What is the common term for the process of removing air from a hydronic system?

The process of removing air from a hydronic system is commonly referred to as bleeding. This is a crucial procedure that allows for the efficient operation of the heating or cooling system. When air becomes trapped in the pipes or radiators, it can create pockets that inhibit the proper flow of water, leading to decreased system efficiency and uneven heating or cooling. By bleeding the system, you release the entrapped air, ensuring that water can flow freely and allowing the system to operate at its optimal performance.

In this context, the term purging may also seem relevant, but it generally refers to the removal of contaminants or debris from the system rather than specifically addressing the removal of air. Flushing typically involves cleaning out the system with water or cleaning solutions to remove sludge or mineral build-up, which is different from the process of releasing trapped air. Draining refers to removing all the water from the system, which is not the goal when addressing trapped air. Each term has its specific application within hydronic systems, but for the task of air removal, bleeding is the universally accepted term.