All posts by Warmzone Editor

Radiant Heated Floors: A Solid Home Improvement Investment

If you’re looking to increase the overall appeal as well as the resale value of your home, retrofitting a bathroom or recreational room with radiant floor heat can help. Add to that the benefit of reducing your dependency on fossil fuels associated with forced air systems, and you’ve hit one out of the park in terms of savings.

Radiant heat is a very efficient way to heat your home. Why? Warmth generated by electric radiant heat radiates up through the floor and transfers heat through objects for more consistent, even heat distribution. With traditional forced air systems that kick on and off in an effort to maintain the desired temperature, the heat quickly rises, and you’re subject to the unpleasant effects of drafts throughout your home.

How much can you save in heating costs, just by keeping it warm and cozy right down to the floor boards? Radiant heated floors can save you up to 50 percent in costs compared to a traditional forced air system, and can outlast a forced air system by as much as 15 years. Unlike forced air systems, the standard thermostat controls can be programmed to control different zones of your home, so you can time heating, room by room, to respond to the way you live your life.

With no moving parts, electric heated floors are virtually maintenance free. There are no vents to clean or filters to replace. Unlike forced air systems, there’s no noise, dust, or allergens blowing through your home – just quiet, comfortable warmth.

If you are ambitious, you can install much of the radiant heated floor system yourself. (But it is important that a qualified electrician perform all the wiring.) Depending on the pre-existing construction and the system you choose, installation can be relatively easy. Warmzone offers a variety of safe, proven radiant heat flooring solutions for your home, along with the service and support you’ll need to complete the installation yourself, including personal, expert installation support and resources such as system diagrams, installation manuals and more.

You may or may not be surprised to know that radiant heat is affordable. Radiant heat is a relative newcomer to the home heating arena. And that makes it more of an “exotic” home improvement project that will attract a lot of interest from neighbors and perspective home buyers alike. But by no means is it costly. For a few hundred bucks, you can upgrade a bathroom or foyer, and significantly downgrade your heat bill.

If going green is your goal, you also score major points with radiant heat. Not only can you improve the air quality of your home while reducing your dependence on fossil fuels, you can also sync a radiant floor heating system with solar or wind power to help you make your move off the grid.

If you’re contemplating an equity building home improvement project, you may want to consider adding radiant heat to your list of options. To learn more about a viable radiant heat system for your home, call Warmzone at 888.488.9276 or visit www.warmzone.com.

Beat Next Year’s Snowfall Now with a Radiant Heat Snow Melting Solution

Spring has sprung, and you’re undoubtedly ready to leave the ice and snow behind. You can leave it behind permanently by installing an electric snow melting solution for your driveway and walkways. And right now couldn’t be a better time. The spring and summer months are a great time to take advantage of better prices and install a radiant heated driveway before the winter rush.

What’s really great about radiant heat systems is their cost relative to other home improvement projects. Heating your walkways and driveways doesn’t have to involve a completely new pour or tear up of these areas. Retrofits are particularly adaptable to asphalt driveway heating. Choose Warmzone and you’ll also have a seasoned team of radiant heat professionals in your corner that can take your requirements and budget, and turn both into a system that exceeds your expectations.

When all is said and done, the initial cost of installing radiant heat in your walkway or driveway could more than pay for itself in the money you’ll stand to save. Taking on the added expense of a typical snow removal service can cost you. In most cases, you’re paying for a specific period of time, or package. Depending on the amount of snowfall, there’s a good chance you’ll never even benefit from the services you’ve paid for. Add to that the hassle of waiting for your service to show up. In a particularly heavy snow storm, the wait could be quite long.

Whether this is your first time or you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, if you’re willing to take on the project, you’ll find Warmzone has many tested and true options for snow removal that won’t have you scratching your head at installation time. From ClearZone radiant snow melting mats to heating cable off the spool, Warmzone can match your skill level and ambition. In addition to a wide variety of products, Warmzone also offers personal installation support as well as installation manuals. Detailed system design layouts are also provided to ensure that all the power and installation issues are addressed prior to any installation taking place.

What’s really cool—you’ll have a snow removal system that does the work for you. All Warmzone snow melting systems are fully automated. They feature a high-tech snow sensor that can detect the slightest changes in temperature and precipitation in anticipation of a snow event, so the system is working just as the first snowflake hits the ground. The best part—you can sit inside enjoying that morning cup of joe to the sound of your neighbor’s snow blowers and shovels because your radiant heated driveway is already clear and dry.

Of course the other benefit of installing radiant heat now is the mild conditions spring and summer provide. And the timing is perfect if your plans include a concrete or asphalt pour. So why not beat the inclement weather with a radiant heated snow melting solution? Call Warmzone at 888.488.9276 or visit them at www.warmzone.com for more in-depth information and professional consulting, all free of charge, of course!

Brutal Winters Make Radiant Heat an Attractive Option

Automated Driveway Heating Systems Offer a Clean, Affordable Alternative to Manual Snow Removal

With record snowfall from the Midwest to Northeast, many residents are considering upgrading from snow shovels to more automated options like heated driveways. In Amarillo, Texas, a February blizzard surprised residents by dumping over 19 inches of snow in 24 hours, eclipsing a 120-year snowfall record. Even in regularly cold areas like Chicago, where over 1000 flights were canceled due to a December storm in 2012, people see the need to find better ways to keep heavy snowfall from disrupting their daily responsibilities. Beyond the interruption of stopping to shovel snow, property owners are seeing the need to find alternatives to damage caused by corrosive salts and snowplows. Radiant heat for heating driveways and walkways is looking to be one of the best solutions to winter’s surprises.

Radiant heated driveway

Where snow is more frequent, many home and business owners have already turned to heated driveways and snow melting systems for some very good reasons. These systems turn on only as needed, meaning that no energy is wasted when there is no snow to melt. They further eliminate the cost, hassle, and interruption of snow removal. The best heated driveway systems, like those from Warmzone, feature a rugged, high-tech snow sensor that detects temperature and precipitation. When the temperature is below a set point and snow is detected, the sensor signals the system’s control unit, which then sends power to the embedded heat cable to warm the driveway. The heated driveway system remains on for a short period after the storm to ensure that it is clear of ice and snow before shutting off.

Along with the energy efficiency of radiant snow and ice melting systems, home and business owners have come to rely on the automated, maintenance-free advantage found in heated driveways and walkways. Imagine if you are away during a big snowfall. A snow-free driveway is more than a convenience upon arriving home; it makes your home look occupied and less of a target for criminals. You also enjoy the added advantage of the safety it provides. For a home or business, a heated driveway also provides safer access for visitors, delivery people, or anyone coming and going from the building.

Those living in cold climates know that keeping snow and ice away from buildings can help prevent structural damage. Ice can damage concrete both on the surface and by repeatedly building up in cracks. With a driveway heating system, snow and ice are never piled up against a building where ice can melt and refreeze, damaging concrete walls and cracking foundations.

Protect your Home with a Roof Deicing System

Protect your Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts with a Gutter Heat Trace System from Warmzone

If you haven’t thought about your roof much this winter, be proactive with a gutter melt system from Warmzone. They are specifically designed to melt ice and snow on roofs, in gutters and downspouts to prevent costly damage, not only to your roof, but for your home as well.

Gutter damage from snow and heavy ice buildup

Warmzone radiant roof heating systems quickly melt heavy ice and snow from gutters and trouble spots on your roof. They can be easily installed in existing roofs to prevent icicles, ice buildup and ice dams from occurring. Moisture buildup from ice dams can seep up under shingles and into the roof decking before making its way into your home and causing significant water damage.

Made up of a rugged, durable outer construction designed to withstand winter extremes, Warmzone’s RoofHeat self-regulating gutter heating cable is extremely effective, energy efficient and safe. Noted for its durable and self-regulating characteristics, RoofHeat radiant heat cable is one of the most recommended roof heating solutions available. The systems are easy to install and easy to customize.

RoofHeat snow melting systems respond to weather changes to anticipate events conducive to snow fall. Melting occurs as a snow event is happening. And since these roof heating systems are fully automated, there’s no switch to flip or roof raking to be done, making snow removal extremely convenient for you. Simply install it and forget it with the knowledge your roof is safely protected.

Warmzone offers the widest selection of radiant heat products, you’re assured of getting the best solution for you, at a price you can afford.

For more information on a RoofHeat radiant snow melting systems for your home, visit www.warmzone.com or call 888.488.9276.

