Clean the heating system for proper functioning of the system
If you want to clean the heating system, it is advisable to contact a professional, because cleaning the boiler and the entire system requires professional knowledge. Combustion residues such as dust, sulfur and soot accumulate in the boiler, which leads to wear of the burner and increased energy consumption. The boiler for the oil heating system should be checked once a year, the boiler for the gas heating system every two years and cleaned if necessary. In addition, there is the venting of the radiator – if there is too much air in the radiator, it will no longer heat up properly, so it is necessary to regularly bleed the air from the radiator. You can do it yourself with the right tools.
Why do radiators need to be cleaned?
Like everywhere else in the house, radiators accumulate dust and dirt. When the radiator heats up, some of the dust swirls around, which is especially unpleasant for people with allergies. In addition, a lot of dirt on the radiator reduces the heat output. The heat can even burn into the dirt, permanently reducing the heat output. That is why it is recommended to thoroughly clean all radiators before the start of the heating season. Clean the heating system not only for aesthetics but also for proper functioning and energy saving.
What tools and materials are needed to clean the radiator?
Clean the heating system The tools you need to clean your heating system depend on the type of radiator you have: Do you have a panel radiator with cavities and slats between two panels or are your radiators completely enclosed, as is the case with tubular or sectional radiators? If your radiators are closed, you can simply clean them with a little washing-up liquid, a cloth and warm water. After cleaning, dry the radiators with a dry microfiber cloth. Stubborn dirt can be cleaned with a brush, and grease can be treated with a special grease remover. If your radiators have fins, it is very important to get rid of dust and dirt on them as well. For example, a vacuum cleaner can help, or you can get a special folding brush or make one yourself by attaching kitchen paper to a narrow stick with double-sided adhesive tape. It is best to remove the protective grill for cleaning so that you can better access the interior. All you need to bleed your heating system is a bleed wrench that you can buy at any hardware store or specialty plumbing store.
How to fill the system with antifreeze?
Antifreeze can be pumped manually or mechanically. Before pumping in antifreeze, the heating system should be cleaned. Different chemicals are used for cleaning, and dishwashing detergent can also be used, because the chemicals used for cleaning are actually strong soaps. For household heating systems, it is best to use antifreeze mixtures that are already factory diluted with water to the declared temperature and that do not require additional testing and modulation. For larger systems, antifreezes are used that require certain changes in the system and different testing, but in such situations, companies that perform these types of services are hired.
How to clean the heating vents in the central ventilation?
If your home has a central heating system, you probably have vents. This should be cleaned just like the radiators. You will need a screwdriver, a vacuum with a crevice tool, dishwashing liquid, microfiber cloths. Make sure your ventilation is turned off and if possible turn off the power to the heating system in the house. Unscrew the valves with a screwdriver. Using dishwashing liquid and a microfiber cloth, wash the valve covers in your kitchen or dishwasher. Dry the valve covers with a clean microfiber cloth. Vacuum the inside of the valve using the scraper tool attachment. Reach as far as you can go with the hose so you can remove as much dust as possible. Make sure the covers are completely dry, then use a screwdriver to snap them back into place.
