Waywest Mechanical installs and services radiant in-floor and hydronic heating in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. A hydronic radiant system circulates warm water through PEX tubing in floors or radiant panels, heated by a boiler, air-to-water heat pump or geothermal system. Because water carries far more heat than air, radiant heat is an energy-efficient, quiet and comfortable alternative to forced-air heating.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
How hydronic radiant heating works
A hydronic radiant system circulates warm water through PEX tubing installed in a floor or in radiant panels in the walls or ceiling. The floor warms, and it warms the people and objects in the room directly. Because water has thousands of times more heat transport capacity than air, radiant is an ideal low-energy climate control solution that helps save on utility costs.
Heat sources
- High-efficiency boilers — see boilers
- Air-to-water heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps — see geothermal systems
- Combination systems that also heat domestic hot water
Radiant and hydronic services
- In-floor radiant heating — concrete slabs, gypcrete toppings and under-floor installations
- Radiant panels and baseboard radiators
- Manifolds, zone valves and thermostats for room-by-room control
- Mechanical rooms — boilers, pumps, buffer tanks and expansion tanks, like our Qualicum Beach residence
- Snow-melt and garage floor heating
- Service and repair of existing hydronic systems — leaks, noisy pumps, cold zones and air in the lines
Why homeowners choose radiant heat
- Even, quiet comfort with no blowing air
- Warm floors — especially appreciated on tile and concrete
- Lower operating costs with efficient heat sources
- Zoning so unused rooms are not over-heated
- Better indoor air without circulating dust
Commercial hydronic heating
Hydronic heating also serves offices, institutional buildings and industrial facilities — see commercial heating.
Service area
Radiant and hydronic heating in Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan and across Vancouver Island.
What happens when you call
- A person answers
You talk to the Nanaimo office, or our own crew on the 24/7 line — not a call centre.
- You hear the rate first
We explain the service rate, or the emergency rate after hours, before anyone is booked or dispatched.
- A licensed technician arrives
A Waywest technician with a stocked vehicle diagnoses the problem and explains your options.
- You approve the work
Repairs go ahead once you agree. Larger jobs get a written quote you can take time to consider.
Quick facts
- Emergency service
- 24/7 at 250-616-1446 — typically on site within an hour in Nanaimo
- Office hours
- Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM, 250-729-2394
- Service area
- Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, Victoria to Port Hardy
- Licensing
- TSBC licence LGA0004592; licensed, bonded and insured
- Quotes
- Reply within the hour during business hours
- Page updated
Common questions
Is radiant floor heating worth it on Vancouver Island?
Radiant floor heating provides quiet, even warmth without drafts or blowing dust, pairs well with efficient boilers and heat pumps, and is especially comfortable on concrete, tile and stone floors. It suits new builds and major renovations best, since the tubing is installed in or under the floor.
What is the difference between electric and hydronic floor heating?
Electric floor heating uses heating cables and is simple for small areas like a bathroom. Hydronic floor heating uses warm water in PEX tubing, costs more to install, but is usually far cheaper to run for whole floors or whole homes, and can use a boiler, heat pump or geothermal system as the heat source.
Can radiant heating also cool a home?
Some hydronic systems can circulate cool water through radiant panels for gentle cooling, paired with dehumidification to avoid condensation. Most Island homes use radiant floors for heat and a heat pump or ductless system for summer cooling.
Need this sorted out?
Call the Nanaimo office and talk to someone who can tell you what the work involves and when we can get to it.