Floor Joist Radiant Heating

Design Criteria Project Preparation Installation - Panels Installation - Wiring Pricing Calculator

PREPARATION

Before installing your RetroHeat system, all plumbing and electrical wiring that will not be accessible after installation of the heating system must be completed. The number and type of heating panels needed must be determined beforehand according to the elements in the Design Criteria section.

To calculate the proper number of needed panels, measure the length of the floor joist bays underneath the heatable areas. Heating panels should not be installed under permanent fixtures such as bathtubs, showers, sinks, and cabinets. Extra panels should be on hand to account for any errors in cutting, job-site damage, etc.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Heating Panels - The RetroHeat heating panels are manufactured in large rolls. Each roll consists of separate 12"-long panels that are connected together. The panels are shipped as one roll to the customers. Customers then cut the roll into the appropriate length strips of panels to fit the different bays under the heatable area. Each panel is either 13", 17", or 25" wide and designed to fit 12", 16", and 24" wide floor joists respectively. The additional panel has 1/2" flaps on each side, which are stapled to the sides of the floor joists. Click on the image to the right to enlarge.

Electrical Connector - Solderless Tyco/AMP Termi-foil electrical crimp connector.

Electrical Insulators - Clear plastic snap-type insulator.

Thermostat - The RetroHeat system is controlled by a thermostat with a built-in GFCI and in-floor sensor. This programmable thermostat has a built-in clock function that allows you to set 4 events per day, including weekday and weekend settings. The temperature can also be temporarily changed for a single event, then it will return to the program schedule on the next scheduled event.

Click here for more detailed information on this thermostat.

Technical Specs:

• C-UL LISTED
• GFCI Class A, 5mA trip level
• GFCI disconnects lin & neutral (L2)
• 2-year warranty
• In-floor sensor

• Dual voltage 120V or 240V
• Output relay 16A
• Screw terminals
• Easy switching between °F and °C
• Inclined display for better read-out

Crimping Tool - Used to attach electrical connectors to the heating panels and wires to the connectors.

Manuals - The installation and operating manuals list detailed information about the heating system. These manuals should remain with the home or building owner when the job is done.

OTHER TOOLS & MATERIALS
The following tools and materials are required but not supplied by Warmzone.

Thermal Insulation - The insulation must be of the non-flammable type specified. The only types of insulation permitted with the RetroHeat system are un-faced, fiberglass, batt insulation and rigid insulation panels.

Dielectric Tape - UL listed or CSA certified "electrical" tape rated for at least 90°C / 194°F.

Ohmmeter or Multimeter - An accurate ohmmeter or multimeter must be used during the testing phase to ensure that the system is correctly installed. It is suggested that a digital meter is used rather than an analog (needle) type.

Staple Gun - Used to attach RetroHeat panels to ceiling joists. Recommended staple length: 5/16" or 3/8" / 8 or 9.5 mm.

Assorted Hand Tools - Conventional electrical wiring hand tools, knife and/or scissors for cutting heating panel sets from the supplied roll.