Prepare for Winter with ClearZone

Get your Snowmelt System Ordered and Installed Early This Year and Save With Radiant Heat Solutions by Warmzone

If you’ve only just decided on an electric radiant snowmelt system, and still scratching your head over your lack of time management skills (and timing), don’t fret. While it’s still not too late to buy and install a snowmelt system, early spring and summer is an ideal time to install these systems. In fact, now may be one of the best times of the year to order a snowmelt system. Think of it as a way to avoid the fall rush to buy and install; and better yet, taking advantage of some discounted prices on Warmzone radiant snowmelt systems.

From cable right off the spool, to cable preconfigured in easy-to-install roll-out mats, Warmzone has the perfect electric radiant snowmelt system for your driveway, sidewalks or roof. And you don’t need a new driveway to make the investment in radiant heat. Retrofitting is possible for just about any type of surface.

Heated driveway

Starting from the ground up, a Warmzone heated driveway is the perfect solution for a sore back that comes from too much shoveling. So if you’re all about state-of-the-art on a tight budget, the Warmzone ClearZone automated snow melting system is the way to go. It’s the premier snow melting solution for concrete heated driveways, sidewalks, loading docks and ramps. No matter what the dimensions, Warmzone offers the flexibility of installing radiant heat in almost any size and type of heated driveway, porch or walkway.

Right now is the perfect time to get a discount on some of the best snow melting products available. Warmzone gives you plenty of options – both in terms of the design and layout of the system to a wide variety of snow melting (and floor heating) products. Radiant snow melting systems can be easily customized to meet your snow melting needs as well as your budget.

As an industry leading heat cable, ClearZone snow melting cable is extremely rugged, and can even withstand the extreme, unforgiving temperatures common to hot asphalt pours. The cable can be rolled out and configured to address the nooks and crannies that characterize hard to reach surface areas and is perfect for large snow melting and unconventionally shaped areas.

Asphalt driveway with heated tire tracks

ClearZone Snow Melting Systems, Fully Automated and Easy to Install

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and have a more conventional radiant heat project to tackle, you may want to consider a ClearZone radiant snow melting system. Available on the spool or in mats, the versatile CZ heat cable sets the benchmark for durability and performance. The CZ mats feature ClearZone cable that is pre-spaced and attached to a durable backing for proper cable spacing and easy “roll-out” installation. The heating mat backing can be cut on site, for installation around corners and in hard to reach places. Like cable off the spool, the mats can be installed under just about any surface. A simple, more affordable “tire track” radiant heat snow melting pattern can be achieved just by rolling two ClearZone radiant snow melting mats down your driveway and then applying the finish surface.

Of course, great products and prices are nothing without good support. Warmzone offers unparalleled customer service, from the initial phone call to expert installation support. They also offer one of the best warranties in the business. To find out more how you can cash in on an off-season radiant heat snow melting installation, call Warmzone at 888.488.9276 or visit our website today.

Protect your Home with RoofHeat

Protect your Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts with a Heat Trace System from Warmzone

If you haven’t thought about your roof much this winter, be proactive with a gutter heat trace system from Warmzone. These automated roof deicing systems are specifically designed to melt ice and snow on roofs, in gutters and downspouts to prevent costly damage, not only to your roof, but to your home as well.

Warmzone radiant roof heating systems quickly melt heavy ice and snow from gutters and trouble spots on your roof. They can be easily installed in existing roofs to prevent icicles, ice buildup and ice dams from occurring. Moisture buildup from ice dams can seep up under shingles and into the roof decking before making its way into your home and causing significant water damage.

Gutter damage from snow and heavy ice buildup

Made up of a rugged, durable outer construction designed to withstand winter extremes, Warmzone’s RoofHeat self-regulating gutter heating cable is extremely effective, energy efficient and safe. Noted for its durable and self-regulating characteristics, RoofHeat radiant heat cable is one of the most recommended roof heating solutions available. The systems are easy to install and easy to customize.

RoofHeat snow melting systems respond to weather changes to anticipate events conducive to snow fall. Melting occurs as a snow event is happening. And since these roof heating systems are fully automated, there’s no switch to flip or roof raking to be done, making snow removal extremely convenient for you. Simply install it and forget it with the knowledge your roof is safely protected.

Warmzone offers the widest selection of radiant heat products, you’re assured of getting the best solution for you, at a price you can afford.

