Radiator Systems
Radiator systems are one of the most enduring heating system designs. Modern home radiators are incredibly low maintenance, provide dust-free heat and operate with great energy efficiency. When you need a new radiator installed or require maintenance and repair, Poston Brothers offers high-quality service on all radiator systems.
Types of Radiators
There are three common types of radiators: steam heat, hot water radiators, and electric radiators. Steam heat systems work with a boiler. The boiler heats water into steam which radiates through pipes and transfers heat into the air. Hot water radiators use boilers to heat water which pumps through pipes to radiators.
Radiators are made of metal because they are an excellent conductor of heat. As the fins of the radiator heat up, it heats up the air over time. In both systems, hot water flows through the radiator and then continues to flow through to the next radiator down the line. Water then moves back to the boiler where it is heated up again and the cycle continues.
Electric radiant heating is typically an independent system. These radiators use mineral oil to thermally transfer heat from the radiator to the air.
Why Choose a Radiator System?
Radiators are an alternative to forced air furnaces. Poston Brothers consults with our customers to find the best radiator system to suit your home. Many homeowners find the benefits of radiant heating valuable. To learn more about radiator systems contact our team today. Some of the advantages that distinguish radiators include:
Comfort
Radiant heating systems warm the air within your home using heat conduction. Heat is transferred from heated water or thermal oil within the radiator into the air. While forced air furnaces often reduce the humidity within the air, radiators create an ideal humidity level and envelop your home in a blanket of comfort. For households who suffer from dry skin, irritated respiratory systems, and allergies, radiators are a welcome alternative to dry furnace air.
Noise
Modern radiators are very quiet. While forced air systems produce sound pollution at the start of each cycle, radiators operate quietly in the background of your life. Because radiators transfer heat through thermal conduction there is no need for ductwork. The air blasting through air vents from furnaces can be distracting and disrupt your slumber.
Efficiency
Radiators use less energy than other heating methods. Many radiators can be individually adjusted to control heat into a single level, area, or even room within your home. Aside from annual maintenance to test and calibrate the system, radiators require little maintenance and few repairs.
Common Repair Issues
Like all heating systems, radiators may require maintenance and occasional repairs. Our team of experienced HVAC professionals advise quick action if you observe any of these issues with your radiator:
Thermostat
Many heating and cooling repairs are simple malfunctions in the thermostat. A faulty thermostat may cause a number of problems with your radiator. If you experience issues with temperature fluctuations, system outages, or any changes in performance, our technicians will track the issue and make the necessary repairs.
Leaks
Without proper maintenance, loose connections, worn seals and other faulty components may lead to leaks in radiators. Leaks can be frustrating. If you experience a leak, turn off the system and call our team. Many minor leaks are easy to repair and can be fixed quickly.
Air Gaps
If air becomes trapped in a radiator there are often cold spots at the top or middle of your radiator. This is a minor issue that requires simple attention to bleed the system. Our technicians release the air through a valve on the radiator and restore operation. When this occurs our team can check and calibrate all the radiators within your home.
Improper Heating
When temperatures suddenly drop or you see drastic increases in heat, the radiator may have a blockage or clog. Our technicians can easily clear the system and restore operations. If neglected a clog in the system can damage the entire radiator so calling on our services quickly is advised. To protect your heating system, you should turn off the radiator until the issue is repaired.
How Long Do Radiators Last?
Sometimes if you’re having trouble heating your home and you have a boiler and a radiator system, you might not be sure where the problem is. Boilers are incredibly reliable heating systems with some being known to last more than 20 years. If you’re experiencing heating issues in your home and you’ve noticed that certain rooms are colder than others, it’s probably not an issue with your boiler, but with your radiator instead. Radiators have a shorter lifespan than boilers, but they are still known to last 15-20 years.
It may be worth replacing your radiators not just for improvements in performance and efficiency, but also for design. Radiators now come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit in almost any room. From traditional column radiators to flat panel units, there are many radiator design options available for your home.
To make sure your radiator is working properly, you will need to repair it when you notice issues and provide maintenance on an annual basis. Annual inspections and maintenance are the best way to prevent repairs and premature replacement of boilers. Poston Brothers is happy to assist with the maintenance and repairs of any radiators, boilers, and other heating and cooling systems.
Contact Poston Brothers for Radiators
Call Poston Brothers to provide complete services for radiators including installation, repair, and maintenance. Whatever questions you may have about radiant heating our team of skilled and experienced HVAC professionals are eager to help. As a family-owned and operated business, Poston Brothers is committed to the highest standards of customer service and the values of our local community. Schedule an appointment for your radiator system today.