Burnham Airbound or Poor Heat Distribution

Some radiators or baseboards are hot at the top but cold at the bottom, or vice versa

Advertisements

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.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
Advertisements