I’m a bit of a nerd. Or maybe I’m a geek. Regardless, I like techy stuff, and I enjoy learning how things work. While my wife is watching reruns of Gilligan’s Island, I’m in the other room, watching “How it’s Made” on the Science Channel. On the weekends, I get a little wild and watch documentaries on the Smithsonian and History channels. I like to mix it up.

The point is, I like to understand what makes things tick. That way, I tend to appreciate them a little more. I’m not the least bit interested in keeping up with the Kardashians, or watching adults behave like ill-mannered adolescents on staged “reality” shows. I’d much rather know important things like, how Silly Putty is made, or how they put those little model ships into glass bottles. You know, life-skills type of stuff.

Being of curious mind, I’ve also found myself intrigued with radiant heat technology. Radiant heat is becoming more and more popular nowadays, for both interior (heated floors) and exterior (snow melting) applications. Apparently, the Europeans got a jump on us when it came to installing radiant heat in their homes. (Yes, I’m setting my grandiose American ego aside and conceding that the Europeans were way ahead of us in the home heating race.) I’m not sure why North America was slower to adopt radiant heat, but we’re certainly making up for lost time now. Radiant heated floors and heated driveways are rapidly becoming commonplace in today’s new homes. In fact, seeing so many heated driveways, and experiencing homes with heated floors are what piqued my interest in radiant heat.

But how do these systems work? Why are Americans making the shift to radiant heat? And is it true that radiant heat is the most efficient heating technology available today? These are just a few questions that launched me on my quest.  

Early in my investigation, I was surprised to discover how many different types of heating elements are available, and how they work with different floor types. Thin heat resistance cable was the only heating element that I knew about, but apparently, there are many, very different, heating elements, each with their own specific features and benefits.  

Floor heating systems that use thin heating cable are probably the most popular. Most heat cable is available off the spool or pre-spaced in mats. I gotta say, these heating mats are slick. Ya just roll ‘em out over the area to be heated, and the adhesive on the back of the mat sticks to the subfloor. Needless to say, this makes installation quick and easy. System that use heat cable, s like ComfortTile, are ideal for heating stone, marble, and tile floors. And because the heat cable is thin, there is very little floor buildup. ComfortTile seems to be the cable of choice for many homeowners and installers. (It doesn’t hurt that the cable also has a 25-year warranty.)

There are also thin heating panels that can be installed under just about any surface, including hardwood, vinyl tile, linoleum, and more. One remarkable – and very popular – system is FilmHeat. FilmHeat utilizes ultra thin panels that are barely thicker than a sheet of paper. (The element is just 0.016-inch thick.) The heating element is used with an underlayment, and doesn’t even require the use of thinset or mortar. This makes for a clean and easy installation! A special version of this system, called RetroHeat, can also be used to install between floor joists. This allows homeowners to heat their existing floors! I love the idea of heating my floors without having to do any major renovations.

Special heat cable is also available for installation in concrete slabs. Because of its intended applications, the In-Slab heat cable is thicker, and more robust than other floor heating cables. It’s ideal for heating rooms in the basement.

Another unique floor heating system is the low-voltage FloorHeat STEP system. The system features thin, flexible polymer heating panels that have proven to be especially well-suited for heating hardwood floors.  

All these systems are incredibly efficient. In fact, 99 percent of the energy used by these systems translates directly into heat. There’s virtually no heat loss. In today’s environmentally conscious mindset, radiant heat is a winner. It’s clean. It runs on renewable energy, and it provides far more comfort than traditional furnace-blower heating systems. I also like the flexibility that radiant heat offers. I can heat specific rooms and areas as I see fit. Because each zone (or room) is controlled by its own thermostat, I have precise control over my home heat. The systems can also be programmed to accommodate my family’s schedule. (Hydronic floor heating systems are also available. A closed loop of PEX tubing is installed under the floor, and then specially treated water is heated and pumped through the tubing to warm the floor.)

When it comes to exterior applications such as heating driveways, steps, and walkways, etc., the most common heating element is durable heat cable. The ClearZone system is a favorite among professional builders, and can be customized to accommodate just about any layout and application. The systems utilize an advanced snow sensor activation device that detects precipitation and temperature so that the system is activated just as the first snowflake falls. The sensor signals a small controller that is typically installed on a wall in the garage, and then power is sent to the embedded heat cable. The driveway quickly warms so that snow is prevented from accumulating. After the snowstorm, the system remains on for a short time to dry the surface. This is a great safety feature that eliminates ice from forming on the driveway.

