New Mexico Radiant
Heat Experts
BOILER SERVICE, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR SERVICE
Radiant heat systems are growing more and more popular in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Rio Rancho. There are two major types of radiant heating, in-floor, and baseboard heating systems. Radiant heat is a type of system more people are choosing because unlike a furnace it doesn’t heat by blowing warm air. They heat the home by warming from the floor up creating a comfortable warmth throughout the home. TLC technicians are licensed and qualified to repair, replace and upgrade all types of radiant heat systems and offer 24-hour emergency service.
Call Us We’re Open
Types of Radiant Heat Systems
When most people think of radiant heat they think of radiant floor heating which is probably the most popular. However, there are also baseboard heaters that provide the same type of ambient heat that is considered “radiant”. Both of these types of heating also can be hot water or electric.
RADIANT FLOOR HEATING
In-floor radiant heat is typically installed in new homes and isn’t usually a cost-effective type of heating system to convert an existing home to. Most in-floor systems are operated by hot water boilers.
BASEBOARD HEATING SYSTEMS
Baseboard heating systems are not typically a primary heating source in New Mexico homes, but usually, rather a supplemental heating source to accompany a fireplace, wood stove or other types of heating system. They can be hot water or electric. TLC’s technicians are qualified to repair baseboard heating systems.
What is Radiant Heat?
Radiant heat works by radiating heat from the ground up, warming everything it touches. As opposed to a furnace system that blows warm air into the room which can be uneven heating and as soon as the blower reaches its temperature setting it stops and the air begins to cool before starting up again when the temperature drops. Radiant heat systems can heat your whole home or can be a supplemental heating source for a room or addition. In Santa Fe & Northern New Mexico we see a lot of wood and pellet stoves, as well as fireplaces and radiant heat or baseboard heaters are used as a supplemental heating source. Most homes that have radiant heat as the primary heating source use hot water “hydronic” radiant heat because electric radiant heat can be quite costly to use as a primary heat source.
NM Radiant Heat Maintenance & Repair Experts
TLC’s team of HVAC technicians are licensed and trained to service, repair and replace your radiant heating system, whether its radiant floor heating or baseboard heaters.
Boiler Repair
Boilers require regular maintenance to keep your heating system running smoothly, TLC is here for all of your
Temperature Control
Most radiant heating systems are divided into zones. If you’re having trouble regulating the temperature in your home call TLC for assistance.
Hot & Cold Spots
If you have hot and cold spots in your home, your radiant heat system may need some repairs. Turn to TLC your radiant heat experts.
How Radiant Heat Works
Coils are installed underneath flooring in the concrete flooring. The coils are heated by a boiler that heats the water flowing through the coils. Or a less common option is to install coils that are heated by electricity.
Hot Water Radiant Heat System
These are the most common radiant heat systems for homes. The boiler heats the water that runs through the tubing underneath the flooring to provide the heat. These systems are energy efficient and provide an even temperature. Plus they feel comfortable at lower temperatures.
Electric Radiant Floor Heating Systems
A condensing hot water boiler heats homes and conserves energy, that in other types of boilers, would escape out the chimney. When the boiler burns gas to produce water vapor, the vapor condenses into a liquid again, releasing latent heat, which boosts efficiency ratings as high as 98%.
Zone Heating Thermostats
Unlike furnaces or forced air heating, radiant heating systems will have multiple thermostats spread out through the home. Each zone has its own thermostat for a room or area. You can adjust the temperature in each area with radiant floor heating systems.
Radiant Floor Heating Maintenance
Some things to consider with in-floor radiant heat are as follows. If you’re having issues with your radiant heat system TLC is always available to repair and maintain your system.
Hot Water Radiant Floor Maintenance
We typically recommend that you get your radiant heat system inspected and maintained by a professional each year, prior to winter. Your hot water (hydronic) radiant heat system is powered by a boiler system. It’s vital to your system’s performance to get it regularly maintained. As part of your maintenance an HVAC company like TLC will inspect and perform the following:
- Boiler Startup & Maintenance
- Inspect & Test Ignition System
- Inspect & Test Zone Valves
- Check Expansion Tank
- Check Air Removal Device
- Check Temperature Rise from Thermostats
- Carbon Monoxide Test at Boiler
- Test Pump Operation
Electric Radiant Floor Heating Maintenance
Electrical radiant heat systems are typically used as supplemental heating for most homes. Often times they are installed in a small area like a bathroom or kitchen. These types of systems typically don’t require much maintenance since they are used on demand. They are controlled by the thermostat. There aren’t really any moving parts that need maintenance other than checking the batteries in the thermostat.
What Should I set My Thermostat To?
This is a very common question we get, especially if homeowners are new to radiant heat. Here are some quick easy tips to maximize your comfort.
It typically takes approximately 24-hour for your system to reach the desired temperature.
A setting of 68 degrees will heat the room to approximately 70 degrees.
Always set the thermostat to a few degrees lower than your desired temperature.
Set all your thermostats to a similar setting in all the rooms you are using.
If you have a room you don’t use very often set the thermostat to approximately 62 degrees.
Once your system has reached the desired temperature leave the thermostat alone. Because it takes a while for the system to reach the desired temperature you don’t want to constantly be adjusting it.
Radiant Heat Installation
Radiant heat installation is very easy to install when a home is being built. However, if you would like to convert to radiant heat after your home has been built it can present some challenges. On the other hand it is quite easy to have electric radiant heat installed in small areas like bathrooms and kitchens. See more about each type of install below.
Hot Water Radiant Heat Installation
Hot water radiant heat systems are designed to be used as the primary heat source for the home. These types of systems are usually installed as part of the building of a new home. However, it is possible to modify your home for radiant heat but it is a rather involved process. Here are some things to consider:
All flooring will have to be removed in the home to lay the radiant heat system and tubing. Walls will have to be cut open to install the control valves in each zone.
You will need to have a boiler system installed to provide hot water through the system.
All doors throughout your home will have to be modified since the floor will be slightly raised after the installation is complete. This is usually done by taking an inch or two off the bottom of every door in the home.
Electric Radiant Heat Installation
This type of radiant heat is usually only added to small areas of your home as a supplemental heat source. Electric radiant heat doesn’t make sense throughout the home due to the high electrical costs. But perhaps you want a warm tile floor when you enter your bathroom or kitchen during winter, then electric radiant heat is a good choice. TLC’s remodel team does a lot of radiant heat installation as part of bathroom and kitchen remodels, like the one pictured here. Installation usually happens when the flooring is being replaced in these areas.
Fast radiant heating repair service
We keep radiant heating parts at TLC so we can your system day or night. When you need help fast, TLC is here for you.
