Boilers are the key elements in the steam and hot water heating systems generally found in older homes. They heat the water and either pump it through the system or convert it to steam that passes through radiators. The best time to do a thorough check-up of your boiler is in the fall before the cold season. A professional should examine and tune your system at this time, but there are a few things you can do to keep it operating at peak efficiency. For steam systems, check the air vents and inlet valves on the radiators for leaks every few weeks. Replace any air vents that drip or appear cracked. If a steam radiator is knocking, make sure it's tilted toward the inlet valve. You can put a shim under the leg to increase the angle. If you have a hot water system, make regular checks of the expansion tank. If a sealed expansion tank feels hot all over, it may need to be drained. Close the shutoff valve and use a hose to drain the tank; then turn the water back on. A diaphragm expansion tank operates on an air pressure system. Use an air pressure gauge to check the pressure. If it's less than 12 PSI, add air with a bicycle pump. Boilers should be drained and flushed out every year. Add rust inhibitor when you refill them. The most important thing to remember is never to work on a hot boiler. Both steam and hot water can cause serious burns.
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