Signs Your Radiant Heating System Needs Attention

Signs Your Radiant Heating System Needs Attention: Troubleshooting Tips and When to Call for Help

Radiant floor heating is known for exceptional comfort, quiet operation, and reliability. But like any home heating system, it occasionally requires attention to maintain optimal performance. Recognizing the early signs of a potential issue can save you money, prevent unnecessary discomfort, and keep your radiant heating system in perfect working order.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common signs your radiant heating system might need attention, and when it’s time to contact FloorHeat or a radiant heating professional for help.

Common Signs Your Radiant Heating System Needs Maintenance or Repair

Keep an eye out for these symptoms indicating your radiant system may need attention:

1. Uneven or Insufficient Heat

If your floors feel inconsistently heated, or if rooms that were previously comfortable suddenly have cold spots, this may signal air trapped in your system, inadequate water pressure, or circulation issues.

Possible Causes:

• Air trapped within the tubing
• Circulation pump failure or blockage
• Low system pressure or leaks

2. Strange Noises or Sounds

Radiant systems are typically quiet. If you hear unusual noises, such as knocking, gurgling, or banging from your heating system or control panel, it often points to trapped air, improper water pressure, or pump malfunction.

Possible Causes:

• Air bubbles or trapped air pockets
• Pump or circulator issues
• Expansion or contraction of tubing due to temperature changes

3. Unusual Increase in Energy Bills

If your energy bills suddenly increase without changes in usage, your radiant heating system may be operating inefficiently, cycling too frequently, or experiencing heat loss.

Possible Causes:

• Reduced insulation effectiveness
• Thermostat or control issues
• Circulation inefficiencies or system scaling/mineral buildup

4. System Pressure Fluctuations

If the pressure gauge on your radiant heat control panel consistently shows too low (below 12 psi) or too high (above 25 psi) pressure, it indicates potential system issues that require attention.

Possible Causes:

• Leaks in the system
• Expansion tank malfunction
• Improper fill or pressure adjustment

5. Water Leaks or Moisture Around Components

Visible leaks, moisture buildup, or signs of water around manifolds, pumps, tubing connections, or control panels must be addressed immediately to prevent significant damage.

Possible Causes:

• Loose or faulty fittings
• Corroded manifolds or valves
• Damaged tubing or connections

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

Before calling a professional, perform these basic checks:

• Check System Pressure: Confirm the system pressure is between 12-20 psi. Adjust if necessary, or note significant fluctuations.
• Bleed Air: Gently bleed trapped air from manifolds if you’re comfortable and experienced doing so.
• Inspect Thermostats: Ensure thermostats are functioning correctly, batteries are fresh, and settings haven’t changed unexpectedly.
• Visual Inspection: Examine control panels, manifolds, and exposed connections for leaks or corrosion.

When to Call FloorHeat or a Radiant Heating Professional

If you’ve performed basic troubleshooting but still experience the following issues, it’s time to call a professional:

• Persistent uneven heating or cold floors
• Repeated fluctuations in system pressure
• Continuous unusual noises or banging sounds
• Visible water leaks or corrosion
• Dramatic increases in your heating costs

How FloorHeat Can Help You Quickly Address Radiant Heating Issues

At FloorHeat, we specialize in radiant heat systems designed for reliability, efficiency, and easy maintenance. Our expert support team is available to help you quickly identify and resolve system issues:

• Pre-Assembled Radiant Control Panels:
  FloorHeat’s control panels feature clear layout and design, making it easier to quickly identify problems and make necessary adjustments. Refer to the diagrams and instructions here.
• Reliable Expert Support:
  Our dedicated radiant heating experts offer prompt troubleshooting assistance and expert advice, helping you address issues swiftly and effectively.
• Replacement Components & Upgrades:
  If system components need replacement or upgrading, FloorHeat provides reliable parts and pre-assembled systems designed to simplify repairs and minimize downtime.

Maintain Peak Comfort and Efficiency

Regularly monitoring your radiant heating system and promptly addressing signs of trouble ensures it remains reliable, comfortable, and efficient year after year. At FloorHeat, our priority is your continued comfort and satisfaction.

Noticed any of these signs or have questions about your system’s performance?
Contact FloorHeat today—we’re here to help you maintain your radiant system at peak performance!