Rather than forcing heated air through a system of ducts like a conventional furnace, a radiator uses steam or hot water to warm your home through a series of pipes. Radiators were invented in the mid-1800s and many older homes still have them. Cost-effective and energy-efficient, radiators are starting to make a comeback in some […]
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Rather than forcing heated air through a system of ducts like a conventional furnace, a radiator uses steam or hot water to warm your home through a series of pipes. Radiators were invented in the mid-1800s and many older homes still have them. Cost-effective and energy-efficient, radiators are starting to make a comeback in some areas. There are even portable electric radiators, such as the Delonghi EW7707CM Safe Heat 1500w ComforTemp portable oil-filled radiator, that use a special diathermic oil to radiate heat into just one room. Like any heating system, radiators must be regularly maintained, and they can develop problems that range from simple to complex. Here are some general maintenance tips along with common problems and how to fix them.
General maintenance tips for radiator heat
Steam radiators typically require the most maintenance. Once a week, flush the low-water cutoff in the boiler. Once a month, with the system on and hot, check the safety valve to ensure that steam can freely escape (be careful, ...