Maintaining Your Boiler System and Radiators

Here are five simple tips for taking care of your hydronic heating system.

Do you depend on a boiler and radiators to stay warm during the coldest months in Riverhead, Jamesport, Wading River or elsewhere on Long Island’s North Fork and East End?

In our experience, hydronic heating systems — which use hot water or steam to heat your home instead of hot air — have some unbelievable benefits. They don’t blow air through ducts, meaning they tend to be quieter than furnaces and don’t circulate airborne pollutants like dust, mold and pollen. Boiler heat is also slightly humid, so it makes your home feel extra cozy on a winter night.

At Burt’s Reliable, we’ve found that many customers who use boilers and radiators don’t know some of the best practices for system upkeep. There are no air filters to change or vents to dust, but there are a few things you can do right now to maintain your boiler system.

Flush Your Boiler Once or Twice a Year

Sediment and sludge can accumulate in your boiler’s tank. This can lower its efficiency and speed up wear and tear. However, you can easily fix this issue by flushing the tank once or twice a year.

The process is simple. Turn off the boiler, then open the boiler’s drain valve with a bucket underneath. Hot water will pour into the bucket. Keep draining until the water is clear. Then, refill the tank to the correct level using the cold water intake valve. Your boiler’s manual will provide more precise instructions.

Make Sure All Your Radiators Are Open

If you have a radiator in your home that isn’t heating up, check its knob and make sure it’s turned all the way to the open position. Radiators have only two settings: open and closed.

Bleed Air from Your Radiators Once a Year

Air can become trapped in radiators, which can impede their performance and cause them to clang and gurgle. You can get rid of this trapped air easily by bleeding the radiator once a year. It only takes a minute. Locate the bleed point at the top of the radiator, open it, and allow the trapped air to escape. Once the air is released and water begins to flow, close the bleed point.

Check Your Thermostat Settings

With a programmable or smart thermostat, you can balance winter comfort and energy savings (plus help your boiler run for a longer service life).

The U.S. Department of Energy advises that you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F from its normal setting for eight hours a day. Using a programmable thermostat, you can schedule these temperature changes for when you’re asleep or away from home. Our Ecobee Wi-Fi Thermostat is even smarter and can help you make more energy-saving adjustments.

Schedule a Boiler Tune-Up with Burt’s Reliable

If you haven’t already scheduled your annual boiler maintenance, we strongly recommend you do that as soon as possible. An annual heating tune-up will ensure your system is functioning with top efficiency and reliability. There is no team in Suffolk County with more experience and skill at boiler service than Burt’s Reliable. We offer affordable service plans, our Heating Oil Comfort Plans, that include complimentary service.

If you’re interested in arranging your annual tune-up or protecting your boiler with a Heating Oil Comfort Plan, please get in touch with Burt’s Reliable today.