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MEMO #1059 Winterization Definitions (11/29/03)

Now that Winterization season has begun, HUD has provided a more comprehensive description of what is involved in performing DRY, STEAM and RADIANT winterizations. 

Please be sure to review and adhere to the following winterization specifications:

Winterization Definitions

Important Note: All information and material contained in this document is for general informational purposes only and is based on Safeguard's interpretation of the guidelines.


DRY HEAT: Forced hot air heat
What to Look For: Furnace, vents/registers

Winterization Steps:
•  Flush all toilets.  Shut off water at the curb, if not possible, shut off main interior water supply and provide reason.

•  Disconnect water meter and leave inside property unless city/county requires that it be returned. 

•  Plug the disconnected feed pipe leading from the main water valve.

•  Affix tags, showing date of winterization and name, address, and phone # of firm that performed work, to all winterized items.

•  Properties with wells must be drained.

•  Drain hot water heater and all domestic water plumbing.  All faucets/valves must be opened, drained, and then closed.

•  Use air pressure to clear the system or add antifreeze to the system.

•  Clean toilets and put antifreeze in all toilets and traps (sinks, bathtubs, etc.).


STEAM HEAT: Steam running through system

What to Look For: Steam boiler, radiators

Winterization Steps:
•  Complete all steps as listed above for a Dry system.

•  Determine if the system is operable and if there are any leaks.  Report this information immediately.

•  Drain the boiler.  All radiator vents are to be opened in the process and bleeder pins must not be removed from the radiators.


RADIANT HEAT: Hot water running through entire system
What to Look For: Hot water boiler, expansion tank , radiators or (copper) tubing in floor, walls, and/or ceilings.  May also be referred to as a "wet system"or "hot water baseboard heat".
   

Two radiant heat systems with
differing placement of expansion tank:

 
   

Expansion Tank


Winterization Steps:
 
•  Complete all steps listed above for a Dry system, except water is shut off and will be turned back on after completing the necessary steps.

•  Test for system security.  Pressurize the system with an air compressor to 35 pounds to check for leakage.  System must hold air without leakage for a minimum of ½ hour.

•  Drain the boiler and all heating loops.  Repair, replace, or install (as necessary to comply with state health department requirements) a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valve. 

•  Fill the boiler and all heating loops with a non-toxic antifreeze (propylene-glycol) solution tested to a freeze point of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.  Flush all lines and bleed all vents.

•  Return the heating system to normal operating temperature and pressure.  Check the entire system for proper operation.  Leave the heat on and set the thermostat to 55 degrees. 

•  Tape the furnace electrical switch to the "on"position.  Tape a card above the switch stating, "Do Not Remove Tape.  Do Not Turn Off".


Thank you for your continued cooperation.

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