Home heating with radiators

Baseboard hot-water heaters are called convectors, have slightly different bleeders.  The bleeder for the convector is located under the cover, which protects the fins.  When you look at the convector, you’ll see a door at each end, open the doors and look for the bleeder.  For some units the bleeder is located near or on top of the cutoff valve.  On other units the bleeder will b at the opposite end.  The valve has a small spout on one side that will release the air.  You need to look for the spout to find the valve.  Once you’ve located the valve, you’ll see screw or knob on top that operates the valve.  Open the valve until water starts to come out then close the valve.

Radiators can be either hot water or steam and both require bleeding.  The valve is usually located on the side near the top of the radiator and operates with a removable key, available from many HVAC retailers.  WARNING: If your system is steam, when bleeding your unit you must be extremely careful as the steam coming out of the valve can scald you.

Tip: Baseboard fins collect dust fast, which will compromise the efficiency of the system. Therefore, it is a good practice to get in the habit of sliding off or snapping off the cover from the front of the baseboard, and clean the fins by wiping them off with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum.