02 Oct

Radiant tube heaters are the standard way to heat high-bay warehouses, workshops and production halls across Lancashire. They heat people, floors and stock directly rather than the air in the roof space. Because they hang well above the floor and usually run without trouble, they are easy to forget until the first cold morning when a row of them won't light.This guide covers what a radiant tube service should include, why servicing matters for your warranty and your legal duties, what drives the cost, and when to book.

What a radiant tube heater service covers

Each heater is a gas burner, a run of steel tube, a fan, a reflector and a set of controls, all working at height. A proper service checks every part:

Burner and ignition: cleaning the burner, checking the ignition electrode and flame detection, and confirming reliable start-up.
Gas pressure and combustion: setting the burner pressure to the manufacturer's figure and checking the combustion.
Fan and air proving: checking the fan (which pushes or pulls combustion products through the tube) and the air pressure switch that stops the burner if airflow fails.
Tubes, bends and couplings: looking for corrosion, sagging, loose joints and signs of overheating.
Reflectors: dust and debris on the reflectors reduce the heat reaching the floor, so they are checked and cleaned where needed.
Flues and terminals: where heaters are flued to outside, checking the flue route and the terminal. Where they are not, checking that the building's ventilation is adequate.
Clearances: making sure stock, racking and vehicles have not been moved too close to hot tubes. This is one of the most common problems we find.
Controls: thermostats, zone sensors, timers and any links to building management systems.

You should receive a written record for each heater, listing the readings and any defects.

Warranty: why the service records matter

Most heater manufacturers expect their equipment to be serviced regularly by a competent engineer, usually once a year, in line with the installation and servicing instructions. Warranty terms vary, so check the documents that came with your heaters. If a heater fails during the warranty period, the first thing a manufacturer is likely to ask for is evidence of servicing. Keep a dated record for every heater, matched to its location.

Compliance: your duties as the building operator

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require employers to keep gas appliances, pipework and flues at a place of work in a safe condition. Overhead radiant heaters are installed to BS 6896 and the manufacturer's instructions. Those cover mounting heights, clearances to combustible materials, and flueing or ventilation. A service is the point at which these are checked, and any changes in how the building is used are picked up. A new mezzanine, taller racking or a change in what is stored can all affect whether the original installation is still safe.

What affects the cost

We don't publish set prices because radiant tube jobs vary widely. The main factors are:

The number of heaters and burners. Long systems may have more than one burner.
Mounting height and access. If the heaters are above racking or production lines, you may need a scissor lift or other powered access, and that has to be arranged and paid for.
Working hours. If heaters can only be reached when aisles are clear or production has stopped, the work may need to be done out of hours.
Condition. Heaters that haven't been serviced for several years usually need more cleaning and more parts.
Remedial work. Worn igniters, fans, sensors or damaged tube sections are quoted separately.
Combined visits. Servicing radiant tubes alongside warm air heaters, boilers or other plant on the same site, or as part of a PPM contract, cuts repeat travel and access costs.

When to book

Late summer and early autumn are the best times to book, before the heating is needed. Problems found then can be fixed while the building can still manage without heat. If it is already cold, it is still worth booking straight away rather than waiting for a breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

How often should radiant tube heaters be serviced?

Usually once a year, and more often if the manufacturer's instructions or the conditions in the building call for it, for example where there is heavy dust.

Can you service heaters above live racking?

Yes, with the right access equipment and a safe system of work agreed with you. That may mean closing aisles or working out of hours.

Do you work on all makes of radiant tube heater?

We service radiant tube heaters from a wide range of manufacturers. Tell us the make and model when you get in touch.

Do you also service warm air heaters?

Yes. We service and repair both radiant tube and warm air heating.

Book a radiant tube heater service

Tell us how many heaters you have, roughly how high they are mounted and where the site is, and we will get back to you with a quote.SMR Gas Maintenance Ltd

Unit 10 Higher Walton Mill, Cann Bridge Street, Higher Walton, Preston PR5 4DJ

📞 07882 898492 (24/7 commercial emergency call-out)

📧 andy@smrgasservices.co.uk

🌐 www.smrgas.co.uk

Gas Safe Register No. 562186. Industrial and commercial work only.

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Radiant Tube Heater Servicing in Lancashire: Warranty, Compliance and Cost Guide