Tag Archives: Radiant heat

HOTNEWS

The Advantages of Radiant Heated Floors and Snow Melting Systems

Today a growing number of homeowners are investing in radiant heat to warm their homes. Indoors or outdoors, radiant heat is an efficient, environmentally friendly, versatile solution for your home heating and snow melting needs.

As you might expect, radiant heat works exactly as it sounds—it radiates through surfaces (think sidewalks, driveways and wood floors) to warm a specific area of your home. Warmzone offers several choices for radiant heat systems; the two most popular being:

  • Electric radiant heat—uses resistance heat cable configured beneath a floor or driveway
  • Hydronic radiant heat—relies on specially treated hot water delivered through a network of pipes underneath an indoor or outdoor surface

Warmzone radiant heat systems are designed to deliver consistent, evenly spread heat throughout your home, according to your specific preferences. Radiant heat generates a feeling comparable to the warm, enveloping heat you would experience sitting on warm sand at the beach. That’s because these systems depend largely on heat transfer from one object to another. The science behind radiant heat systems effectively eliminates the draftiness and heat loss associated with traditional forced air, making them much more comfortable and much more efficient.

A switch from forced air to radiant heat can also improve the air quality of your home, which is especially important if you suffer from hay fever or equally unforgiving allergic conditions. Forced air systems force, or blow air into your living space, along with dirt, dust and allergens that can compromise your environment. With radiant heat, there’s no duct cleaning or dust to contend with. They’re also very green systems. Inside, radiant heat can be programmed to heat your entire home, or timed to heat specific areas as you move from your kitchen, to your living room and then bedroom to retire, conserving energy for pennies on the dollar.

Heated sidewalk and steps

This same science works wonders outside to keep snow and ice away from your home. An outdoor radiant heat system (snow melting system) involves the laying of pipes or electric cable just below the surface of a driveway or walkway. Their flexibility makes them effective under brick pavers, concrete or asphalt pours and are easily configured to accommodate odd-shaped or hard-to-reach areas. Warmzone sensor-activated radiant heat systems are designed to anticipate snowy conditions to heat walkways, driveways and other areas without resorting to harsh snow melting chemicals; chemicals that can kill vegetation, irritate puppy paws and contaminate ground water. They also eliminate the pain of shoveling and, over time, the expense of snow removal services.

Fortunately, whatever your needs are, Warmzone takes a top-down approach to radiant heat system delivery, and it begins with a phone call. When you call Warmzone, you can to talk to radiant heat professionals with years of experience, free of charge to discuss your radiant heat needs. Based on your input, we can determine what system is right for you.

Warmzone offers a vast selection of products and years of industry experience. We can put together the perfect radiant heat system to meet your needs and your budget. And if you are a die-hard do-it-yourselfer, you’ll appreciate not only access to the pros, but our vast library of materials, including articles and schematics to help you along the way. For more information you can reach our radiant heat professionals at 1-888-488-9276.

Radiant Heat News

Why Should You Use Electric Radiant Floor Heat?

If you’re going to invest in a new heating solution, you are also going to do your homework before that investment. Why should you use electric radiant floor heat versus more traditional home heating methods? Radiant floor heating works like the sun and warms the objects around it, not just the air, creating a more comforting and effective heat. This method of electric radiant floor heat is also more efficient since it can radiate heat to objects rather than cold air.

Electric radiant floor heating systems evenly distribute radiant heat throughout the floor area and gently warms the objects like furniture and curtains surrounding it. This type of system doesn’t use any blowing warmed air which cuts down on dust too. Your overall environment is healthier with less potential allergens floating around your breathing space.

Radiant floor heating has another big advantage because it distributes heat in the most dramatically efficient direction; from the bottom to the top. Heat naturally rises, and radiant floor heating systems capitalize on this simple principle. Plus it spreads the heat evenly across your flooring surface, eliminating cold pockets that just never seem to get heated. Forced air systems simply can’t compete with efficiency, heating potential, comfort, and cleanliness.

Articles

Transform Your House into a Dream Home

Warmzone Radiant Floor Heating Systems Provide Luxurious Warmth

(Read the PRWeb article.)

In today’s economy people are thinking less about buying their “dream home” than they are about converting their existing house into their “dream home”. Homeowners are updating their kitchens, renovating their bathrooms, replacing old linoleum floors with lavish hardwood or elegant tile and transforming their once modest dwelling into the home of their dreams.

One of the most common – and luxurious – yet, practical upgrades is the addition of radiant heated floors. In this unprecedented era of energy awareness, radiant floor heating systems have proven to be extremely efficient; and therefore, increasingly popular. But it’s not just the efficiency of these systems that have homeowners abuzz. Heated floors provide luxurious, comfortable warmth that truly needs to be experienced to be appreciated.

Radiant floor heating mats being installed

Many homeowners have been pleasantly surprised to discover that they can install radiant floor heat without tearing out the existing floor. Two popular floor heating systems (RetroHeat film heating panels and low-voltage FloorHeat) can be installed by accessing the floor joists from below. Both of these systems rank among the best when it comes to performance and ease of installation.

Adding radiant floor heat is also a smart investment for those who are remodeling or adding tile, hardwood or new laminate floors. Warmzone ComfortTile is an exceptional floor heating system that is highly recommended for heating tile floors. The heating cable is available on spools or pre-spaced in mats. ComfortTile mats feature heat cable that is attached to an adhesive-backed fiberglass mesh and can be rolled out like a sleeping bag and secured to the floor, making the cable installation quick and easy. The mats are compatible with all standard sub-flooring materials and have a low 3/16-inch (3 mm) profile, making this an excellent system for renovations.

The ComfortTile system features a shielded dual-conductor cable with single-point connection. This means that rather than having to run the cable across the floor and then return back to the starting point, the single lead is simply run to the thermostat and connected. The finish floor is then installed directly over the system. (Most of the cable and floor installation labor can be performed by the homeowner; however, the wiring of the system should be completed by a qualified electrician.)

ComfortTile heat cable on the spool allows more flexibility in terms of heating odd, custom-shaped rooms. The cable is “serpentined” across the floor and attached to the subfloor with the use of thin, malleable steel strapping (supplied with the system). The straps have tabs that fold down over the cable to ensure accurate spacing of the heating element.

For heating hardwood or laminate floors, FloorHeat and HeatShield floor heating systems are both excellent choices. FloorHeat is a low-voltage system that features a unique, thin, flexible polymer heating element while the HeatShield system consists of a lightweight ½-inch thick polystyrene insulation covered with specially profiled aluminum. The reflective panels feature grooves for the heat cable, and ensure excellent downward insulation while directing heat upward. When combined with the ComfortTile heating cable, the reflective panels provide a remarkably efficient floor heating system that significantly reduces energy consumption.

The HeatShield system is also easy to install. The insulation panels are placed on the subfloor and then clipped together (using the plastic clips provided). The heating cable is then pressed into the grooves provided and the wooden laminate floor is installed directly on top.

HeatShield floor heating system being installed

For new construction applications, homeowners also have the option of installing heat cable directly in the concrete slab of the floors. The rugged In-Slab heat cable is engineered to withstand the stress of heavy concrete pours and will efficiently heat the slab to warm your floors.

There are a variety of choices when it comes to heating floors, but beware of “bargain shopping”. A radiant heating system is only as good as its installation, so it is vital to work with an experienced installer and a reputable system provider that offers complete system design services and installation support as well as quality products.

Warmzone is an established, reputable radiant heat provider that combines competitive pricing and top product offerings with complete radiant heat design and engineering services. Unlike most other providers in the industry, Warmzone has an expert staff on hand to offer personal installation support. It’s no secret why Warmzone has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted providers of radiant heat solutions. For more information, call a radiant heat expert today at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Heat News

Fever Dreams and In Floor Heating

Radiant Floor Heating Offers Heat Around the Clock

This time of year there are epic bugs going around being shared from shopping cart to door handles to school libraries back to your front door, making us all susceptible to getting sick. Fevers offer that awful feeling of being a million degrees then swinging to the other side of the spectrum in chilled shakes. One thing I’ve always felt happy about when I have a fever accompanied by the aches and pains associated with that pleasant buggy feeling, is that radiant floor heating is never too hot or too cold when I’m sick. In floor heating just always feels good.

