Radiant heating service checklist for your home to keep it warm through the winter!

San Rafael

(415) 942-6565

Santa Rosa

(707) 452-3464

Radiant heating is a method of home heating that involves transferring heat from a hot surface. Radiant flooring involves a series of water tubes or heating cables that heat the floor of the home first. The warmth from the heated floors then radiates upwards to heat the rest of the house, directing the heat towards people and objects in a room through infrared radiation. Radiant floor heating systems work by warming the space more quietly and consistently than other systems, like traditional forced-air furnace systems.

The benefits of radiant heating systems are that they are energy-efficient, leave you with better air quality, and can save homeowners up to 30% on their heating costs. The heat transfer from the radiant floors provides consistent and comfortable heat without the noise and drafts of forced-air systems. Radiant heating systems can improve indoor air quality by reducing the circulation of allergens and pollutants through ductwork. For this reason, heated floors are a healthier option for people with allergies and respiratory issues since there will be less dust and debris in the air, making for better air quality in every room.

Types of Radiant Floor Heating Systems

There are two common types of radiant flooring to install: electrical systems and hydronic systems.

Electric Systems

Electric systems use electric heating cables within the floor to send heat through a house. While it is more costly if your electric company does not offer time-of-use rates or you do not have a thermal mass like a thick concrete floor, they are generally more effective and have an easier and lower initial cost of installation. They also require less maintenance. Electric radiant heating systems will work with most types of flooring, but having a thick concrete floor is helpful in saving money. You can charge the floor with heat during off-peak electricity hours, and the floor will hold that heat to continue to warm your floors and home during the hours when electricity is more expensive and you don’t want to run the system as much.

Hydronic Systems

Hydronic systems are systems that use water heated by a boiler to pump through tubes installed under the floors. Zoning valves and thermostats can help regulate the room temperature quality by controlling the flow of hot water through the tubes. These are the most popular types of radiant floor heating systems since they are typically the most cost-effective. The cost of installation will vary depending on things like the location and size of the house and the type of floor covering. Usually, the upfront cost of labor and installation for a hydronic system is higher, but the long-term savings will be greater. Hydronics will also take more maintenance to avoid the potential of leaking, which can cause extensive damage and costly repairs.

Floor coverings

Ceramic tile is typically the best quality flooring for a radiant heating system. Tile is good at conducting heat as well as adding thermal storage, so you do not have to run the system as much. Concrete can be good for electric floor heating. You should only install a thin layer of carpeting, and it might be a good idea to have separate tubing installed for places with a floor covering if you also have spaces without it. This would be so that you can have higher heat in certain places of the house where rooms have floor coverings installed that will decrease heating efficiency.

Residential Radiant Heating Services

Radiant heating systems require professional installation from technicians to ensure safe and efficient operation. Regular maintenance is also necessary to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the radiant floor system. For these things, you will require a professional radiant heat and boiler technician and quality workmanship that can guarantee your heated floors will be as energy-efficient as possible.

If you need a heating replacement in Novato, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, or the surrounding areas, John Owens is the contractor to get in touch with. When it comes to radiant heating, John Owens Services, Inc. is a heating/cooling company that has experience, expertise, and customer service efficiency. We have a license for installing and maintaining radiant heating systems, offering outstanding service, prompt response times, competitive pricing, and a commitment to flawless HVAC service. Our certified technicians are highly trained in the latest radiant heating equipment and technologies and techniques, providing a comprehensive range of quality radiant services, including installation, maintenance, and repair.

We also offer alternative options if you want to combine heating and air conditioning, such as air-to-air heat pumps or ductless mini-splits. These heating/cooling systems are energy-efficient alternatives to traditional furnaces and air conditioners. They work by pulling warm air from outside and transferring it inside to heat your home. For cooling, they work in reverse by removing the warm air from your home and sending it outside. An air-to-water heat pump system can work as a water heater for your home or provide hot water for radiant floor heating. We can install, repair, and maintain these heating/cooling units for you.

Boiler and Hydronic Plumbing and Heating Services Offered

John Owens Services is the plumbing and heating/air conditioning expert who specializes in installing and repairing boilers and hydronic radiant heating systems in Sonoma and Marin County. For almost 40 years, we’ve provided heater repair in Novato, Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Petaluma, San Anselmo, and all surrounding areas with a full range of boiler and radiant heat services. We partner with leading manufacturers and suppliers to provide the best residential radiant heating solutions. We install and service the most highly recommended major brands, including Rinnai, Triangle Tube, Bosch, and more. Call now to schedule our radiant heating installation, repair, or maintenance services. Homeowners can request service or a free estimate on heater services for their radiant floor system at any time!

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Serving Marin & Sonoma Counties

Good plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems are vital in every North California home. John Owens Services, Inc. is proud to be the expert plumbing company you can count on

The John Owens Way

Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.

San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464

01

Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your home’s systems running well all year long. We’ll help you gain efficiency and save money.

02

Repair

When something breaks down, our team will get to you fast. We’ll find the problem and fix it to get you back to normal.

03

Replacement

When it’s time to replace something in your home, we’ll help you get a top quality product that matches your specific needs.
San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464