What Kind of Maintenance Does a Radiant Heater Need? Find Out Here!

The battle for spring continues! 

Spring arrived in mid-March, but winter is doing everything in its power to prevent warm weather from defeating its reign. This means more snow, cold winds, ice frost, and the occasional hail storm too.

The frosty chill of winter would rather keep us cooped up inside - teeth chattering and toes numbing - than give in to the warmth of spring. 

In short, homeowners have had to keep both their furnaces and in-floor heating cranked up high.

Speaking of which…

When was the last time you gave your radiant heating a tune-up? Is it still running as well as it should?

Radiant heating is a lot of things - reliable, efficient, allergy-friendly, seemingly invisible… 

But it is not entirely self-sufficient (contrary to popular belief).

Like all HVAC equipment, radiant heating needs regular preventative maintenance.

But what does radiant heater maintenance include?

Maintenance Tips For Hydronic and Electric Radiant Heating 

In-floor heating systems rely on a variety of components... 

From coils to boilers, piping to sensors, vents to pumps etc.

And, like furnaces, they also come in a variety of different types: 

1. Hydronic
2. Gas-Fired (infrared heaters)
3. Air
4. And Electric

The specific components of each system identify which type of radiant heater you have. And since each has its own unique set of equipment, each also has its own set of maintenance needs. 

The two main types of radiant in-floor heating, and the ones we discuss in this article, are hydronic and electric. 

Hydronic Radiant Heating 

The most cost-effective solution for whole-home in-floor heating is hydronic radiant heating. This system is water-based, using water-heated tubing installed directly under your flooring. 

Amazingly, hydronic radiant heating systems can last between 30-40 years! 

But only if you take good care of them…

Here's how to maintain your hydronic radiant heating:

• Check for low pressure. Low pressure causes your system to work at reduced efficiency, racking up your utility bills. 
• Check for leaks in your pipes and expansion tank. Leaks can cause rust and corrosion in your entire system. 
• Clean and inspect the pump and valves. Cleaning and repairing your radiant heat pump and valves can extend their life and prevent problems.
• Listen for strange noises. If working properly, your radiant heater should operate quietly. So if it does start making unexpected sounds, you could have a problem on your hands (or rather, under your feet). 
• Check pH levels in your glycol-based system. Glycol is a freeze-protectant liquid in your antifreeze solution. If pH levels are too low, the metal components of your system can begin corroding.
• Recalibrate your thermostat as needed. Radiant heater thermostats connect to the floor sensors of your radiant heating system. If these sensors malfunction, they could cause your floor to become too hot or too cold. 
• Clean all visible components of your system. Like all HVAC systems, your radiant heating system needs regular cleaning.

Electric Radiant Heating 

An electric radiant heating system is perfect for smaller home applications:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Office spaces etc. 

But electrical radiant heating is not a cost-effective solution for your entire home. With the high cost of electricity in Ontario, electric in-floor heating can get quite pricy. 

But, if you're looking for a quick, affordable fix for a single space, electric radiant heating could be your best bet!

An electric radiant heater is also more efficient than forced-air furnaces and baseboard heating! Why? Because it doesn't need ductwork.

Instead, electric in-floor heating uses electric cables hardwired to your home’s electrical system.

Here’s how to maintain your electric floor heating system:

• Have your electric cables professionally inspected.
• Make sure your electrical connections are both strong and stable.
• Ensure your thermostat is calibrated properly.
• Inspect your space for uneven heating. This could be through damage caused by rodents, rust, corrosion, shifting land etc.

Book Your Radiant Heater Maintenance Visit With Campeau Heating

With the proper maintenance, radiant heating systems can outlast furnaces! But if your radiant heating system is old, unkempt or malfunctioning, its lifespan drastically declines. 

That’s why we recommend scheduling an annual preventative maintenance appointment with our heating team.

When was the last time you had your in-floor heating serviced? 

Did you buy a house with radiant heating? Do you know when it had its last tune-up? 

If not, it’s time to call the experts at Campeau Heating! Book your radiant heater maintenance today!

Benefits of Radiant Heater Maintenance: 

• Performance Improvements 
• Preventative System Monitoring 
• Improved Energy Efficiency 
• Guaranteed Heat

Campeau Heating is Your Hamilton Heating Expert!

Campeau Heating has served Sudbury with quality heating maintenance since 1983. You can trust us to check up, tune-up and repair your heating fast - and for an affordable price!

Contact our expert heating technicians today at (705) 560-2441.

With a Kohler Backup Generator, You Can Restore Your Home's Power In Just 10 Seconds!

