As we begin to transition out of fall and step into the frigid winter air, now is the time to make sure your radiators are ready-set-go for the cold, frosty months ahead. Luckily for everyone, we at Ironworks Radiators have prepared a handy checklist that you can refer to in order to ensure that your radiators are poised and prepared for the most wonderful (and chilly) time of the year!

REMOVE ANY CLUTTER AROUND YOUR RADIATORS

Sometimes over the spring and summer months when our radiators are not being used, we may move things in front of them to temporarily clear some space in other areas. Shifting into winter, you’ll want to make sure you remove this clutter, as your radiators need room to breathe in order to perform at their best. Keeping the immediate area around your radiators clear will help them to distribute their heat evenly and consistently throughout your home all season!

BLEED YOUR RADIATORS

When you first start up your system, it is vital that you bleed each of your radiators. Doing so will remove any trapped air that may be stuck in the radiators. Failing to bleed your radiators can prevent them from properly heating up, because trapped air will block water from flowing into the radiators and filling them up. It’s a simple thing that makes all the difference in keeping your radiators efficient and your rooms toasty!

CHECK YOUR CONTROL VALVES

Pay a visit to each radiator in your home and check for seized valves. Sometimes when valves are not adjusted for a long period of time, the valve can become stuck in place. A valve that is stuck open or closed will make it difficult to adjust the temperature of your radiator as needed throughout the season. You will also want to make sure none of your radiator valves are leaking. The connection between your control valve and your radiator is where you are most likely to find a leak, and left unaddressed these leaks can lead to more expensive issues down the road, such as floor damage and riser rot. Calling your leaking valves in to be serviced and addressing this issue early will prevent having to engage in a bigger project in the middle of winter that could require turning the heat off to fix – brrr!

CLEAN RADIATOR SURFACES

Dust and dirt are an unfortunate reality that we all deal with. Giving each of your radiators a thorough clean will help them to disperse heat as efficiently as possible. Otherwise, your radiators are warming up dust bunnies instead of you! We at Ironworks Radiators happen to sell a convenient cleaning brush that allows you to get into all of the nooks and crannies where dust buildup can occur. A quick (but important) reminder when cleaning your radiators – do not use any harsh chemical cleaners or leave the radiator wet for long periods of time, as this can damage the paint. After dusting, wiping the radiator with a damp cloth is all you need to do!

GET YOUR BOILER SERVICED

Having one of our expert technicians service your boiler before turning on the heat will ensure your entire system is functioning optimally, and ideally should be something you schedule for your system annually. Our technicians will professionally assess the condition of your boiler as well as thoroughly investigate each of your radiators for any issues. This will do wonders in helping you avoid unpleasant surprises later in the season! We hope this checklist is helpful to all of you, and we wish you all a safe, warm winter! If you have any additional questions or need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!