How to Bleed Air From a Forced Hot Water Heating System
Hot water heating systems are the second-most common type of heating system installed in newer homes, according to the Department of Energy. Water is heated in a boiler located usually in a basement or utility room. The hot water travels through pipes until it reaches radiators, where the heat from the hot water is released into the air. Radiators of the low-profile kind are mounted beneath windows and are slightly taller than the baseboards. Tall radiators, called uprights, are also placed beneath windows, but they are often tall enough to reach the bottom of the windowsill. Experts recommend bleeding the air from the radiators at least once a year, and more often if portions of radiators are hot while other portions are cool. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate the radiator bleed valve. On upright radiators, look at either end at the top of the unit. On baseboard heaters, the valve is normally behind the door on the front of the unit, at the end where the hot water supply pipe comes through the floor.
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Determine the tool to use to open the valve. Some systems have a specially designed key that fits securely into the valve, while others simply require a flat-head screwdriver.
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Start with the radiator that is the farthest from the boiler. In multiple-story buildings, begin at the top floor.
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Place the pan below the nozzle of the valve on the first radiator and turn the valve key or screwdriver counterclockwise until you hear air escaping. Wait until water begins to flow out of the nozzle and then close the valve. If water comes out immediately, close the valve right away.
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Bleed each radiator all the way back to the one closest to the boiler.
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Go back to the first radiator and open its bleed valve. If only water comes out, stop. The system has been bled. If air comes out, repeat bleeding each radiator back to the boiler.
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Tips & Warnings
When valve nozzles are too low or are in cramped conditions, try using a short length of ¼-inch poly tubing attached to the valve nozzle to direct any water that escapes into a pan.
Old heating systems, or systems that haven't been bled in a long time, may have corroded valves. When valves require excessive force to open, consider hiring a professional since it is possible to break components on the system when doing this kind of maintenance.
Don't release large amounts of water. You want to get rid of the air only.
