Keeping your radiant barn heaters in check as the colder weather starts creeping in plays a crucial role in the development and well-being of your livestock.

In this article, we’ll cover how to stay on schedule with your radiant heater maintenance, how to ensure your system is running smoothly, and when it’s time to invest in a new one.

Preparing Your Radiant Heater for the New Season

It’s best to get prepared towards the end of summer before the fall temperature change has fully set in. The following steps will ensure a smooth transition for your livestock and help extend the lifespan of your radiant heating system:

Maintenance Steps

1. Shut down the power: Before you begin any maintenance, completely disconnect the power to your radiant heater. This is crucial to prevent electrical shocks. Unplug electric heaters or turn off the breaker for gas-powered systems. Don't just rely on the thermostat.
2. Wear proper safety gear: Always wear gloves to protect your hands from dust, dirt, and sharp edges. Eye protection is also essential when cleaning, especially overhead heaters where debris might fall. If you're dealing with a gas heater, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of harmful fumes.
3. Inspect the heating element: For ceramic heaters and heat lamps, carefully examine the heating element for any signs of damage or wear. If the element is cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced.
4. Check the thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is functioning correctly. Test it by adjusting the temperature setting and observing if the heater responds accordingly. If you suspect a problem with the thermostat, it may need to be calibrated or replaced.
5. Check for blockage: "Blockage" can mean different things for different heaters.For tube heaters: Inspect the reflectors and emitters for dust, cobwebs, or any debris that might obstruct the heat flow. Gently clean these surfaces with a soft brush or cloth. For gas heaters: ensure the burners are free from dust and debris.
6. Clean or replace filters (where applicable): Some radiant heaters have filters to prevent dust and debris from entering the system. Check your owner's manual to see if your heater has a filter and how to clean or replace it. This is especially important for heaters used in dusty environments like barns.

Cleaning Your Radiant Heaters

After shutting down your radiant heating system and allowing it to cool, follow these steps to ensure effective heating in the months ahead:

• Brush out debris - Use an industrial cleaning cloth or broom to remove any debris that has accumulated over the season.
• Check burner ports - Burner ports tend to gather the most dirt. A wire brush should effectively clean these areas.
• Dust vents - Vents can become clogged with debris. An industrial cloth will help clear them out, ensuring proper airflow.

Common mistakes that happen when it comes to radiant heater cleaning include not inspecting the whole system, using the wrong products, and neglecting to check for any rust or other wear and tear.

Radiant Heater Maintenance Recommendations

After completing your seasonal cleaning, it's important to check for any potential issues with parts:

• Check for loose screws - Loose connections can impact your heating source, so it's best to tighten any screws or bolts.
• Look for signs of worn parts - If you notice any worn parts, don’t wait to replace them. Failing to do so can affect the well-being of your livestock and lead to higher costs for larger repairs down the road.
• Conduct a test run - Before fully setting your radiant heaters, perform a test run. This allows you to identify any potential issues or needed diagnostics before the start of the season.

Deciding When It’s Time To Replace Radiant Heaters

The typical lifespan of a radiant heating system is between 10-15 years. Here are some key signs that it might be time to replace yours:

• Frequent breakdowns
• Inefficient heating performance
• Higher-than-usual energy consumption
• More severe issues, such as gas leaks or damaged wiring

If you notice any of these signs, it may be more cost-effective and safer to invest in a new heating system for your barn.

Are you Ready to Improve Your Heating Systems for the New Season?

If you’re in the market for a new radiant heating system or looking for help with your existing agricultural heating system, contact Farmer Boy today to get started.

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