Hydro air heating systems are getting popular nowadays since they are beneficial, especially during winter. It doesn't dry the air, unlike furnaces. However, it is inevitable for it to have problems. We will discuss in this post our thoroughly researched answer about the issues you might encounter while using this heating system.
Hydro air heating systems could produce common problems like:
- Leaking might occur
- Produces unwanted air in the system
- Accumulation of sludge or debris
- Inappropriate pressure
- Insufficient water level
- Faulty thermostat
As mentioned, these problems are inevitable. All you have to do is to be aware of these, and once you notice such things happening to your hydro air system, it would be best to ask for the help of an HVAC professional immediately. Please keep reading to learn more about this type of heating system.
What Are The Problems Of A Hydro Air Heating System
We have mentioned that you should immediately consult an HVAC professional for hydro air system issues because they are not something you can DIY fix. Below are the most common problems you could encounter while using a hydro air heating system.
Leaking Might Occur
There are two reasons a leak would be present while you use a hydro air heating system. It might be because of a defective pipe or corrosion.
Checking the leaks all by yourself in a hydro air heating system is not easy. So, to prevent this issue from happening, it would be best to have it regularly checked by an HVAC professional. The primary purpose of an inspection is to find the problems before it gives the hydro air heating system significant damage.
Produces Unwanted Air In The System
You may not notice it, but there will be an instance where several parts of the radiator of the hydro air heating system can turn cold.
This situation can only mean one thing; there is a presence of hydrogen in the system. Due to electrolytic decline, hydrogen gas accumulates. And if you won't immediately fix such a thing, expect the radiators to become cold at their center and bottom parts. It is mainly because of the accumulation of sludge that hinders flow and decreases the transfer of heat.
Accumulation Of Sludge Or Debris
A regular hydro air heating system inspection is essential to prevent sludge or debris from accumulating.
So, if you don't have HVAC professionals check it regularly, expect that sludge accumulation will be present, damaging the system and making it work less efficiently. Additionally, having the wrong water pH level can also contribute to this problem.
If this problem happens, your hydro air heating system will more likely need additional time to heat and increase the amount of electricity used. If you experience this, it would be best to provide your hydro air heating system a power flushing.
Inappropriate Pressure
Your hydro air heating system can quickly encounter the wrong tank pressure if you don't conduct a regular check-up. On the other hand, inappropriate pressure can harm the boiler and produce leaks on it.
Insufficient Water Level
Maintaining the water level of your hydro air heating system is just as important as cleaning it regularly. So, if you want it to work correctly and efficiently, you should always check the water level and ensure it is adequate.
As long as you keep the water level halfway, the pressure release valve will automatically supply the system.
In addition, in hydro air heating systems, the water itself significantly impacts the efficiency with which the system operates. Since water is essential to the system, the heater won't function properly if it either can't flow freely or travels too slowly through the pipes.
Faulty Thermostat
Another problem you might encounter is a faulty thermostat. To check if it still operates correctly, you should switch on the heat and try to increase and decrease the temperature if it works right.
If it didn't respond correctly to the setting, you indeed have a faulty thermostat. Fix it by disassembling the thermostat and checking if the wiring is fine and clean. If not, you'll need to ask for the help of a professional, especially if you don't know how to fix one.
When Is The Best Time To Replace A Hydro Air Heating System
A hydro air heating system can provide an efficient operation for up to 20 years. But that is if the materials and system used are of high quality, the installation has been done correctly, and a professional frequently helps to maintain your hydro air heating system.
Your hydro air heating system may reach over 20 years or less, depending on the abovementioned things. Regardless of the years of use, it would be best to replace it immediately as soon as you notice the following signs of wear and tear:
- Periodic repairs and component replacements
- Damaged or faulty components that push the system to operate loudly
- Outdated system or technology
- Increased electricity consumption
- Fluctuating temperatures
- Pipe corrosion
How Does A Hydro Air Heating System Work?
A hydro air heating system is a combination of hot air and hot water. The system comprises an air handler, small diameter piping, and a boiler. The method involves a duct system that distributes air heated by water-filled coils throughout the house.
Advantages Of A Hydro Air Heating System
When using this kind of heating system, you can obtain the following benefits:
- High-efficiency
- Provides precise temperature
- Adaptable or universal
- It doesn't make the air indoors dry
- This heating system can reduce issues with humidity
- The cost is not too expensive
- Straightforward setting up or installation of zoning
- Compared to traditional hot air systems, it provides a higher level of comfort
- The expansion of this heating system can be easy
- The ductwork in a hydro air heating system does double duty by delivering conditioned air to various rooms
Disadvantages Of Hydro Air Heating System
Like other things, it is also inevitable for a hydro air heating system to have drawbacks. And you should be aware of these first before you start installing one:
- If the boiler breaks and needs fixing, the entire house will be cold until you resolve the problem.
- Hydro-air prevents a high-efficiency boiler from functioning at its most effective.
- Boiler treatment with glycol is advisable if the air handlers sit in an unconditioned location, which can be detrimental to the overall heating system.
- For a hydro air heating system to work, you'll need a forced hot air.
- If you don't have forced hot air installed yet, you'll have to pay to have it professionally installed before you can use this heating system.
What Is A Power Flush In A Heating System?
Most homeowners commonly ask HVAC professionals about power flush. It is a cleaning method that you should provide your hydro air heating system every five years to eliminate all the accumulation of sludge and debris.
It would be best not to ignore this cleaning method to prevent the sludge from accumulating on the radiator panel.
Keep in mind that this accumulation of dirt can decrease the efficiency of your heating system, increase electricity consumption, and produce corrosion and clogging. And if the sludge build-up gets worse, it can also reach the boiler and floor heating, which will cause significant damage to your entire hydro air heating system.
When Does Your Hydro Air Heating System Need A Power Flush?
There are signs that you can observe with your hydro air heating system to know if it needs power flushing., and they are the following:
- If your heating system is having difficulty or having additional time in heating your house
- Provide power flush if your hydro air heating system is already five years or older
- If your electricity bills increased because of your heating system
- If your hydro air heating system can no longer heat your house, even if you switch it on for a more extended period
- Once you notice the central radiator panel turns cold, and the upper part getting hot, immediately perform a power flush
- The boiler and radiator operate loudly
- If there is a constant leak in the radiator
- Consistent system breakdowns and you need to restart the boiler frequently
How Does A Power Flush Works On A Hydro Air Heating System?
HVAC professionals are the ones that should perform a power flush to your heating system to prevent damaging it. They will perform it by detaching the return and flow pipes from the boiler. After that, they will connect those pipes to the power flush machine.
In order to ensure that each panel or circuit receives the full force of the power flush machine, they will shut them down one by one and flush them separately.
Suppose you are curious about the power flush machine. In that case, it is a heating system cleaning equipment that comprises a magnetic filter combined with a powerful pump that can eliminate all the gunk or sludge from the heating system.
Once the HVAC professional has finished power Flushing your hydro air heating system, expect that it will operate again like the way it was when it was freshly installed.
It's A Wrap!
You can prevent all the problems your hydro air heating system may encounter by providing a regular check-up or servicing from an HVAC expert. Hiring them to inspect your heating system as needed is much cheaper than waiting for it to obtain issues and replace them later.
We hope this post answers all your concerns. If you still have additional questions, please feel free to reach out in the comments. And if you wish to continue reading, you can check these posts out!