Bleeding A Radiator Or Convector

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If a hot-water radiator or convector isn’t heating properly even with its valve fully open, the problem may be air trapped inside. The solution is to vent, or bleed the air out. To bleed a unit the boiler must be operating. Turn up the thermostat if necessary. The bleeder valve on a radiator is opposite the inlet valve and near the top. On a convector, it is on a return pipe under the top. Using ascrewdriver , open the valve carefully and slowly. Let the hot water flow into a cup until it stops sputtering. Then close the valve. Some bleeder valves require a key, sold in hardware stores. As a general rule, hot-water radiators orconvectors should be bled once a year. The unit farthest from the boiler tends to collect the most  air and may require more frequent attention. Bleed the whole system at the start  of the heating season or whenever it has been off for a long time. To do this start on the top floor at the radiator farthest from the boiler and work down finishing with the one nearest boiler. Instead of a bleeder valve, some convectors have an automatic vent valve that slowly releases air the system fills with water. Keep an automatic valve clean. If it drips, replace it.

You can exchange bulky radiators for trim based convectors. Both units provide the same amount of heat. Though convectors take up less room, remember that you should not block them with furniture. A heating contractor can give you a cost estimate.