In many homes that utilize boilers and radiators, bleeding a hydronic heating system is a must during routine maintenance. Air in heated water will inevitably find its way to your radiators. The air pockets that form inside radiators can substantially reduce heat output, resulting in increased operating costs and decreased indoor comfort.
Air can get into radiator water via a number of sources. Any small openings that leak water may also draw air into your system. Additionally, when boiler water is replenished with new water, any air that’s been naturally dissolved in municipal water may form bubbles when heated.
Whatever the cause, bleeding a hydronic heating system is the only way to remove air once it reaches your radiators. Opening a typical radiator bleed screw may require either a simple slot screwdriver, a 1/4-inch socket or a special radiator valve key available at most hardware stores and home centers.
- Starting at the radiator situated furthest from the boiler (upstairs radiators should always be bled before downstairs units), locate the bleed screw. It’s usually a small valve at the very top of the radiator.
- Hold a pan or other small container underneath the valve.
- Then, rotate the bleed screw in a counterclockwise direction to open it. Continue to hold the container under the valve until water begins dribbling out.
- Wait until the water flow from the valve is consistent without any spurts of air, then rotate the bleed screw clockwise to close it.
- Continue the bleeding process at each radiator in your house, starting at the furthest radiator and ending at the radiator closest to the boiler.
- Finally, check the water level in your boiler after bleeding all radiators, and add more water if needed.
For professional help bleeding a hydronic heating system in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga Counties, contact Energy1.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about hydronic heating systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area