Radiant floor heating is one of Santa Fe’s most sought-after features — warm, quiet, and well suited to high-desert living. However, one specific radiant product, Entran II, requires special consideration for both buyers and sellers.
If you’re purchasing or selling a home with radiant heat in Santa Fe, understanding Entran II — what it is, why it matters, and how it’s actually handled locally — is essential.
🔥 What Is Entran II?
Entran II is a rubber hose–based tubing used in radiant floor heating and snow-melt systems, primarily installed between 1989 and 1994. It was manufactured by Goodyear and widely adopted during that period.
Over time, it became clear that the material does not hold up under prolonged exposure to heat, leading to deterioration and eventual system failure.
⚠️ Why Entran II Is a Concern
Entran II is now widely recognized as a defective product.
Common issues include:
- The tubing hardens and becomes brittle
- Cracking and leaks can occur unpredictably
- Sudden loss of heat is possible
- Water damage to floors and finishes can result
- Failures are often widespread rather than localized
Because the tubing is embedded in floors or concealed, failures can be disruptive and costly.
🏠 Why This Matters in Santa Fe
Radiant heating is common in Santa Fe homes built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly in custom and higher-end properties.
However, full replacement of Entran II radiant tubing is generally not practiced locally, due to:
- Extensive demolition required
- High cost relative to home value
- Disruption to finished floors and adobe construction
Instead, the most common and practical approach in Santa Fe is to abandon the Entran II system entirely and transition to a different heating method.
🔍 How Entran II Is Typically Identified
Because Entran II tubing is not visible, identification may involve:
- Reviewing original construction or mechanical records
- Evaluating the age of the radiant system
- Consulting a licensed HVAC or plumbing professional
- Noting prior leaks, heat loss, or system shutdowns
A standard home inspection may flag concerns with an older radiant system but may not definitively identify Entran II without further evaluation.
🔄 How Entran II Is Commonly Addressed in Santa Fe
Rather than attempting to replace the radiant tubing, homeowners typically:
✔️ Abandon the Entran II system
The existing radiant loops are taken out of service to eliminate leak risk.
✔️ Transition to an alternative heating system, such as:
- Hydronic or electric baseboard heating
- Ductless mini-split heat pump systems
- Occasionally, forced-air systems in larger remodels
These alternatives provide reliable heat without invasive floor demolition and are often more cost-effective and predictable long-term solutions.
💸 Is Entran II a Deal-Breaker?
Not necessarily — but it is a material consideration.
In Santa Fe transactions, Entran II is typically addressed through:
- Pricing adjustments
- Seller credits
- Clear disclosure and buyer planning for system abandonment
- Pre-listing conversion to an alternate heating system
Homes that have already transitioned away from Entran II often regain full buyer confidence.
🧭 What Buyers Should Know
- Entran II is a known defective radiant product
- Failures can be sudden and difficult to repair
- Full replacement is uncommon locally
- Abandonment and conversion are the standard approach
- This should be treated as a negotiation and planning issue, not an automatic reason to walk away
Many buyers successfully purchase homes with Entran II after understanding their heating options.
🏷️ What Sellers Should Know
- Known heating system issues should be disclosed
- Proactive evaluation prevents surprises during inspection
- Providing clarity about current system status or alternatives builds trust
- Homes that already use baseboard or mini-split systems often show better in today’s market
Transparency — not perfection — is what keeps deals together.
✨ Final Thoughts
Radiant heat is beloved in Santa Fe, but Entran II is a reminder that not all systems age equally. Fortunately, Santa Fe homeowners have practical, well-established alternatives that allow homes to remain comfortable, efficient, and marketable.
With informed guidance and realistic expectations, Entran II does not have to derail a transaction — it simply becomes part of a smart, well-managed plan.
✨ About Adrienne DeGuere, Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe
I’m a licensed Realtor® specializing in Santa Fe’s luxury and relocation markets, with 130 successful transactions and extensive experience navigating inspection issues unique to our region — including radiant heating systems, flat roofs, stucco, and high-desert maintenance realities.
If you’re buying or selling a home with radiant heat and want to understand how Entran II is actually handled in Santa Fe, contact me. I’m happy to help you evaluate options and move forward with confidence.