Radiant heated floors provide consistent warmth and comfort around the clock. No matter what time of day or night you find yourself wandering zombie like to and from bed, your feet will be taken care of with appropriate levels of heat. (Or, you can program the system so that it only heats just before you get up in the morning and then shuts off in the evening when you go to bed.) Even in your haziest fever dreams you’ll be able to get to the bathroom or kitchen in relative comfort. Radiant floor heat is especially nice for the times you are chilled to the bone and can’t seem to get warm enough, no matter how many layers you’ve piled on. No one will judge you if you lay right down on the warmest spot of your radiant heated floor and soak in the power of radiant heat. The beauty about radiant heat is that is spreads around to make contact with everything in its path. In floor heat is consistent and affordable and luxurious even in the fog of your deepest fevers.

HOTNEWS

Taking Snow Melting to the Radiant Degree

Warmzone’s Electrifying Dexterity in Outdoor Radiant Heating

Looking for the A to Z of radiant heating solutions, or somewhere in between? Warmzone offers a full menu of complete radiant heating solutions, and more importantly, they do it well. They have a vast portfolio of industry-leading products and services to choose from. And just like their interest in serving up top notch electric radiant heat and hydronic heating solutions, they take a vested interest in maintaining customer relationships for life. You won’t find better customer service. From your initial contact to your final installation, you’re more than a customer–you’re part of the Warmzone family. As a Warmzone insider, you can expect unbeatable customer service, free installation training, complete design and engineering services, along with installation support before, during and after your home improvement project is completed.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

How do Warmzone radiant snow melting solutions work to preserve the environment surrounding your home? Electric snowmelt systems utilize durable, highly efficient cable that distributes heat evenly across the surface of your driveway or sidewalk. The cable is rugged enough to be installed in new concrete pours, under pavers and even in harsh, high-temperature new asphalt construction projects, alleviating the need for shovels, snow removal services and snow melting chemicals—all of which can have devastating affects on the exterior of your home, from your lawn to your exterior landscaping. Warmzone ClearZone heating cable is the most popular driveway snow melting cable and features efficient, maintenance free operation and a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

Of course, no single radiant heating system is perfect for every type of job. What makes Warmzone more attractive than those “other” radiant heat providers? It’s their ability to match you with the best product for your project at the best price. Warmzone doesn’t partner with just one manufacturer. They carry a variety of top radiant heat solutions for just about any application, allowing them to deliver sincere, non-biased recommendations that best suit your project requirements. Warmzone’s experienced staff is well-versed in each and every one of the products available, and can get you matched up with the best product at a price you can live with.

From heated driveways, heated steps, portable snow melting, heated sidewalks, and heated roofs to gutter and downspout heating solutions, Warmzone’s definitely got you covered; and all these systems can easily be customized:

Radiant heated driveways: Warmzone’s ClearZone snow melting system can heat almost any size, shape and type of driveway. By the spool or with the help of pre-configured mats, ClearZone electric radiant heating cable can be installed under just about any surface (asphalt, pavers or a fresh concrete pour). Driveways can even be retrofitted with a ClearZone snow melting system.

Radiant roof heating and gutter trace systems: These best-in-class radiant heat systems prevent hazardous ice dams and icicles from forming on your roof. They eliminate prolonged ice damming and the severe effects of seepage through roof decking that can work its way inside your home, damaging ceilings, walls and floors, resulting in mold growth.

Portable snow melting: WarmTrax portable snow melting solutions, including portable heated traction mats and stair treads, are a great alternative to the permanency of embedded snow melting systems for heating outdoor walkways, ramps and stairs. Made of electrically operated heating elements sandwiched between two protective surfaces of non-slip rubber, WarmTrax heated traction mats are a popular, affordable and very versatile snow melting solution that serve a wide variety of uses.

