How does the heating work?
ri-scal-da-MEN-to — five syllables, stress on the fourth.
Ask this when you arrive in cooler months and cannot figure out the heating controls. Italian heating systems vary enormously.
'Come funziona' (how does it work) + noun is a versatile question for any appliance or system. 'Funziona' is from 'funzionare' (to work/function). Italian homes often have radiators ('termosifoni') or floor heating ('riscaldamento a pavimento') with separate controls.
Dove è il termostato?
Where is the thermostat?
Ask if you cannot find the temperature controls
Come si accende il riscaldamento?
How do you turn on the heating?
More specific — asking for the on/off procedure
A che temperatura posso mettere il termostato?
What temperature can I set the thermostat to?
Some hosts limit temperature to save on utility bills
Italian apartment heating is regulated by law and can only run within set hours (typically 7am–11pm) and seasons (October 15–April 15, varying by region). Your host cannot legally heat the apartment outside these windows. This surprises many foreign guests.