Radiator heaters?

Question

I live in Germany and my oil heaters are on, but they are not working but the machine is on does anyone know why this is? I am freezing and there is frost on my windows....any ideas on how to make this work? there is nobody to call because on sunday everything is closed here.

Answer 1

I'd need a picture to help you; can you leave it somewhere (Flickr maybe), and send me mail? Are they gas radiators, where you have a "central engine" (Gasetagenheizung) in your flat? You have to press the ignition button and hold for a couple seconds, then it will start. Maybe, even if the control light is on (that only shows that it has electricity, and the control circuits work, but nothing at all about actual heating), you have to ignite the starter flame first. You should have an instruction manual where they tell you how to do it. Aren't there any friendly neighbors around who could help you with that problem? There are so many models of these "Gasthermen" around, I hesitate to give you more advice, because I don't want you to blow up yourself.

Answer 2

This year, Germany has had winter coming early, it´s too cold for the season.

The reason for your heater not working might therefore be that it hasn´t been checked officially yet - and therefore, not properly been turned on.

Call your landlord to check that, first of all. He´ll arrange for the caretaker (if there is one) to come round and turn it on - otherwise, the Yellow Pages will indeed be helpful. Or for the time being, hot tea and a warm blanket.

German central heating systems, especially in larger buildings with loads of rented flats, are generally properly turned on once "heating season" starts.

Answer 3

if you did rent the appartement call your hirer/landlord immediately!

if its your own, even on sundays there are "emergency" numbers you can call....check "gelbeseiten.de" (yellow pages) for "Heizungsnotdienst".....in your area.