    (End of Part I)

Warmzone’s Outdoor Radiant Heating (Part II)

Many of these snow melting products (and projects) are perfect for first-time do-it-yourselfers. If you’re ambitious enough to take on the project, Warmzone is right there to back you up. Not sure where to begin with your next radiant heat project? Warmzone professional designers will evaluate your radiant heating system thoroughly to create a detailed CAD of your system layout. You’ll know the electrical requirements, technical specifications and system performance expectations before one foot of heat cable is installed. You get all the details with minimal installation surprises to save you time, money, and in the end, the heartache of a radiant heat project gone wrong.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

It’s because of this flexibility—in the products, services and ongoing support Warmzone delivers—that gives them the edge in delivering superior radiant heat solutions for heated driveways, walkways, and roof deicing. Warmzone systems can be customized to meet the needs of virtually any area that requires snow and ice removal or ground thawing—for residential customers and contractors alike. And Warmzone’s reach extends throughout Northern America. Dennis S., a Warmzone customer in Calgary said this in regards to the performance of his electric radiant heated driveway, “This past weekend, we received over four inches of snow and temperatures of 15 degrees C – that’s like Green Bay cold.” Despite the ferociously cold temperatures, according to this happy customer, “the heated driveway did its job.” The driveway has also attracted a lot of attention. “A lot of folks in our neighborhood stop by on their walks and have conversations about my driveway, or ask questions if I am outside.”

Dennis is just one of many satisfied Warmzone customers able to realize the benefits of a radiant heated driveway. The biggest, of course, is the benefit of not having to worry about snow removal. No more back-breaking shoveling or wallet-breaking checks to the snow removal service. Because, after all, when you can operate the system for just pennies on the dollar without any effort at all, it just makes plain dollars and cents to install a radiant heated driveway. And what about those curious neighbors Dennis describes? It’s actually quite a boon to him if you think about the positive effects such talk might have on his home’s equity. In a word, radiant heat is an incredibly practical way to boost the equity in your home, while making your life easier. And the word is definitely getting around.

Ready to see how Warmzone can help you find the perfect fit in radiant heated snow melting solutions? Visit them online at www.warmzone.com or call 888.488.9276 for more information.

Radiant Heat News

Roman Ruins Have Evidence of Heated Floors

Radiant heated floors are nothing new. There are Roman ruins that have radiant heating, proving that radiant heat stands the test of time. Newer products have such great technology that includes radiant heat cables that come with warranties that last longer and longer. Proving still that radiant heat is here to stay and will outlast the homes it heats. Radiant heated floors have long been prevalent and popular in Europe but are rapidly gaining use and popularity across the country. We’ve seen tremendous growth in radiant heated flooring.

A typical residential radiant heating system utilizes around 2,000 lineal feet of radiant heat cable. Industry sales have gone from 29.8 million lineal feet of cable in the early 90’s to more than 99 million in the late 90’s.* That is close to a 25 percent growth rate per year, which shows the gain in radiant heated flooring popularity. Some people are installing radiant heat throughout their homes; others prefer to use it in smaller areas like bathrooms or basement family rooms. Rooms with high ceilings are harder to heat so radiant floors are a good choice for these types of rooms as well. The Romans were on to something when they started using radiant heat and we still see benefits. As the technology as become perfected more and more modern day use is proving to be invaluable in home heating.

Radiant Heat News

Preserve Decorative Concrete With Radiant Heat

Keep Your Decorative Concrete Looking Like the day You Installed it!

When installing decorative concrete, the installer can’t help but wonder, “How long is my work going to last?” One concern may be that in the winter the owners will use snow removal methods that will eventually fade or destroy the beautiful decorative concrete. But what if there was a way for the customer to never lay a snow plow blade, shovel, or snowmelt chemical on the concrete? Would this be worth the slight extra cost for the customer now versus replacing the whole driveway later? There is a solution, and contractors can partner with Warmzone in getting their clients to “go green” and avoid harsh chemicals and salt to remove snow and ice.