It’s no wonder that radiant heat has become the new standard for home heating and snow melting applications. If you’d like to learn more, call and talk with a radiant heat expert today, at 888-488-9276. The more you learn about radiant heat, the more you’ll like it. Or, you could just catch an old episode of Gilligan’s Island. Fortunately for the crew of the S.S. Minnow, they didn’t need to heat their bungalows. But if they did, I bet the Professor would have found a way to incorporate radiant heat.

If you are staying put in your home for the foreseeable future, and looking to fix up your digs, radiant heat might be the home improvement project for you. Sheltering in place has really fueled the demand for radiant heated flooring, heated driveways and more. As homeowners continue to reimagine their living spaces inside and out, they are gravitating towards spa-like features and conveniences designed to make their lives easier.

Did you know that radiant heat is also attracting the attention of homebuyers as well? According to Real Simple magazine, among the top features they are clamoring for this year are radiant heated floors, making them a great equity booster. So, if you haven’t already considered adding a radiant heat project to your to-do list, Warmzone can certainly help you stay on top of this trend. Warmzone is a leading manufacturer, designer, and supplier of radiant heat solutions of all kinds. They have the products and the expertise help you find a state-of-the-art automated snow melting system, self-regulating roof and gutter heat trace solution or radiant heated flooring system to fit your lifestyle. Whatever you’re are looking for, Warmzone has the experience, pricing, and support services to help you, every step of the way.

Not only are radiant heat solutions a great investment, they are also an affordable alternative to more costly home improvement projects that are guaranteed not to send you into sticker shock. Consider recent shortages in lumber, glass, copper, and other construction materials, which have aggravated demand and caused building materials and home improvement projects to skyrocket over the recent months. As a result, you may find yourself putting off your home improvement goals. Take heart! Warmzone offers a comfortable alternative to shoppers on a budget. Instead of trending upward, Warmzone pricing on radiant heat supplies have remained consistent and competitive. That’s because Warmzone has a large warehouse filled with inventory, and plenty of products in stock. More inventory allows Warmzone to pass on the savings to you without feeling the constraints of the current market. In fact, you might say working with Warmzone can make or break your project by offering you a fast, affordable way increase the value of your home.

The quality of our products is informed by years of deep industry knowledge, making Warmzone the most trusted supplier of residential radiant heat solutions in the business, and the supplier of choice for builders and contractors. If you’re a handy type, get ready to roll up your sleeves—Warmzone offers do-it-yourselfers some great product options to dive into. Radiant heat system options range from thin, twin-conductor heat resistant cable and mats (with a 25-year warranty) to low-voltage polymer heating panels, paper-thin “film” heating elements, to premier hydronic (water-based) heating systems. Warmzone floor heating products are easily configurable and designed to operate comfortably under laminate, tile, vinyl, and wood flooring. And our exterior radiant heating systems can be used to heat concrete, asphalt, and pavers, as well as provide discreet de-icing for your roof. The big take away here is radiant heat system flexibility! Warmzone offers a huge variety of top-performing products that allow you to stretch and flex your imagination to create one of-a-kind, unique solutions for any space. Whatever you need, Warmzone definitely has your back when it’s time to tackle that radiant heated flooring system, automated snow melting system or roof de-icing system.

If you don’t know how to identify the right contractor for the job, Warmzone can help. Warmzone provides free installation training and maintains relationships with favorably reviewed contractors from all over the country, so we may be able to recommend an experienced installer in your area. And, while it’s important that your electrician wire the system, you can do much of the installation labor yourself, if you are interested. Warmzone system designers and support staff are more than happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have during the installation.

Warmzone recognizes that our success is only as good as your installation, and it starts with the design of your radiant heat system. From your first contact with Warmzone, a radiant heat professional will listen to you and learn about your project before providing you with options, and eventually a detailed radiant heat system design and layout. You (and your electrician) will receive everything you need to execute the design, including heating cable, sensor, and panel placement, as well as all the electrical information to successfully install the radiant heat system (breaker sizes, number of breakers, load calculations and system performance expectations). As questions or challenges come up during the radiant heat installation, the Warmzone team is there for you. Electrical experts and system designers are a phone call away and can walk you through the process or address any concerns you may have about your project. To fill in the gaps, Warmzone’s online library offers instructional videos, product documentation and newsletters, available at any time. Summer is a great time to avoid the fall rush for materials and install the radiant heat system of your dreams! Whatever your aspirations this summer, Warmzone offers the products, technical support, and professional design and layout expertise to get you there. Call Warmzone today for more information, at 888-488-9276.

