Hot Water Heating Systems

1. There are a few things you can check on you hot water heating system. The one thing that you need the most and is forgotten the most is your pump. They say you need a special oil. (turbine oil) Not the truth. You can buy the cute little bottles the plumbing stores sell or you can buy 3 in 1 oil.
I have used it forever and it does the trick. On the pump you will see 3 or 4 little caps you can pull up. They are on the end of the electric motor and on the punp. Most people dont know about this pump till it starts to squeal. You can put oil on the bearing oil cups but you are probablly too late when the squealing begins. This job then becomes a little steep, because most of us can't do that job. Use oil before the heating season starts and check every month. 2-5 drops and you are good to go!
2. Check the heating system. Start it and see how it does. First move your thermostat until you hear it go on. Check the flame. If it is not being pulled straight up and is licking out from under, you might have a venting problem. If that is ok, then listen for the pump to come on. This will happen when the water inside comes to a temp that is required before the system circulates. Now listem for the water inside the pipes. If it sounds like little things are rolling around inside you have air in the system. This is not good. This means there is air, not the water suppose to be there, and air cools off quickly. On all of the radiators there should be a little vent you can open or depress and let the air out. At first you will get air only, then you will get a little spurts of water. You have to wait till it is all water. Have some rags handy and a small bowl to catch the water and clean up afterwards. This can make a quite a mess if not careful.
3. Make sure the fins are straight and not all bent up or crushed. These insure that the air can go across them and transfer the heat. You might want to vacuum now, because if you don't the will be picked up and go into the air. Then just make sure the covers are open so the heat can come right into the room.
Now just look real close at the pump and all of the connections to see there are no leaks and you are off to the races. A little preventive maintenance can save you a bundle in the long run!!