Winter Checkup Priority: Heater Installation

Opposed to warm air systems like forced air heaters, radiant heaters delivers the source of heat to the floor level — not the ceiling — and it doesn’t stir up allergens or dusts. It is the oldest form of heating used to provide comfort and it is the basis for all and yet the most desired method for delivering comfortable, natural and efficient heat in our homes.
From the days of Ancient Rome, then the adaptation of the Koreans, to this date: most radiant floor heating follows the Frank Lloyd Wright method of routing hot water through pipes in the flooring to add heat during cold climate. And now that the winter season is up, here are some basic ideas for heating installations.
If you're considering a radiant floor heating system, you can choose between electric and water (hydronic) systems and might want to consider whether the installation will be 'wet' (embedded in a concrete slab or lightweight concrete) or 'dry' (attached on top or beneath the subfloor or sandwiched between two layers of subflooring). The right choices will depend on whether you're dealing with new or existing construction, the type of finish floor you have or wish to install, energy costs in your area, and how much you're willing to spend.

A well-designed radiant heat system with a 96% efficient condensing boiler, indirect water heater, Pex tubing, stainless steel, brass manifolds and other necessary equipment to install it will normally cost not less than $3 per square foot.

WINTER CHECKLIST FOR YOUR HEATERS

The BEST time to check your heating system is in the Fall, no later than the end of October; this way it will save you time and energy.

• Test run — turn the thermostat to heat mode and set it to 80 degrees just for testing. Your heater is functioning properly when you hear the furnace turn on and the warm air blows within a few minutes. If it is running okay, you can turn the thermostat back to its normal setting. If in case, the heater is not running properly, you can try diagnosing it yourself using a troubleshooting manual provided by the manufacturer or you can call a heating contractor for help.


• Seasonal Maintenance – The secret of a properly working appliance is to using it accordingly. Turn on the heater at least twice a month for system check-ups.

• Just like your air conditioning system, make sure that you replace a new clean air filter.

• Hire a professional and credible heating contractor in your local area. Not all troubleshooting is translated in the manual. You need an expert’s opinion if something goes wrong with your system, so make sure you have someone just a phone call away.

HEATING CONTRACTORS

There are many available companies that offer heating installations. Whether you are about to build a radiant heat panel for your new home or add a radiant heat system to your house for remodeling, your local heating contractor can help you with your project. If you want to know more about the heating installation, please click this site that services radiant heaters.