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.
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.
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.
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.
