Burnham
Airbound or Poor Heat Distribution
Some radiators or baseboards are hot at the top but cold at the bottom, or vice versa
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Possible Causes
Air trapped in radiators, Sludge or debris in emitters, Incorrect balancing, Low system flow
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Use caution when bleeding radiators; water may be hot. Protect floors from drips.
- Bleed radiators: Starting with the highest radiators, use a radiator key or screwdriver to open the bleed valve until air stops and water flows steadily, then close.
- Check system pressure: After bleeding, verify pressure is still adequate (around 12–20 psi). Add water if needed.
- Clean or flush emitters: If a radiator remains cold, it may be clogged with sludge. A professional can flush or power-clean the system.
- Adjust balancing valves: Throttle hotter zones slightly to encourage flow to cooler areas.
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Repair Difficulty
Easy
2/5
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