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PhrasesRoom ProblemsIl riscaldamento non funziona.
A2formal

Il riscaldamento non funziona.

The heating is not working.

Pronunciation

ri-scal-da-MEN-to — five syllables, stress on the fourth.

When to use it

Report this immediately to reception, especially in winter. Do not suffer in silence — heating problems can always be fixed.

What it means

'Funzionare' (to work/function) is the key verb for reporting broken items. 'Non funziona' (it does not work) is your most useful phrase for any malfunctioning equipment. 'Il riscaldamento' = the heating system.

Variations

Il termosifone è freddo.

The radiator is cold.

Specify what you have checked to help staff diagnose the problem

Non riesco ad alzare la temperatura.

I cannot raise the temperature.

Say this when the thermostat seems unresponsive

La camera è gelida.

The room is freezing.

A stronger way to emphasise the urgency of the problem

Mini Dialogue

— Pronto, reception? Il riscaldamento non funziona. Fa molto freddo in camera. — Mi dispiace! In quale camera si trova? — Camera 214. — Mando subito qualcuno. Nel frattempo posso portarle coperte extra?

— Hello, reception? The heating is not working. It is very cold in the room. — I am sorry! Which room are you in? — Room 214. — I will send someone right away. In the meantime can I bring you extra blankets?

Cultural Note

Italian hotels in many regions only activate central heating between November 1 and April 15, as regulated by local energy laws ('Decreto termoregolazione'). If you arrive outside these dates and the room is cold, ask for a portable heater ('stufa portatile') or extra blankets ('coperte extra').