Heated paver walkway

What Warmzone offers is a new way to utilize an old technology which has re-emerged in the last 50 years in Europe as a great alternative to other heating methods –  radiant heat . Radiant heat can be used outdoors for melting snow and ice, and indoors to heat the house. There are two technologies that are associated with radiant heat: hydronic, which uses hot water to heat an area; and electric radiant heating, a newer technology that is quickly emerging as a great way to heat homes and keep driveways clear of snow and ice. Set yourself apart from your competition by offering these specialty products for your clients’ decorative concrete projects. It won’t change the normal installation process and can significantly add to your bottom line.

Set up of either radiant heat system is fairly simple while installing the concrete. You just install the cables or PEX pipes directly where you will pour the concrete, hook them up to a controller that is connected to a sensor, set the controller or thermostat and let it go to work. This efficient, even heat source will melt the snow and heat the floors and can reduce heating costs and stress for your customers when the weather outside turns dreary.

To learn more about Warmzone and what they can do for you and your clients, please search the site further or call a sales representative at 888.488.9276.

Radiant Heat News

Everybody is Talking About Radiant Heat

Radiant Heating is the Newest Trend to Stick

Radiant heat is not a passing trend. Radiant heat is proving its value more and more each day with homeowners, business owners, energy conscious consumers, and every day Joe’s and Jane’s like you and me. Radiant heating is showing up in home heating both inside and out and it is saving money and valuable energy.

Heated bathroom floor

When radiant heat is in use it requires less energy to operate when compared to other forms of home heating. Forced air is constantly trying to heat the rooms by blowing warm air which then rises to the ceiling as fast as it can and sits there in a part of your home where no one lives; unless they are a vampire and sleep like a bat on the ceiling of course.

Radiant heated floors start with your floor and then literally radiate the heat throughout the room, touching everything in its path warming it and retaining the warmth so the floor heating system works less with more energy efficient output. This so called trend using radiant heat in homes is starting to stick because of these reasons and more. If you bring up radiant heat in a casual conversation you’ll note that more and more people are aware of the benefits of using radiant heat to heat your home, driveway, or even your gutters. Everybody is starting to talk about the comfort and efficient heating accomplished with radiant heat and with a little research you can join in the on the savvy conversation.

HOTNEWS

The Benefits of Radiant Heat

Radiant heat is thought by many to be a fairly new technology that is just now beginning to take hold in Northern America. While radiant heat was initially more widely used in Europe, it is rapidly being adopted by businesses and homeowners throughout the U.S. and Canada. But did you know that radiant heat technology was actually being used as early as 10,000 B.C. in China?

The ancient Chinese drafted smoke from fires through stone covered trenches in the floors of their subterranean dwellings. The hot smoke heated the floor stones, radiating warmth into their living spaces. Evidence of radiant heated floors based on this principle were found throughout China and Korea. Radiant floor heating was also utilized by the Greeks and Romans as early as 500 B.C.

Heated bathroom floor

Radiant heating systems have evolved considerably since then, and consequently are becoming more commonplace. Some of the benefits of radiant heat include:

Efficiency: Radiant heat is a remarkably efficient form of heating. Compared to furnaces and other methods of heating, radiant heat requires significantly less operating time to maintain the desired warmth, keeping your costs to a minimum. High efficiency boilers (for hydronic systems) or electric radiant floor heating systems make radiant heat one of your most efficient ways to heat your home. Coupled with a well insulated home, radiant heating systems can quickly warm your home, and each room can be operated independently, further adding to the efficiency of the system.

Luxurious Comfort: Similar to the rays of the sun, radiant heat warms objects rather than air to create a more even heat throughout your home. Starting with the floor, objects are warmed giving your home a more inviting feeling as your furniture and other fixtures lose their chill.

