How to Clean Radiator Air Vents
Radiator heating systems are notorious for emanating a hissing sound when they start up. Most homeowners have become accustomed to the sound and don't realize that it actually indicates clogged air vents. Cleaning out the radiator air vents is not difficult, although it is a time consuming process. The major benefits to cleaning radiator air vents are that it eliminates the hissing sound, as well as improves the heat flow within the building. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Stove
- Stock pot
- Water
- White vinegar
- Tongs
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Instructions
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Turn off the radiator heating system and allow it to cool completely. This may take several hours and can take up to a day. Touch the radiator with the hand to determine when it is cool to the touch.
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Grasp the air vent in one hand and rotate it counterclockwise to remove it from the radiator. If the air vent is hard to remove, use a wrench to help rotate it.
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Hold the radiator vent up to your mouth, without touching it; see if you can blow air through it. If you can't or if it is difficult, then the air vent is clogged.
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Place a pot filled with 1 gallon of water on the stove top. Turn the burner on high and wait for the water to boil.
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Pour 1/2 gallon of white vinegar into the water.
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Insert the air vent into the boiling water and allow it to sit for five minutes.
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Use tongs to remove the vent from the water and allow it to air dry.
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Turn the heating system back on.
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Reattach the air vent back onto the radiator by placing it into the air vent hole and rotating it clockwise.
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Tips & Warnings
It's best to wait for a mild day to clean the air vent as the heating system must be turned off.
