Many experts believe that radiant floor heating systems are one of the most efficient systems of indoor home comfort. They are highly efficient and waste very little heat to the atmosphere. Since almost all the generated heat is delivered to the floor, the internal temperature is maintained at a fairly constant rate with the expenditure of minimum energy. Contrary to what many people think, radiant floor heating systems are not maintenance free. There are a few areas that require checking and inspections regularly.
Modern radiant floor heating systems have three major components; the boiler, pumps and tubing. Another important component is the thermostats that constantly monitor and maintain the temperature of various zones. As with other systems, the best maintenance starts with installation.
The tubing is the largest and most widespread part of the radiant floor heating systems. Make sure that the tubing is of highest quality. If there is a leak then it should be traced and repaired at once. A leak means that the heat that should be used to heat the floor goes to waste and cause extensive damage to the floor. If the tubing is made of copper, it is a simple matter of locating the leak and patching the hole. Things get a bit complicated if steel piping is installed. The damaged section is usually irreparable and the whole section has to be replaced.
Pumps are the heart of radiant floor heating systems. Usually the pumps installed are designed to be specifically used in the radiant heating systems. They are noiseless and maintenance free. To further reduce the maintenance required, water is used as lubricant. This eliminates the yearly greasing and oiling ritual associated with earlier radiant floor heating systems. Usually a slight noise of the pumps is not a sign of failure. However, if the noise gets loud or there is a complete failure in a zone, the pumps servicing that zone should be replaced immediately.
The boiler is the most important part of radiant floor heating systems. It produces the heat that is transferred to rest of the system through heated water. Modern boilers are designed to be maintenance free. It is usually gas fired but oil fired models are also available. Only trained technicians should be allowed near a boiler.
Annual inspection is the only way of ensuring the smooth operation of radiant floor heating systems. Call in an experienced HVAC contractor for the job.
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