Custom Design: Radiant heat systems can be easily customized to suit your specific needs. From small floor heating projects to large snow melting applications, radiant heating systems can be designed to heat just about any shape, space or surface type.

Clean, Quite Operation: Radiant floor heating systems inherently offer a superior living environment compared to conventional forced air. Since there are no furnaces or blowers, the system operates silently and dust and allergens are not blown through the air, keeping your home cleaner and more peaceful. For those who are especially susceptible to allergies or respiratory ailments, radiant heat has proven to offer significant health benefits.

To learn more about the benefits of radiant heat, contact a Warmzone representative and see what options are best for you. Call 888.488.9276 today.

Submit your project information and receive a FREE radiant heat quote.

Radiant Heat – A Wise Investment

Installing a Radiant Snow Melting System

A cost-effective investment and smart way to add value to your home is by installing a heated driveway (radiant snow melting system). Once installed, an affordable radiant heated driveway provides low operation costs in the long run, helping you lower your bottom line on home expenses. A heated driveway with an area of 300 square feet operates for under 50-cents per continuous hour of operation. Snow melting generally only takes a few hours to clear your driveway when a storm hits.

Driveway heating is an investment that has demonstrated and visible results. Not only does it allow you some free time with your family – not to mention saving your back from shoveling duties – but it is a proven way to protect the life of grass and surrounding vegetation by eliminating the use of salt and harsh snow melting chemicals. It also extends the life of your driveway by defending it from chemicals and other traditional abrasive snow removal methods.

Radiant heated driveway with heated tire tracks

Radiant snow melting systems are fully automated so you can stay inside where it’s warm and enjoy your coffee or hot chocolate as you watch the snow melt as it hits your driveway. An automatic snow sensor signals the snowmelt system’s controller when precipitation is detected and temperatures are below 39° Fahrenheit. The controller then sends power to the embedded heat cable, rapidly warming the driveway and keeping it clear of snow and ice. The system shuts off automatically after the storm. Electric radiant snow melting systems have an extremely fast response time, operate silently, and are maintenance free – and there are several options to choose from when considering a radiant snow melting system. There’s really no better, or easier way to keep your driveway clear of snow and ice during the winter than with a radiant heated snow melting system.

The peace of mind that comes with making a smart purchase is invaluable right now. We are all looking for ways to ride out this recession and worrisome economic climate, but you can still enjoy some of the finer things in life, and invest wisely in products that will benefit you for years to come.

Radiant Heat News

Spring Unsprung with Radiant In-Floor Heating

The Cold is Fleeting but Your In-Floor Heating is Still Working Efficiently

The season we’ve all been waiting for is slowly starting to creep into our neighborhoods. Snow and cold temperatures are receding and spring is quickly becoming un-sprung. At last we can leave the house without seven different layers of warmth. There are still a few chilly days ahead for some climates, and the nights tend to still be nippy, so using your in-floor radiant heating system is still the best way to counter cold floors and keep your home warm. Radiant heat is an efficient way to take the edge off any frosty room or area of your home, and floor heating systems provide a luxurious warmth that spreads evenly throughout your home.

Each room – or zone – can operate independently because each zone has its own thermostat. There is really no better or more exact way to warm specific areas and rooms in your home. With radiant floor heating systems the heat initially caresses your feet before rising to warm the rest of your living area. Unlike forced air systems that require the furnace to operate at maximum level regardless of how many vents you close, radiant heat can be precisely controlled and no energy is wasted.

When spring blooms full force and the need for around the clock heating is no longer as pressing, using a lower setting on your in floor heating system will keep the chill at bay without needing to crank out large amounts of forced heated air. Radiant floor heating is a home heating system that can work for you year round and you won’t feel the sting of your energy bill working year round. The in-floor heating cables run radiant heat smartly from the floor to the ceiling so you don’t lose unwanted heat when it rises right out of sight. The heat will literally radiate all through your home and ease the stress of finding a cost-effective, energy-efficient means of heating your home. Check out the many different radiant floor heating and snow melting solutions available from Warmzone.