When temperatures drop across Colorado and winter settles in for the season, your hydronic heating system becomes one of the most important components of your home’s comfort and efficiency. Whether you rely on radiant floor heating, a high-efficiency boiler, panel radiators, or a snow-melt system, a bit of preparation now can save you from unexpected breakdowns, cold rooms, and unnecessary energy costs later.

At Advanced Hydronics, we design, upgrade, and maintain some of the most sophisticated hydronic systems in the region. To help homeowners stay warm and worry-free, we’ve put together a practical winter-readiness checklist based on the same steps our technicians use during annual tune-ups.

1. Schedule an Annual Boiler Check-Up

Your boiler is the heart of your hydronic system—and just like any mechanical equipment, it needs periodic maintenance to operate reliably and efficiently.

During a professional inspection, a hydronic specialist should:

• Verify safe and proper combustion

• Check heat exchangers for scaling or corrosion

• Inspect pumps, valves, and controls

• Clean burners and check ignition components

• Verify operating pressures and water temperatures

• Assess system efficiency and recommend adjustments or upgrades

Even a boiler that “seems to be working fine” may be losing efficiency as internal components wear or become dirty. Catching small issues early prevents costly repairs and extends the lifespan of the system.

Tip: If your boiler is more than 15–20 years old, you may benefit from discussing a high-efficiency upgrade. Modern boilers paired with radiant systems dramatically reduce energy use.

2. Bleed Radiators and Manifolds for Air Removal

Air trapped in a hydronic system can cause a host of winter problems—cold spots, noisy pipes, reduced flow, and poor heat output. Bleeding (or purging) the system keeps water flowing smoothly and ensures even, consistent heat.

You may need a bleed or purge if you notice:

• Some rooms stay cooler than others

• Radiant floor zones feel uneven

• Radiators are warm at the bottom but cool at the top

• You hear bubbling or gurgling sounds in pipes

A system purge typically involves opening bleed valves at radiators, manifolds, or specific purge points in the mechanical room. For radiant floor systems, manifolds often have built-in air vents to simplify the process.

If you’re unsure how to bleed your system—or if you have a complex multi-zone layout—this is an ideal task to leave to a hydronic professional.

3. Test Snow-Melt Zones Before the First Storm

Colorado winters can bring heavy snow and icy mornings, making snow-melt systems an invaluable part of a home’s hydronics. Whether you have a heated driveway, walkway, patio, or stairs, making sure the system is ready before the first storm is key.

A winter check should include:

• Testing sensors and control systems

• Verifying flow rates and water temperatures

• Checking pumps and valves

• Inspecting glycol concentration (if applicable)

• Ensuring the boiler or heat source can handle the snow-melt load

Snow-melt systems are designed to activate before ice forms, so early testing allows you to catch any issues while the weather is still cooperative.

4. Inspect Thermostats, Sensors, and Controls

Hydronic systems rely heavily on smart, precise control. A simple thermostat or control failure can cause a zone to underperform—or run inefficiently.

Before winter sets in, make sure:

• Your thermostats respond properly

• Zone valves open and close as intended

• Outdoor reset controls read temperature accurately

• Your boiler responds correctly to demand

If you notice delayed heating or zones that never quite reach the set temperature, a controls inspection is likely needed.

5. Check System Pressure and Expansion Tanks

Low system pressure is a common source of poor heating performance. Pressure that drops repeatedly may signal a failing expansion tank or a slow leak in the system.

Look for:

• Frequent pressure drops on the boiler gauge

• Water around relief valves or tanks

• Unusual cycling on and off

Expansion tanks should be inspected and tested annually to ensure proper function.

6. Clear the Area Around Your Mechanical Room

Good airflow and easy access help your system run safer and more efficiently. Avoid storing boxes, tools, or holiday decor too close to your boiler, pumps, or manifolds.

A simple rule of thumb: give your equipment at least a few feet of clearance on all sides.

7. Consider Efficiency Improvements

Winter is also a great time to review potential upgrades:

• High-efficiency condensing boilers

• Smart thermostats or hydronic control panels

• Radiant floor zones for commonly cold rooms

• Panel radiator upgrades

• Insulation improvements to piping or mechanical rooms

Advanced Hydronics specializes in designing and retrofitting systems that improve comfort while reducing energy waste.

Stay Warm, Safe, and Efficient All Winter Long

A well-maintained hydronic system not only keeps your home comfortable—it improves efficiency, reduces energy costs, and protects your investment. If you’d prefer a professional to handle winter prep, our technicians at Advanced Hydronics are ready to help with expert inspections, repairs, and system optimization.