Press Releases

Innovair Solutions Continues its Growth in the US as the Quebec-based Company Acquires Warmzone

Innovair and Warmzone radiant heat banner.

L’Islet, August 29, 2024 – Innovair Solutions continues its expansion in the United States with the acquisition of Warmzone, a manufacturer and distributor specializing in electric radiant-heating systems based in Salt Lake City, Utah. This acquisition strengthens Innovair Solutions’ position as a leader in the industry and reinforces its role as a specialist in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

“The acquisition of Warmzone is a major addition that will support our expansion in the US,” said Louis Beaulieu, CEO. “The specialized knowledge of the Warmzone team, combined with our internal expertise, will allow us to optimize our heating cable offering and enhance the advisory services provided to our clients.”

It is expected that Warmzone employees will remain with the company under the leadership of Kevin Wilson and Blair Buxton. Operations will remain in the Salt Lake City area at its 22,000-square-foot facilities. This marks Innovair Solutions’ third US location, complementing its existing facilities in Miami and Chicago.

In May, Innovair Solutions announced a strategic alliance with Groupe Stelpro to create synergies aimed at strengthening their position in the North American market and driving future growth. The addition of Warmzone to Innovair Solutions’ portfolio in the US is part of this alliance’s growth plan.

About Innovair Solutions

Innovair Solutions is a Quebec-based family-owned business founded as Ouellet Canada in 1967. It is recognized as a preferred supplier in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry. As a North American leader in its sector, the company manufactures and distributes high-quality products that combine performance, efficiency and safety. Innovair Solutions has over 500 employees, 12 operational sites across 3 countries, 522,000 square feet of production and warehouse space, and more than 1 million devices sold annually under 12 distinct brands. The company is a winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT INNOVAIR SOLUTIONS.

HOTNEWS

Heated Driveway

What are my Options for Installing an Automated Driveway Heating System?

For years, I tossed around the idea of installing a radiant heated driveway. I’d been needing to repave my old asphalt driveway, so I figured I’d look into my heated driveway options when I upgraded my driveway – some time down the road.

I had heard a lot about radiant heated driveways, especially from one of my neighbors, who’d installed his three years earlier. I knew that radiant heat systems were supposed to be super-efficient, as well as environmentally friendly and fully automated. (My neighbor also pointed out that the systems are maintenance free and easy to customize.)

While I gained a basic understanding of driveway heating systems, I was still a little fuzzy when it came to the whole “customizable” thing. What did that mean? Why would I need to have customized system? As I became more attracted to the idea of having a heated driveway, I still didn’t really understand what all the custom options were, and which ones would be best for my driveway.

Heated driveway with heated tire track configuration.

Apparently, no two driveway heating systems are exactly alike. In addition to the custom layout, the watts per square foot can also vary, depending on the customer and the location of the install. Warmzone designs systems according to ASHRAE standards, so each system is tailored to handle the typical winter demands associated with its location.

What are the Options?

After years of procrastinating, I finally decided to repave my old asphalt driveway. I reached out to Warmzone and told them all about my project. My driveway isn’t particularly large, but it’s on an incline, so I wanted to make sure the snow melting system covered the length of the driveway. However, I also have a parking apron, and I wanted some of that area cleared as well.

Warmzone gave me several options that would meet my snow melting needs, but I also had to consider keeping within a somewhat limited budget. This is where all the custom options came to light. Warmzone ended up designing a system that accomplished all my snow melting objectives, and stayed within my budget. (I simply laid out the heating mats over the area I wanted to heat, and then secured the mats to the existing asphalt. Next, I had a new layer of asphalt installed over the existing driveway.)

Rather than heating my entire driveway, or a strip in the middle of the driveway, I opted to install heated tire tracks. Two 24-inch wide heated tracks ran the length of my driveway, and I also had heated tire tracks installed where the other car would be parked.

Heated driveway options

Having a variety of custom options was a great benefit, and allowed me to get precisely what I wanted. Some of the more popular custom layout options

Heat entire areas – For some homeowners, heating the entire driveway is the ideal solution. Heating cable or mats can be installed to keep driveways, sidewalks, steps, ramps and other outdoor areas completely free of snow and ice. The systems can be easily customized for a wide variety of applications.

Heat only the trafficked areas – Some homeowners opt to only heat the trafficked areas. For example, instead of heating an entire driveway, simply heat an 8-foot strip in the middle of the driveway, or a 2-foot wide strip in the middle of the sidewalk. This can be a money saver for customers by installing radiant heat only to areas that are accessed the most.

