The heating system may be unavailable or underperforming
Low measured temperature throughout the apartment, cold radiators or vents, or a thermostat that cannot call for heat points to building or installed-equipment service.
Why this result fits
- Several rooms are cold.
- Installed heat does not start or cannot maintain temperature.
- There is no immediate medical, gas, electrical, or fire warning.
What to do now
Measure correctly
Place a thermometer away from windows, exterior walls, direct sun, vents, and heaters; record room, time, and temperature.
Check normal controls only
Confirm the thermostat mode and setpoint or ordinary radiator valve position without opening equipment.
Document the pattern
Record outdoor conditions, which radiators or vents are cold, and whether neighbors are affected.
Request prompt service
Use the building’s heat or emergency channel and include measured temperatures.
Stop and escalate if
- Temperature continues falling or vulnerable occupants cannot stay warm.
- A gas odor, CO alarm, burning odor, smoke, sparking, or leak appears.
- Pipes may freeze or water service is affected.
What not to do
- Do not open boilers, furnaces, PTACs, radiators, or electrical panels.
- Do not heat with an oven or flame.
- Do not use a high-load heater on an extension cord or power strip.
Message you can send to maintenance
The apartment measures [temperature]°F in [room] at [time], away from windows and vents. Heat has been [off/insufficient] since [time], and [radiators/vents/thermostat behavior]. Please restore and inspect the heating system.
Help prevent a repeat
- Record repeat heat failures.
- Report cold radiators, vents, or erratic controls before temperatures become unsafe.
If this does not match
Sources and review date
- Preventing Hypothermia — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Safety Guidelines During and After a Winter Storm — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Content last reviewed: under the Apartmentwise methodology.