Tip Sheet
Apartment Condominiums
February 2011
Apartment Heating
Apartments are heated by a boiler system that distributes heated water
through the pipes located along the base of the walls inside of the
apartments. The flow of water is controlled by a zone valve, which
opens and closes to all more water to flow when the thermostat is
turned up, and closes to restrict the flow of water when the thermostat
is turned down.
One of the most common sources of heating problems in an apartment
is the zone valve. If an apartment is overheated and the thermostat is
not controlling the flow of hot water, this is usually a result of a broken
zone valve. This simple procedure can help you diagnose whether or not
your zone valve is functioning property. It should be conducted at the
beginning of every heating season:
1. Turn the thermostat up to 30c for approximately 15 seconds
2. Turn the thermostat down to 10c for approximately 15 seconds
3. Repeat this procedure five times
4. Report any banging which may occur in the heating pipes,
indicating that the zone valve is malfunctioning
If this test indicates that the zone value is not functioning correctly,
please call our office (403-228-9882) immediately. This is a common
property repair, and you will not be charged for the service call.
“Where could one settle more pleasantly than in one’s home?”
Cicero