How ridiculous was my building manager's theory on 'flow' from our radiators?

Question

We have a freezing cold apartment. A manager came by yesterday, and (politely) pointed out too much stuff in front of the radiators, particularly in one bedroom we use only for storage. It was, admittedly, crammed with stuff. We'd just kept the door closed all the time...

But. There was frost build-up on every window save for the ones in the storage room, which was interesting. He blithered about the 'flow,' offered to help us move the stuff around, and swore the place would be warmer if that one was unblocked, so to speak.

Of course it's no warmer and he'll be back shortly. The problem is that the windows are terrible.

But -- would there be any reason those windows were frost-free, besides the heat from that radiator just going up because it was somewhat blocked in front? What on earth was he on about vis-a-vis radiators and 'flow'?

We are under the legal temperature; they know, they're working on it. (The current theory is an air bubble in a pipe.) Our neighbours are warm, interestingly. Space heaters are chugging away here, and some reduction of rent (we pay electricity) is being discussed. They're not bad landlords, just owners of a bad heating system and overly-optimistic theory about 'flow'...

Answer 1

The "force" to which he refers is convection. Radiation is probably the most inefficient way to heat . It relies on the principle of hot air rising, which displaces the cold air in the space above. This circular motion eventually results in the air coming to a temperature equilibrium with the source (the radiator). But any drafty windows and doors will render this circulation even less effective. Anything placed near the radiator will naturally block any convection currents from circulating properly. Sometimes it helps to put a box fan near the radiator to increase the circulation of the air from the radiator,too. Also, if the windows are getting iced-up, you should probably insulate them with plastic, that would also help some with heat retention.

Answer 2

In a way he is correct. Natural convection causes the air flow.

The heated air from the radiator (assuming it operated by natural convection and not forced by a fan) rises and is replaced by cooler air drawn in from the floor area which is then heated. The circulation continues in this manner to heat the air in the room.

Restricting the area around and near the radiator disrupts the development of the natural convection to heat the air.

The frost build-up on the other windows was probably due to the lack of heated air circulation within the room.

Answer 3

Your landlord is full of bunk.

I knw where I live there are certain laws that require landlords to provide heat when the temp outside falls under a certain point.

There are most probably similar laws where you are too.

Call the city and ask about who to contact. They may send someone over to check the temp- but be warned this isn't always timely of effective...my firend had a similar problem and they came to measuret he temp, only to take a reading in the kitchen while he was cooking. Everywhere else in the partment you could see your breath, it was so cold.

My best advice to you is get a space heater and a humidifier. And put heavy fabric over the windows.

And drink lots of hot chocolate!

Answer 4

Flow in heating terms means how well the water (and its heat) is pumped and conducted around the system. Find the main `input' pipe from the heating system into your flat and test it for temperature if its showing a temperature of say less than 60F then that is too cold to warm your flat and means the heating is either inefficient or not turned-up high enough.

Answer 5

He's too cheap to change the heating system of the building. Is your electricity bill included in the rent? If so, then go buy yourself a bunch of space heaters and share this with your neighbors, It will only be a matter of time before the owner upgrades the heating sysytem.

Answer 6

His answere is valid