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Welcome to the Campeau Heating Blog!

Looking for professional heating, cooling and air quality advice? Our experts share helpful news, tips and tricks every other week! 
 
Advice from the Professionals
What Kind of Maintenance Does a Radiant Heater Need? Find Out Here!

Campeau Heating in Sudbury, Ontario, tells homeowners how to maintain their radiant heater systems.

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.

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