Alpine Precision: Delivering High-Performance Heating in the Rockies
Key Highlights
- PSI's team combines technical expertise, premium equipment, and strong manufacturer relationships to thrive in Colorado's extreme mountain climate
- The company specializes in complex projects, including snowmelt systems, hydronic heating, and climate-responsive HVAC solutions for luxury residences
- Innovative use of Warmboard radiant subflooring and Mitsubishi mini-split heat pumps ensures efficient, reliable comfort in harsh weather conditions
VAIL VALLEY, CO — When operating in the high-altitude, extreme-weather environment of the Colorado Rockies, mechanical systems cannot simply be functional—they must be bulletproof. For more than 25 years, PSI (Plumbing Services Inc.) has been proving that the right combination of technical expertise, premium equipment, and strong manufacturer relationships is the key to thriving in harsh climates.
What began in May 2000 as a one-man shop specializing in residential plumbing remodels has expanded into a premier, multi-divisional mechanical contractor. Today, employing more than 60 skilled professionals, PSI delivers comprehensive plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning and environmental services—including septic tank pumping—across a vast service area spanning Silverthorne in Summit County, the Vail Valley and the Aspen Valley.
“Whether replacing a simple kitchen faucet or engineering an extensive snowmelt system, PSI has built its reputation on handling projects of any scale or complexity,” says Jim Harper, owner, PSI.
Breathing New Life into a Dated Residence
PSI’s long-standing relationship with Kienzle Construction led to their selection for a high-end overhaul of a dated home in the Eagle-Vail area. The ambitious renovation called for stripping the existing residence down to the bare framing before expanding it from 4,500 square feet to roughly 5,500 square feet. The project also featured a new 500-sq.-ft., two-car garage on the eastern elevation and a massive 6,000-sq.-ft., outdoor snowmelt system covering the expanded driveway.
Given the scope of the architectural changes and the local climate, the mechanical systems required precise design, seamless coordination and reliable components. Over the course of the 1.5-year build, multiple specialized teams from PSI were deployed to execute the plumbing, hydronic heating and air conditioning installations.
Hydronic Heating & Outdoor Snowmelt Integration
For the home’s primary heating source and expansive driveway snowmelt, PSI designed a robust system centered around an IBC high-efficiency boiler paired with a domestic sidearm water heater.
To distribute heat efficiently while respecting the structural integrity of the home's framing, the builder and homeowner opted for Warmboard® radiant subflooring. Warmboard’s low profile minimized spatial impact on the original framing while optimizing thermal transfer. Inside the channels, PSI installed Uponor PEX tubing, managing system operations via Tekmar controls.
To complete the mechanical room, PSI paired the primary equipment with high-reliability fluid handling and air separation components, including:
• Grundfos circulating pumps
• Webstone isolation flanges
• Caleffi air scoops, fast-fill valves, and backflow preventers
"Through years of field experience and trial-and-error in remote mountain towns, we’ve learned that the reliability of your supply chain is just as critical as the quality of the hardware," says Harper. "When your jobsite is only accessible through mountain passes during some of the harshest winters in North America, having strong relationships with local manufacturer reps is essential," continues Harper.
Dual-Stage Comfort: Low-Ambient Heat Pumps Meet Hydronic Radiant
The high-altitude climate of the Rocky Mountains presents unique heating challenges. Rapid shifts in ambient temperature—such as a warm, sunny day followed by a sudden plunge to sub-zero temperatures at dusk—can test the response time of a standard radiant floor system.
To ensure continuous, zero-compromise comfort, PSI installed an extensive Mitsubishi Electric mini-split heat pump system throughout the home. These low-ambient cold-climate units are engineered to deliver heating even when outdoor temperatures dip down to -15°F. In this dual-system architecture:
1. First-Stage/Rapid Response: The Mitsubishi mini-splits act as a dynamic secondary heat source, quickly responding to sharp drops in ambient outdoor air.
2. Base Hydronic Load: The Warmboard radiant system steadily brings the structural mass of the home up to target temperature, maintaining an even heat profile over long periods.
3. Summer Cooling: The mini-splits provide high-efficiency air conditioning during the summer months.
The Radiant Advantage
By heating objects and surfaces rather than moving air, radiant floor systems eliminate the architectural constraints of ductwork and floor registers. The result is a cleaner, more modern aesthetic that allows complete freedom for furniture placement—along with silent operation and warm floors on cold morning steps. “For luxury mountain homes, radiant floor heating remains the gold standard,” says Harper.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
• Location: Eagle-Vail, Colorado (Vail Valley)
• Contractor: PSI (Plumbing Services Inc.)
• Scope: Complete Residential Renovation, Addition & Snowmelt
• Footprint: Expanded from 4,500 sq. ft. to 5,500 sq. ft.
• Snowmelt Area: ~6,000 sq. ft. (Driveway & New 2-Car Garage)
• Timeline: Approximately 1.5 Years
• Contractor Partner: Kienzle Construction