Preparing the Heating System for the Cold Season

Before the cold season begins, it is advisable to have the heating system checked to eliminate potential issues that could arise later. If the boiler was only used for hot water preparation during the summer, it will be used for heating the home once the weather cools down, requiring additional checks.

Checking the boiler before the cold season begins involves identifying any problems that could lead to improper operation or even failure. Therefore, the following checks should be made: radiator inspection, checking the boiler’s water and gas supply, chimney inspection, checking the room thermostat, inspecting the valves on the boiler and radiators, the pipes and filters under the boiler (by a specialist), bleeding the radiators, and checking the boiler's power supply.

The proper functioning of the room thermostat leads to increased comfort in the home and significant gas savings. For optimal gas consumption, it is recommended to use two temperature settings: one for the day and one for the night. The room thermostat should not be installed near sources of cold air or in areas exposed directly to sunlight. This will avoid unwanted starts or discomfort caused by a temperature that is too low (when the thermostat is placed in direct sunlight). Checking the thermostat and its batteries before winter helps us get the best performance from it.

Before the cold season, a check of all the radiators in the home should be performed. They should not have any heat agent loss and should be bled (if necessary). Air trapped inside the radiators reduces the system's efficiency.

Filters, pipes, and valves that are part of the heating system can cause certain problems. If the pipes (or filters) are clogged, the water will not be able to reach the radiators. To solve this type of problem, specialized personnel are needed to clean the system (chemical flushing).

As the system ages, issues may arise with the operation of the valves. Timely inspection of these valves will eliminate any potential problems in the operation of the heating boiler. It is also necessary to inspect and clean the filters on the cold water inlet and the return of the heating system.

To prevent fires or smoke poisoning, it is essential to check and clean the exhaust gas paths (chimneys). This operation is also crucial for the optimal operation of heating boilers.

What does VTA mean?

VTA stands for a set of technical-functional checks of the equipment, as well as cleaning the protective filters and replacing components subjected to normal wear (O-rings, seals, air cushion in the expansion vessel). Failure to operate the heating system optimally and within parameters can lead to thermal discomfort and high gas consumption.