Two decades of focused experience with radiant heating, also known as hydronic heating, brought to every radiant floor, baseboard loop, and boiler-fed radiator we touch.
Hydronic and radiant heating is at the core of what we do, not an add-on service. That means when you're deciding between a boiler repair and a full replacement, or figuring out whether an air-to-water heat pump fits your home, you're getting answers from a team that's done it hundreds of times.
Older Bay Area homes were built with radiant and hydronic systems that last decades, but valves corrode, boilers lose efficiency, and floors develop cold spots. Here's what we hear most.
Air pockets, failing manifolds, or zone valve issues can leave parts of your floor cold while others run hot.
Often a sign of trapped air, low system pressure, or worn check valves in the boiler loop.
An aging boiler losing efficiency is one of the most common culprits behind a steady creep in heating costs.
Our specialists handle your project from first call to final walkthrough. Steady, careful, and explained as we go.
We take the time to listen to your concerns and explain your system in easy to understand terms so you can make informed decisions for your homes needs
You get a clear plan with options, trade-offs, and honest pricing. No pressure, no jargon.
Our specialists will make everything work right and feel right, for a long-lasting glow.
A walkthrough confirming everything runs the way it should, with notes for future maintenance.
Twenty years on radiant heating systems means we've seen every brand, every era of installation, and every quirk older Berkeley and Oakland homes can throw at us. You get that depth from a specialist, start to finish.
Mniska found a leak that I did not know was there. He fixed it and showed me the pipe that had deteriorated. He goes above and beyond.
When PG&E identified a gas leak at our property and shut off gas to our home, Mniska helped us to quickly identify a solution and then repair it quickly, professionally, and at a reasonable rate. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you!
I was so impressed with Mniska/Afterglow's communication and professionalism. He explained everything in detail, made sure I understood the plan and went above and beyond with the work he did. It is hard to find someone you trust to do work in your home, especially someone with expertise in radiant heating systems. I am so fortunate to have found him and look forward to continuing to work with him.
Mniska was amazing, he helped set up our water filter and was great to work with. He was extra clean and tidy, was thoughtful and provided excellent ideas and information including a video to make sure I knew what to do in the future. He was quick to respond to my inquiries and did a quick job. I will be using him moving forward for all my plumbing needs. I highly recommend him.
Wow, you really feel taken care of with Afterglow Heating. They're passionate about their job and genuinely care for you as a customer. I appreciate when a technician takes time to explain things. Mniska showed me why it was better to do a long-term solution rather than a patch-up fix, as another company had suggested. They saved us money and extra headaches. I can't recommend them enough.
Mniska helped a lot with my radiant heating system. He took a lot of time to explain everything to me and gave me several option for fixing and upgrading our system, without making me feel pressured. Recommended as a radiant heating expert.
Radiant heating, also called hydronic heating, circulates hot water through pipes to radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor tubing. Many older Berkeley and Oakland homes were built with these systems. The existing distribution can usually be preserved while upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler or air-to-water heat pump for better performance and lower energy costs.
Radiant heating uses water to distribute warmth, while forced air blows heated air through ducts. Water carries heat more effectively than air, so radiant (hydronic) systems deliver more even, consistent comfort without drafts, dust circulation, or blower noise.
We recommend annual maintenance on the boiler or heat source. That includes checking pressure, testing safety controls, inspecting the expansion tank, and flushing if needed. Radiant floor tubing can last 50+ years with minimal attention.
Yes. Air-to-water heat pumps are designed to integrate with existing hydronic distribution including radiant floors, baseboards, and radiators. The Bay Area's mild climate makes them particularly efficient, and many installations qualify for California rebates and federal tax credits.
Costs depend on scope, system type, and the condition of existing infrastructure. A boiler replacement can range from several thousand dollars depending on the unit and complexity. A full radiant floor installation is a larger investment but adds significant home value. Call us for an estimate.
From Craftsman bungalows in North Berkeley to Tudor Revivals in Rockridge and the grand Colonials of Piedmont, we know these homes and the systems inside them.”
Whether you need a repair, an upgrade, or a radiant heating system designed from scratch, we bring 20 years of focused experience to every project. One conversation with us is all it takes. Let's find the right solution for your home.