Heat only small, select areas – Radiant heat can be easily applied to heat small, specific areas. One of the most popular options consists of heating two 24-inch wide tire tracks. (This is the option that worked best for me.)

The top radiant heat providers will work closely with you to show you how to best meet your specific snow melting needs while keeping within your budget.

Small, custom sized radiant heated snowmelt systems can be installed in disability ramps, stairways, small patios, walkways, dog kennels, and more. The applications are limited only by your imagination. Customers also have the option of installing an electric or hydronic radiant heat system. 

There are virtually unlimited layout options, and a good company, like Warmzone, can design the ideal system for your needs. This is especially important for those who need to keep within a budget.

Automated snow melting systems are energy efficient, maintenance free, and operate silently. To learn more about these clean, renewable energy systems, call a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Warmzone is one of the largest providers of floor heating, snow melting, and roof de-icing systems, as well as luxury home heating amenities. For more information about Warmzone radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

HOTNEWS

Self-regulating Heat Trace Cable

I still remember the day when my wife and I moved into our first home. After years of bouncing from one apartment to the next, we finally had the savings – and income – to take on a mortgage. While it was an exciting time, it was also a time filled with stress and trepidation. For so long, we’d been focused on taking the giant leap from renting to owning, but we quickly had to learn that the expenses don’t stop with the monthly mortgage payment. Owning a home involved a host of other responsibilities and expenses.

For as much as I bemoaned apartment life, it did have its strong points. If there was ever a problem with the plumbing, or the air conditioner needed to be fixed, I could just call the landlord. But now, I was the landlord now. The buck stopped here – with me!

After taking care of a few minor issues, I learned how important it is to keep one step ahead of any major repair issue. Maintenance was key. I learned that instead of waiting until the old, leaky water heater to conk out, replace it now. Instead of putting up with slow drains or dripping faucets, take care of the problems now. If the attic is showing signs of a small leak in the roof, address the issue now. The point is, I needed to think ahead in order to head off any potential disaster.

It didn’t take long for the “homeowner honeymoon” to pass. During our first winter, I noticed ice dams forming in a couple of trouble spots on our roof. If ever there was a chance to head off a disaster, this was it. I did NOT want to deal with water damage or mold because of a roof leak.

I knew I had to do something, but I was on a budget – a tight budget. So, I did a little research online, and talked with a roof de-icing expert at Warmzone. I was pleasantly surprised with how affordable a small heat trace system was. After getting all my questions answered, I decided to purchase the roof de-icing system with the self-regulating heat trace cable.

Self-regulating heat cable in roof de-icing application.
Self-regulating heat cable installed along a roof eave.

There were several roof de-icing options, ranging from low-voltage heating panels that could be discreetly installed under the shingles to keep entire roof eaves free of snow, to aluminum “snow free” panels that were designed to prevent ice dams and keep roof edges clear. I also checked out a variety of configurations of heat trace cable that are used to provide channels for the runoff, which would also prevent ice dams from forming.

The self-regulating heat cable was the easiest and most affordable option available, yet it would still accomplish exactly what I needed. While the heat cable wouldn’t keep the roof eave entirely free of snow, it would still create channels for the runoff that would prevent ice dams from forming in the two trouble spots on my roof.

Warmzone’s self-reg heating cable is tops among industry performers. The UL recognized cable comes with a 100 percent tinned copper braid, fluoropolymer outer jacket and a continuous metal ground band. The rugged self-regulating cable also features an irradiated conductive core that increases the heat output as the outside temperature falls and decreases the heat output as the temperature rises. This unique, and highly durable construction makes it tough, safe, and very energy efficient.

Self-regulating heat trace cable installed along roof edges.
Heat trace cable installed along the edges of the roof.

The system was installed quickly, and has eliminated the “problem spots” in my roof. Every winter, the runoff from the roof flows freely to the gutters and downspouts. (Self-regulating heat cable can also be installed in roof gutters and downspouts, but I didn’t need to go that route.) But since installing the system, it’s been nice not worrying about ice dams or other winter issues.

If you’re looking for a system that simply addresses a few trouble spots on your roof, call Warmzone and talk with them about the self-reg options. They can custom design a system that is specific to your roof and layout needs – and budget. Plus, it’s affordable!

Automated roof de-icing and snow melting systems are energy efficient, maintenance free, and operate silently. To learn more about these clean, renewable energy systems, call a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Warmzone is one of the largest providers of floor heating, snow melting, and roof de-icing systems, as well as luxury home heating amenities. For more information about Warmzone radiant heat systems or luxury amenities, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

Premier Radiant Heat Solutions