How to Maintain Hydronic Radiant Floors

According to SF Ecoworks, hydronic heating systems are more efficient than forced air heating due to the lack of ductwork, which often leads to energy losses. An additional benefit of radiant heating is the lack of moving air throughout the heating environment, which means less allergens spreading around the house. Hydronic radiant heating typically uses a mixture of water and glycol, which is heated by a dedicated heat source and circulated through PEX tubes installed between the floor joists underneath your subfloor. Although radiant systems have few moving parts, there are several considerations for maintenance and upgrades for radiant heating users.

Instructions

- 1
  Check and clean the heat source. If you are using a boiler system as your heat source for the hydronic radiant heating, Seattle Radiant recommends servicing the boiler every other year. Check the owner's manual for your heat source, whether it is a boiler, hot water heater, gas or oil furnace. Perform the proper maintenance procedures or have a professional service your heat source. If you are using an oil furnace, you may need to change your filter on a regular basis, ranging from every month to every 6 months, depending on the condition of your furnace.
- 2
  Check and replace the filters on your radiant hydronic system annually to ensure that the water-glycol mixture is clean. This will prevent the PEX tubing from clogging and rupturing. Not all radiant systems utilize filters for the coolant mixture; however, for those that do, you should have the filters regularly inspected and replaced.
- 3
  Remove the insulation from underneath the PEX tubing and inspect the tubing for any leaks, which are most likely to occur where the PEX tubing is angled to pass through the floor joists. Also, inspect the PEX sleeves which are designed to protect the tubing as it passes through the floor joists. Replace any PEX sleeves that are corroded. Although the PEX tubing is often guaranteed by the manufacturer for the life of the radiant system, there is a small chance for a defect in the tubing, which may cause leaks and mold growth.
- 4
  Check the pressure gauge and mixing valve for your hydronic radiant heating system if it is installed with those components. The mixing valve regulates the heating fluid's temperature; however, it is only used if the heat source for your radiant system does not have thermoregulation capabilities. The pressure gauge should measure the specific pressure calibrated for your system. If the pressure is too low, then you may have a leak in your system or you may need to install a separate filling reservoir and pump in the middle of your radiant system underneath the flooring.

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