord will have control but the actual temperature that controls the thermostat will be in the apartments.

Jamie Hall, please refer to my comment at 4:08 pm.

To all of you saying stop complaining, I realize others have it worse. Asking to have a dwelling in reasonable temperature parameters is not out of line. It’s a matter of ethics and general respect for the living conditions of human beings. If living in 80 degree temperatures is acceptable to you, then you’re welcome to adjust your own thermostat. Or, put your money where your mouth is and let’s trade houses.

I clearly asked for help with understanding the mechanisms of a boiler system with radiators and when repair is necessary. I did not ask for your opinion on what I should find acceptable.
I have everything documented from the last two years. Thought I’d save myself some research time by consulting experts. Didn’t realize this was The View for some people.

And, yes, both Eds seem to be redundant.

Thank you mattmia2 for the relevant commentary.

It’s not section 8 housing, but thank you for revealing your bias.

It’s amazing how I came here for advice relevant to a heating system and got the clicky preteen treatment for free from some of you.

This must be the highlight of your week. Inviting others to ask questions about heating and putting them down because you can’t help but assert your opinions outside of the subject. I’ve never known people worth while that practice behavior like that. You must feel so big.

Cheers

Let me just give my two cents. You should not need to live under such conditions. Doesn't matter if you are paying a million a month or ten dollars a month. Or anything in between. The landlords who are subjecting you to inhumane living conditions, to save a few bucks, have a special place in "not paradise" (see site rules).

That said, you need to be realistic. There is no way to get the underlying problem fixed, if the landlord is not on board. That is the unfortunate reality.

You can try to take the legal route, to force the landlord's hand. That can be long and aggravating and might not work.

You can try the heavy blanket route and see if that helps.

Maybe one screen, combined with occasionally leaving the front door open, to encourage air movement. Maybe leaving a few windows open a crack. Maybe fill the tub and a few buckets with cold water. Will absorb some of the heat.

Just to reiterate, you should not need to do these things. But the reality is what it is. I wish that there was more that I could do to help.

Looks to be hot water heating.

The valves are designed such that even when off completely, there is still a small port to pass water thru to prevent freezing……it is working isn't it.

I would go for the blanket or heavy rug draped over the radiator. The max temp should be 180 or less. Use cotton or wool IMO.

The Dr.'s note may just get you on the undesirable tenant list and probably not be a battle you want to fight.

Or put some inside screens on some windows to save the cats.

Your building management needs to address this. If they fail to address it, get a Dr's Note that addresses your health concern about Hypothermia (excessive heat). That will put them in a corner. Mad Dog