Apartment radiator, has central boiler, no heat
#1
01-27-09, 07:08 AM
Apartment radiator, has central boiler, no heat
I just moved in a apartment complex that has a huge boiler on outside and runs hotwater through the plumbing lines for heat. I'm guessing that the water goes through radiator(in my ceiling) then the blower forces the heat through the ducts. Well there is no heat, I got the thermostat to work and now the blower works but there is no heat. there are 2 pipes both with shutoffs and they feel warm, not hot. The whole radiator looks rusted but I dont' know much about these things but can't afford to hire it out. Everyone else has heat and was wondering what I can do to troubleshoot it. These electric heaters are getting rediculous and the $600.00 electric bill just really &%*$## me off.
I read that they have bleeder valves and could be caused by air in system. The radiator and pipes are in ceiling and I am a handyman by trade so I know my way around plumbing and such just never dealt with this type of thing(boilers/radiators). If I didn't have to take down the ceiling that woudl be great as the access panel sucks, but I think i'm going to have to take down the ceiling just to get a good look at it. Why they limited decent access is beyond me. One last thing would the condo association be responsible for the radiator? or is that a homeowner thing? I live in Olney Maryland, Thanks for all who reply with help
I have pictures I can send
I read that they have bleeder valves and could be caused by air in system. The radiator and pipes are in ceiling and I am a handyman by trade so I know my way around plumbing and such just never dealt with this type of thing(boilers/radiators). If I didn't have to take down the ceiling that woudl be great as the access panel sucks, but I think i'm going to have to take down the ceiling just to get a good look at it. Why they limited decent access is beyond me. One last thing would the condo association be responsible for the radiator? or is that a homeowner thing? I live in Olney Maryland, Thanks for all who reply with help
I have pictures I can send
#2
01-27-09, 07:27 AM
Super Moderator
Apartment complex as in you pay monthly rent? Then the landlord is responsible...don't mess with it or you could be liable.
Apartment complex as in you are buying it? Thats a different story...may be some help available here...give 'em a while. Very possible its clogged up...we used to have to blow out every unit in 3 buildings (over 300) when the heating season started. Don't know how it was done though.
Apartment complex as in you are buying it? Thats a different story...may be some help available here...give 'em a while. Very possible its clogged up...we used to have to blow out every unit in 3 buildings (over 300) when the heating season started. Don't know how it was done though.
#3
01-27-09, 12:01 PM
I pay condo fee's but I am paying mortgage
I guy before me had to replace the blower and the handymen here are not..hmm whats the word/words? dont' want to say incompetent because i'm sure they could fix it, but unwilling I guess. The guy I bought it from told me that the maintainance men came in to look at it, saw it was in "ceiling" didn't want to mess with it, said they would let them know and decided to never get back with him. It was an old couple, and they never did anything because they wasnt' sure what to do. As you can imagine with any condo complex getting someone to even come out is a nuisance. If its the condo's problem, i'll make them pay for it for replacement but if its just matter of little maintainance/bleeding I can do that myself.
I hope someone who can help is out there. Its interesting to learn something new, I'm originally from midwest and never had this type of boiler system..
Thanks
I hope someone who can help is out there. Its interesting to learn something new, I'm originally from midwest and never had this type of boiler system..
Thanks
#4
01-27-09, 03:06 PM
There probably are bleeders 'somewhere' on the system... see if you can poke yer haid up in there and spot something... use a mirror maybe?
Check your contract, and the HO associations agreements... try to determine who is responsible for what... it may turn out that they are responsible for supplying the hot water, and you the maintenance on the hydro-coil ... or not ...
Check your contract, and the HO associations agreements... try to determine who is responsible for what... it may turn out that they are responsible for supplying the hot water, and you the maintenance on the hydro-coil ... or not ...
#5
01-27-09, 04:04 PM
You have A/C too I guess? So we are talking a bout an Air Handler?
In which case it has a heating coil in it that needs to be bled. So yes there will be a coin vent on the return side of that coil. As for the politics of cutting walls and ceilings. Thats up to you.
In which case it has a heating coil in it that needs to be bled. So yes there will be a coin vent on the return side of that coil. As for the politics of cutting walls and ceilings. Thats up to you.
#6
01-27-09, 08:32 PM
Correct...in summer they reverse it for the AC
sorry, should have pointed that out.
is there a webpage or perhaps you can give me some basic instructions on what to do?
As far as the coin vent does that require a radiator key?
I'm going to look now to see in my lease whos responsible for replacement shoudl it need be. but If you can give me some direction on how/what to look for
(description of coin vent) or where I might find a model number or anything? and the procedure that would be great. I poked my head up there, I can't see much, but i'll try the mirror thing.
heres a link with pictures I took, they were taken with a 1.5 mp camera phone so not the best quality
Pictures by handbuilt1020 - Photobucket
Thanks
is there a webpage or perhaps you can give me some basic instructions on what to do?
As far as the coin vent does that require a radiator key?
I'm going to look now to see in my lease whos responsible for replacement shoudl it need be. but If you can give me some direction on how/what to look for
(description of coin vent) or where I might find a model number or anything? and the procedure that would be great. I poked my head up there, I can't see much, but i'll try the mirror thing.
heres a link with pictures I took, they were taken with a 1.5 mp camera phone so not the best quality
Pictures by handbuilt1020 - Photobucket
Thanks
