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PhrasesAt the AirbnbLa caldaia non funziona.
B1informal

La caldaia non funziona.

The boiler is not working.

Pronunciation

cal-DA-ia — three syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

Report this immediately — a broken boiler means no hot water and no heating. Italian hosts are responsible for maintenance.

What it means

'Caldaia' = boiler (the central heating and hot water unit). 'Non funziona' = does not work. In Italian apartments, the 'caldaia' is the central unit that provides both heating and hot water. If it breaks, both systems fail simultaneously.

Variations

Non c'è acqua calda.

There is no hot water.

Report the consequence of the boiler failure

La caldaia fa un rumore strano.

The boiler is making a strange noise.

Report unusual sounds before a full breakdown occurs

Il pilota della caldaia si è spento.

The boiler pilot light has gone out.

Some older boilers have pilot lights that need relighting

Mini Dialogue

— Ciao, la caldaia non funziona. Non c'è acqua calda né riscaldamento. — Oddio, mi dispiace! Chiamo il tecnico adesso. Ci può essere lì in due ore. — Va bene, sono in casa. — Nel frattempo c'è uno scalda-acqua elettrico sotto il lavandino del bagno.

— Hi, the boiler is not working. There is no hot water or heating. — Oh dear, I am sorry! I am calling the technician now. He can be there in two hours. — That is fine, I am at home. — In the meantime there is an electric water heater under the bathroom sink.

Cultural Note

Italian Airbnb hosts are legally required to maintain appliances in working order. A broken boiler qualifies as a significant service failure. If the host cannot arrange a repair within a reasonable time, you are entitled to request a partial refund through Airbnb's resolution centre.