We purchased our home in the summer and did not bother to put on the heat on (although I don't know if that would be a common practice when buying a home in the summer time to listen for those unwanted noises) you never knew existed prior to purchasing a home. (The boiler of course was looked over as well as the pipes and were given the OK.) Anyway so Fall comes and the heat goes on... what in the world are those noises? :eek: I don't know anything about plumbing nor does my husband. But the noises this damn heating system makes is incredible. It sounds like someone his hitting the pipes with a metal bat. Tick, tick sounds that starts slow then goes faster, and faster and faster... the clumping sounds.. It's scary at night for me especially when my husband is away on business. :eek: Is this a normal sound for a heating system? I **think** we have suppressed air? Is that what it's called? We have those ugly, unslightly baseboard things I can't stand.. and the pipes in them make SO much noise. I had a plumber come over and take a look at it and all he said was that the pipes need bleeding? What in god's name is that and what does it entail? He said that it would be a messy job? Is that true? When he told me it would be messy I immediately shyed away from going any further because I did not want the mess at the time with a newborn in the house. (I was told that I have "air bubbles" and that is what is making those horrible, tick, clumping, tacking sounds at night and day (depending upon the season of course). So two years later the noises have gotten worse of late and now it sounds like I have a brook/river running threw my house from the baseboards along with the sound of boiling, bubbling water in them.. This can't be normal. So do my pipes need bleeding? Is this regular maintenance that is done yearly? This being our first home we are learning while we go along.. All I know is that I cannot sleep and it really causes problems for me feeling secure in this house. You know the immignation takes over with those horrible ticking, tacking, clumping, bubbling noises.

The other question I have is that I have central air conditioning and why I don't have central heating is beyond me. But can I change over from this baseboard heating nonsense to regular central heating (like I use to have in the house I grew up in) -- nice and quiet heating)! Is that a major overhaul?

Any feedback would be truly appreciated... Thank you.

I would suggest a professional tune up by a person that knows boilers. Then have him show you how to bleed the lines. I have used a boiler to heat for 35 years. It is great heat once it is working correctly. Instead of all the worry about it get it fixed.