Radiators work through a heat transfer process called convection. When water in the radiator is heated, the surrounding air is also heated up via convection and this hot air is then moved around the room as the air circulates. As the hot water flows through the system it starts to cool down.

How do radiators work in an apartment building?

The radiators are designed to heat the air in the room using convection to transfer heat from the radiators to the surrounding air. They do this by drawing cool air in at the bottom, warming the air as it passes over the radiator fins, and discharging the heated air at the top.

How do you turn off a radiator heater in an apartment?

A manual knob can usually be found on the right side of a heater. It controls the hot water flow, which in turn heats a room. Simply twist the knob all the way to the right (clockwise) until you can’t turn it anymore — this means it’s in the off position.