Spring comes with many weather-related twists and turns. From thunderstorms to torrential downpours and gusty winds, there’s always something in the air (literally). But this intense season brings more than just flying debris, fallen trees, lightning strikes, and water damage. 

Did you know that these spring weather conditions can also wreak havoc on your home electrical system? 

Spring weather conditions can cause: 

1. Damage to power lines. 
2. Power outages.
3. Power surges. 
4. Electrical overload and more!

To help protect your home, your family and your investments, we recommend installing an automatic backup generator. This automatic power supply restores your power instantly and protects your entire electrical system 24/7!

At Campeau Heating, we’re all about keeping our local homeowners and business owners informed, prepared and protected. That’s why we supply automatic generators by Kohler Power!

What Is a Backup Generator? How Does It Work? 

A backup generator (also known as a standby or automatic generator) is a guaranteed power source. It can keep your entire home running, even during a power outage! 

Here’s How Your Automatic Standby Generator Works: 

Step 1. Your backup generator detects a utility power outage. 

As its name implies, a standby generator is always on the ready - 24/7/365! It’s also connected directly to your home electrical system. So when utility power to your home electrical system is lost, your standby generator is the first to know! 

Step 2. The generator automatically redirects power. 

When power is restored, there is usually a sudden surge of high voltage, called a power surge, that heads straight to your devices. A power surge is why our team advises you to unplug your electronics during a power outage. If not protected by a surge protector, this voltage will essentially fry your devices with an electrical overload.

Thankfully, your automatic generator can also act as a surge protector. Once it realizes the outage, it will automatically reroute the power!

Step 3. Your generator powers your home for as long as you need.

Once your generator has begun powering your home electrical, it will continue to do so until utility power is restored. This could take hours, weeks or even months! But regardless of how long your utility power is out, your backup generator will stay on.

This unending power supply is possible through the commercial-grade engine built into your Kohler generator. This engine is designed to handle extreme workloads for as long as you need it to! 

Step 4: Your generator automatically powers off when it’s no longer needed.

Once utility power is restored, your backup generator will automatically power down - ready and waiting for the next power emergency! 

The Difference a Kohler Generator Can Make

At Campeau Heating we work with Kohler Power to provide you with the very best backup generator solutions in Sudbury. 

The 4 Most Innovative Components On Your Kohler Backup Generator And How They Work:

1. The Automatic Transfer Switch

Your Kohler generator is equipped with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). This switch monitors your electricity input from the utility source at all times - day and night! 

2. The Power Indicator 

The power indicator identifies where your power is coming from. Normally, this would tell you that your home’s power is coming from the utility power source. But, if you’ve recently lost power, this will tell you that your power is now sourced from your generator. 

3. The Weekly Self-Test 

Your Kohler generator has a built-in weekly self-test. These automatic diagnostic tests run for about 20 minutes each week and ensure peak performance. 

4. The OnCue System 

Your Kohler Generator operates automatically, whether you’re home or not. But did you know that with the OnCue Kohler Generator Management System, you can monitor your generator externally? This system communicates directly with the device of your choosing so that you can receive real-time updates wherever you are!

Restore Power To Your Home In 10 Seconds Flat With A Kohler Generator! 

One of the reasons we choose to work with Kohler Power generators is their power restoration turnaround time. A Kohler generator can redirect and restore power in only 10 seconds!

A Kohler generator can also generator power to your entire home, including your: 

• Kitchen appliances
• Electronics (TV, computer etc.)
• Heating 
• Air conditioning 
• Lighting 
• Hot water heater 
• Sump pump 
• Heat pump
• Plumbing (showers, washing machine, toilets etc.)
• And more! 

Whether you want to back up your entire home, or only essential utilities, your backup generator has the power you need!

Speak with your Campeau Heating technician today to select the best generator size and load capacity for your power needs.

Why Choose a Natural Gas Backup Generator?

A backup generator fuelled by natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is quickly becoming the cleaner and safer generator solution. If you’re looking for a way to provide a reliable power backup to your home without harming the environment or breaking the bank, this is it! 

Benefits of a Natural Gas Backup Generator:

• Reduced emissions. 
• Safe operation. 
• Low maintenance.
• Zero refuelling.
• Cost-effective. 
• Minimal environmental risks.
• Reduced operation costs. 

Never Be Without Power Again! Learn More About The Kohler Generator From Your Campeau Heating Technicians.

This spring, be prepared for anything! 

You can rely on your automatic backup generator to keep things running - day or night.

Looking for a reliable backup power supply for your home, business or cottage? Contact our Campeau Heating Technicians in Sudbury, Ontario, today! 

You can reach our office at (705) 560-2441 or Fill In This Form For a FREE QUOTE!