Commercial Radiator Repair and Replacement

When the days grow shorter and cooler temperatures set in, it’s time for business owners to turn up the heat. But if your radiator has been dormant for a while, it may not work the way you want it to, or at all. Thankfully, the professionals at your local Aire Serv radiator repair team can diagnose issues fast to keep your commercial space comfortable for customers, visitors, and employees. 

Commercial Radiator Repair Service

A broken radiator doesn’t have to cause problems for your business. If you experience any radiator issues or want your system checked out before using it, schedule an appointment with your local Aire Serv professional. We equip our teams with the best tools and the latest industry best practices to help keep your system running when you need it most. 

It can be challenging to operate a business when your radiator isn’t working properly. Employees and customers may be uncomfortable and complain, which can negatively impact your business. This is why we work around the clock and offer 24/7 service to ensure your radiators are working when you need them most. We understand that during the coldest months keeping your commercial space comfortable is a priority because it helps keep employees and customers happy, which is good for business. 

Industrial Radiator Repairs

If you’re tempted to try and diagnose radiator issues yourself, start by gauging the functionality of your heating system. Check each radiator in your commercial space to see if they’re giving off enough or any heat. If multiple units aren’t working, you’ll want to call in the professionals for help.

In some cases, you may notice that your radiator is cold to the touch on top but warmer at the bottom. This is caused by trapped air. When hot water fails to circulate properly through the unit, the air takes its place. This issue requires you to “bleed” the radiator, which involves releasing the trapped air via the bleed valve. A bleed key or flathead screwdriver is needed to open the bleed valve. A hissing noise will indicate air is being released and you’re doing the job right.

If you notice a radiator leaking, it’s best to call in an expert. In the meantime, check where the thermostatic valve connects to the pipes. Sometimes, a loose nut can cause a radiator to leak Use a wrench or pliers to tighten the nut and see if this stops or slows the leak. However, make sure you still have a professional check this out because a radiator that continues to leak can cause bigger problems for your business. 

Keep Your Radiators in Top Shape

If you’re hoping to get the most out of your radiators, make sure they are cleaned and maintained regularly. Before turning your heat on for the season, perform a visual inspection of your radiators, then have a professional from your local Aire Serv team check them out too. We’ll perform a thorough inspection, check for any cracks, and leaks, and ensure your system is in good operating condition for the season ahead. Because sometimes, even the smallest issues can become big problems if they are not addressed properly.

It’s also good maintenance to regularly clean your radiator’s air vents, which are usually located halfway down one side of each unit. If air holes become clogged, the efficiency of your heating system will be jeopardized. To clean them out, take a sewing needle or other fine wire to clear debris. Be sure the vent isn’t painted over or covered by furniture.

As mentioned, you may also need to occasionally bleed a radiator to release the trapped air. Just be careful not to touch any hot water pipes, as this can cause serious injuries. When in doubt, call for radiator repair services – Aire Serv professionals are happy to help with radiator maintenance and cleaning.

Committed to Your Satisfaction

Taking care of your commercial radiators can do wonders to increase the lifespan of the units and improve energy efficiency. With preventative maintenance and regular cleaning, your employees, and customers can enjoy all the cozy benefits of a comfortable environment.

Aire Serv professionals work 24/7 to respond to calls when you need us most. We’ll arrive equipped with all the necessary tools, training, and the latest techniques to get the job done right the first time. Our transparent pricing policies also ensure you’re never stuck with an unexpectedly large bill after services. To learn more about all the commercial HVAC services we offer give us a call or request your appointment online today.

Commercial Radiator Service FAQs

We’ve seen a lot during our 30-plus years in the HVAC business, so we’re happy to share our knowledge and experience to answer questions you have about HVAC service. Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about commercial radiator repair.

Timely radiator service and repair helps your system to operate smoothly and can increase its longevity. Regular maintenance can help prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. The following signs of damage or deterioration, warrant contacting a radiator repair expert like Aire Serv:

  • Leaks: Pressure issues, faulty connections, corrosion, and other issues can cause water leaks around radiators or boilers.
  • Unusual Noises: Clanging, pinging, or rumbling sounds may indicate a boiler or other system component isn't working correctly.
  • Inconsistent Pressure: Fluctuating water pressure and heating temperatures can be caused by a worn feed pump, damaged steam trap, or = other faulty component.

Increased Heating Costs: When a radiator or boiler isn't working at optimal levels, the system will often consume significantly more energy.

The most likely reason a radiator is warm on the bottom and cold on the top is that trapped air has bubbled up in the system. Since air is lighter than water, bubbles float to the top and stay there, while the water remains at the bottom. Water produces heat more efficiently than air, so the bottom of the radiator warms up, but the air at the top remains cool. The most practical solution for trapped air is to bleed radiators regularly and promptly request professional radiator repair services for damaged pipe joints or valves.

Faulty valves, loose pipe joints, and many other issues that cause leakage can be repaired by a professional. However, if corrosion is the cause, radiator leak repairs may not be practical or cost-effective. A qualified commercial radiator service professional can effectively diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.

Modern commercial radiators typically require service annually to maximize performance and efficiency. However, depending on the heating system, commercial space, and other factors, more frequent service may be necessary. Older heating units, heat pump systems, and systems used in cold climates may require service semi-annually. A good rule of thumb for maintenance is to schedule commercial radiator service annually, before the heating season, and in the fall and spring for older systems. Leading HVAC companies like Aire Serv can recommend a maintenance schedule that fits your commercial property’s needs and budget.

Banging pipes are part of the package when heating commercial spaces with a radiator. Clunking, knocking, and banging noises are caused by pressurized air bubbles as they move through the system. The solution for turning down the noise is to bleed the radiator regularly to reduce airlocks.

The best way to improve the efficiency of your radiator is with routine maintenance from a licensed commercial radiator service provider like Aire Serv. However, there are steps you can take to make your radiator more efficient.

  • Ensure Adequate Airflow: Like other HVAC systems that draw in cool air to create heat, radiators need room to breathe. Radiators rely on radiant heating to warm spaces, but they also need convection that is produced by airflow around the unit. Keep areas around radiators free of clutter to achieve adequate air circulation.
  • Invest in Thermostatic Valves: Older radiator systems simply don't have the features and efficiency to provide consistent temperatures like modern systems. The best way to create more even heating in individual spaces is to retrofit old systems with thermostatic radiator valves. The valves regulate the amount of steam entering a radiator for consistent and energy-efficient heating, and they can be installed by a reputable commercial radiator service provider.
  • Invest in a New Boiler: The boiler has one job: to turn cold water into steam. Creating steam requires significant energy, and older boilers typically require much more power than modern boilers. A new boiler can increase energy efficiency and provide enhanced features for more flexible and convenient climate control.

No. Repairing a radiator involves working with high water pressure, electricity or natural gas, intense heat, and other potentially hazardous conditions. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other significant dangers makes radiator repairs a critical task best left to a qualified professional. Always consult a licensed commercial radiator service provider to ensure your radiator is repaired correctly.

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