How to Maintain Baseboard Heating

A baseboard water heating system works by circulating hot water through a series of pipes surrounded by a thin metal casing complete with adjustable vents. This form of heating is efficient, cost-effective and is generally easy to maintain. Because of this, it is a very common form of heating in many modern homes and businesses. Understanding how to care for such a system will go a long way to keeping it running for years. With a few simple steps, do-it-yourselfers can handle baseboard heat maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Vacuum the metal casing before and after the heating season. Use a thin tube attachment to remove all dust kitties and loose dirt from around the pipes. This will ensure adequate heat dispersal. The vents should be closed during the summer to maintain cleanliness.

2. Inspect all the thermostats each fall. Dust buildup can cause the connectors in the thermostat to malfunction. The effect will be a heating system that turns itself on too often, wasting heat. Remove the plastic case and use compressed air to blow out any dust buildup.

3. Bleed the system of air once a year. Turn the heat on for an hour and then turn it off completely. Locate the bleed valve at the base of the main system tank. Turn the bleed valve counterclockwise to begin the process. A hissing sound signals that air is bleeding out. Turn the valve off once water starts coming out of the bleed hole steadily. This means all the air has been removed.

References

• Heating With Water