Radiant heat is an amenity that can increase comfort and convenience in any home. With its ever growing popularity, many people are looking to see if radiant heat is a good fit for their home or business. Like any home improvement, there are pros and cons to consider when considering radiant heat.

To understand the pros and cons of radiant heat, it’s important to understand what radiant heat is, and how it works. Radiant heat comes in two forms: hydronic and electric. Hydronic radiant heat sends specially treated hot water through durable Pex tubing underneath the floor. Electric radiant heating systems use a network of conductive material placed underneath the floor to heat the room.

Electric radiant heat is becoming an increasingly popular choice. These systems are much easier to install and are ideal for heating specific areas or rooms. Electric floor heating systems generally use a heating cable (off the spool or pre-spaced cable in mats) or thin heating panels. The heating element is connected to a thermostat, and each room or zone can be controlled separately, giving you precise, efficient control over your heating system.

Radiant heat differs from conventional heating because it heats objects (like the floor) as opposed to air. The room warms from the floor up. The floor heat spreads to objects in the room, such as furniture and fixtures, which ultimately provides comforting warmth for the room. This dispersal method allows for consistent heat throughout any room.

A Few Advantages of Radiant Heat

Energy Efficient

Radiant heat is an extremely energy-efficient choice, especially when compared to traditional HVAC systems. All the heating in the home radiates upward from the floor, keeping more of the heat where you need it most. With a radiant heating system, you can lower the temperature by a few degrees and still enjoy a nice warm room, reducing the utility budget. Unlike forced-air systems, there is no hot air being wasted by blowing from vents and rising to the ceiling. Radiant heat systems are also room specific, and there is virtually no wasted energy. Heat transfers efficiently from the floor through to other objects. Each room can be heated according to your precise needs, allowing for even greater savings on monthly utility bills.

Consistent, Even Heating

An HVAC system blows warm air throughout the home, but this warm air doesn’t heat the home uniformly, leaving cold and hot spots. With radiant heat, the heat rises evenly from the flooring, warming the entire room. This uniform heat provides luxurious warmth throughout the room, eliminating cold spots.

Hypoallergenic

Radiant heat is also hypoallergenic. HVAC systems not only blow air, but also blow dust, allergens, and other particles that may be trapped in the ducts. With radiant heat, this is not a concern. This advantage is great for the small children, the elderly, or those who struggle with allergies or other health issues.

Easy Installation

Radiant heat is a great choice for new construction homes or homes undergoing a remodel. Simply purchase a radiant heat system, and install before laying flooring. A professional at Warmzone can help identify the best system and layout for any home’s needs. Electric floor heating systems are also very easy to customize, so they can be installed to heat small rooms and areas if you’re looking to supplement your existing heating system.

If considering radiant heat for an existing home, options like RetroHeat from Warmzone are available to keep installation quick and simple. Many homeowners don’t realize that radiant heat can be installed under existing floors – without the need for major remodeling. If you have asses to the floor joists (through a basement or crawl space), you can install the RetroHeat floor heating system. The thin panels are stapled up between the joists and then batt insulation is stapled up over the heating elements to direct all of the heat upward to warm the floor. This is an affordable option for heating existing floors without the need of replacing or tearing out any flooring. RetroHeat can be installed under almost any existing flooring by accessing the floor joists.

Quiet

Radiant heat systems are not only energy efficient, but also almost completely silent when operating. HVAC systems create noise when turning on and off to regulate temperature, but radiant heat makes no noise at all, making it a great choice for any home.

If you’re wondering what the catch is with radiant heat, here are a few more aspects to consider when before installing a radiant heat system.

Other Considerations

Depending on the system you install, one possible disadvantage is that it may result in some floor build up (raising the floor slightly). Several electric systems cause no floor buildup, but this is not true of all systems. Most radiant heat systems are extremely low profile, so the buildup is virtually unnoticeable. However, it is important for your contractor to know the specifics of the floor heating system you are considering. There are many floor heating options available from Warmzone that cause little or no floor build up, so talk with a Warmzone floor heating expert to learn what options are best for you.

Perhaps the biggest question for home or business owners is how much does radiant heat cost? While the initial cost of radiant heat can seem high, it is a great investment that can save money over the life of any home by reducing utility costs. (Learn more about How Much a Radiant Heated Driveway Costs.)

Radiant heat is also a great way to increase the value of a home. If cost is a concern, radiant heat can also be custom installed to only heat certain rooms that could use some additional heat. A Warmzone customer service professional can help you find the right system to best meet the needs of your household, as well as the budget.

If you have questions and would like to see if radiant heat is right for you, call Warmzone and speak to a customer service professional today at 888.488.9276.