How to Maintain Baseboard Water Heating

Many types of heating systems are in use today in both commercial and residential buildings around the world. One of the most common is the baseboard hot water system. This system works by circulating hot water through pipes surrounded by a metal casing with adjustable vents for directing the heat. It is efficient, cost-effective and generally easy to maintain. Knowing how to care for a baseboard hot-water heating system will keep it running for many years.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Compressed air

Instructions

1. Clean the metal casing twice a year, once before and once after the heating season. Use a thin tube attachment on a vacuum to clean dust and dirt from on, under and around the pipes to ensure adequate heat dispersal. Keep the vents closed during the summer.

2. Inspect the thermostats before turning the heat on for the first time each year. Dust buildup causes the connectors in the thermostat to malfunction, setting the heat on and off. The effect will be a heating system that is wasting heat. Remove the plastic case and use compressed air to blow out any dust.

3. Bleed the system once a year. Bleeding a hot-water heating system will eliminate any air that has seeped into the pipes, causing the heat to function less efficiently. Turn the heat on for one hour and then turn it off. Find the bleed valve at the base of the main system tank. Turn it counterclockwise to start bleeding the air. A hissing sound will let you know 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