Today, Heat Innovations provides hydronic supply and design to commercial and residential clients across Canada.
This means that thanks to one business, dependable hot water heating is accessible to anyone who seeks a well-constructed and long-lasting means of heating.
Although the Winkler-based business has been called on for its services across the country, Heat Innovations is ever mindful of its roots as a family-owned enterprise established in the 1970s that operates now as it did then — with the customer in mind.
The professionals that other professionals visit
For Heat Innovations, personalized local service is as important a priority as having the most qualified technicians on the job. Whether it’s planning hydronic heating systems with its CIPH-certified professional design services or offering fair prices for hydronic supplies from the choicest vendors, the company ensures quality from beginning to end.
This attention to detail has resulted in a reputation that draws other professionals to Heat Innovations’ experts.
“We've got a good staff of certified hydronic designers, and essentially what we do is take the guesswork out of it for people,” says Colton Wall, the general manager of the company.
“Even ... plumbers come to us, and we'll design and build a floor heating system or hydronic system [from start to finish] to match the customer's wants and needs. We'll make sure that it's the best system for the best price.”
Why hydronic heat?
It’s clear that many customers have used Heat Innovations for their hydronic heating over the years, but one might ask: why this heating method?
For starters, Wall says it provides unmatched comfort.
Another one of its biggest draws is efficiency.
“It takes a lot less heat to get the temperature that you want, so boilers run less, and the heating system runs less, and, of course, heating from the bottom up is more efficient than top down.”
Heat Innovations’ clients notice the difference.
“We get a lot of feedback from people saying that they never go a different direction, especially when you compare it to ... the easiest way of heating, which is throwing a furnace at a building. Floor heat is a big step up from that,” says Wall.
Increasing interest, thinking ahead
As people learn about the benefits of hydronic heating, Heat Innovations has seen interest in the systems grow steadily.
Wall has advice for those considering it, even if the plan for installation is down the road.
“Even if a person doesn't put in a floor heat system right away, [it's good to] at least put the pipe in,” he says, noting that installing the heating system becomes more difficult once concrete is poured.
Wall says that putting pipe in the concrete, which is low-cost relative to the scale of a build, keeps the possibility of hydronic heating open for the future.
It’s a pre-emptive decision that Heat Innovations regularly sees pay off.
“[We’ve] found that if someone is not happy with just having a furnace or they have a cold garage with no way of heating it without putting in an electric heater that costs them hundreds per month, they call us and say, ‘I need a floor heat system,'" says Wall.
Everything from one source
From that point, Heat Innovations takes over with an efficient and stress-free process, especially when it comes to the cost. The straight-shooting business totals the installation price with complete transparency to ensure that the initial number is the final number, too — without any surprises.
After that, the steps are simple.
“We build it for them, ship it to them, they screw it to the wall and get an electrician or a gas fitter to hook it up and away we go,” says Wall.
A one-stop shop
Heat Innovations is also well-equipped to address the community’s broader need for hydronic heating with all the supplies it stocks.
In this way, the business provides hydronic services and also acts as an effective one-stop shop for related supplies.
“Because we build these complete packages, we carry a lot of components to supply everything that's needed,” says Wall. “Pumps, manifolds, boilers, all the fittings, piping — all of it.”
For anyone who doesn’t quite know which equipment to buy, Heat Innovations can help there, too.
“Come by, and we'll offer a solution,” says Wall. “Some people don't know what fittings they need, ... and we have guys that will walk you through that. So not only can you come and buy the components from us, but we will help you out. We'll talk you through it.”
All products that Heat Innovations provides are also available for purchase on its easy-to-navigate website.
‘There’s nowhere else we’d rather be’
While the products themselves are important, the staff at Heat Innovations that help with them truly make the difference.
“We couldn't do what we do without our great staff,” says Wall. “They're very knowledgeable with many, many years’ worth of experience, and they help many clients. They've got a great understanding and knowledge in this field.”
Wall says the friendly staff at Heat Innovations is always happy to discuss any questions by phone or in person.
“We love chatting about floor heat systems. For those building a new home, we love to have input on heating systems, and we can offer some good insights,” he says, adding that no strings are attached to a visit.
“We're happy to educate people, and if that means that a floor heat system isn't ideal for your circumstances, we have no problem with just giving you a hand and referring you to people who can help you with what your needs are.”
In the end, Heat Innovations' willingness to work with the community is a sign of its appreciation for it.
“We have a wonderful community that [we] count ourselves blessed to be a part of,” he says. “There’s nowhere else we’d rather be.”
Visit Heat Innovation’s storefront at 725 Monticello Way in Winkler.