For more information on a RoofHeat radiant snow melting systems for your home, visit www.warmzone.com or call 888.488.9276.

It’s Amazing That There Could be That Much Snow and Nothing on the Sidewalk

Location: Pennsylvania

Solution: ClearZone Heated Concrete Steps

Heated cement steps

Just a quick note to let you all know that the radiant heated concrete steps has performed perfectly. We were able to turn on the system just about 24 hours before Philadelphia received its second largest snowfall on record — 23 inches! And, despite the enormous amount of snowfall, the stairs remained entirely clear. The day after the storm, the stairs were bone dry. I snapped a picture for you, and it is attached. As you can see, it’s kind of amazing that there could be that much snow and nothing on the sidewalk.

Thanks to everyone for your contribution to this successful installation. Happy New Year. . .

Dennis C.

Warmzone FilmHeat Floor Heating Systems: Evolving the Way You Heat Your Home

What if you could heat an entire room, or even a home, for that matter, using a simple roll of film? Believe it or not, Warmzone has once again outdone the competition with a roll of film that’s amazingly durable, thin and flexible that can do just that. Like all Warmzone radiant heated floor solutions, FilmHeat can be nailed or stapled to the subfloor. Its slim proportions make for incredibly easy, unobtrusive installation under laminate surfaces.

The thin FilmHeat heating element

FilmHeat floor heating systems are composed of three elements. The film element works with a power unit and activation device to deliver fast, efficient heat to any laminate surface in your home. Much like a forced-air system, the power unit, or “brains” of the system, communicates with a thermostat linked to sensors. Strategically installed in the floor, the sensors “sense” the temperature of the room and relay that information to the power unit to activate the system. This system is fully automated, responding to fluctuations in room temperature as they occur to deliver and maintain even, consistent heat in any room.

In addition to being incredibly thin, the FilmHeat floor heating system is incredibly safe and can be installed in retrofit applications. You just need to be able to access the floor joists from below. FilmHeat is also one of the most efficient floor heating systems on the market.

The lightweight heating element makes FilmHeat particularly easy to install. The elements paper-thin quality allows can be easily cut on site, and requires no floor buildup. So you can install it without major renovation, which is incredibly good news if you’re a first-time do-it-yourselfer contemplating a radiant heated floor home improvement project.

If you’re hesitating on cost, initial installation costs involving FilmHeat floor heating systems are low. Of course the ease of installation makes the cost for do-it-yourselfers even lower. And like all Warmzone radiant heated flooring solutions, the system relies on a sustainable heat source, electricity, so it can run for mere pennies on the dollar.

And in a time when the popularity of green living is growing, the FilmHeat floor warming system allows you to significantly reduce the usage of your primary heating system to realize greater energy savings while lowering your monthly heating bills. To move you even further off of the grid, the system can also be run by solar and wind power sources. It’s a positive contribution to your environment you can feel really good about.

Interested in learning more about the power a roll of film can play in heating your home? Call Warmzone at 888.488.9276 or browse the website for more information on the wonders of FilmHeat floor heating systems.

In Search of the Best Radiant Heat Solutions Provider

Looking for a good supplier of radiant heat systems for your next project? While there are lots of folks out there, it didn’t take me long to narrow the field down to just one. Before I divulge the winner, I’ll share the criteria that helped frame my final decision:

Radiant heat installation and service providers

Friendliness – If I’m going to invest in a home improvement project, I expect the experience to be pleasant, at least.
Helpfulness – I want an advocate, someone who knows what it means to go the extra mile for their customers.
Knowledgeable – I don’t want to talk to a “salesman”—I want to talk to a radiant heat expert who can design and sell me a custom radiant heating solution.
Responsiveness – If I leave a message or ask a question that can’t be answered immediately, does the rep call me back in a timely manner?
Respectful – Regardless of my purpose of calling (whether to ask questions or make a purchase), does the rep treat me with respect?
Listening Skills – I want someone to listen to what I need; evaluate those needs and then present me with options. Someone who knows how to ask the right questions.
Professionalism – I need to feel confident in my choice of radiant heating solutions.

In the end, the clear winner was Warmzone. Here’s the why of it:

Best Product Quality and Largest Selection

If you want the best possible solution at the best possible price, you’ll obviously want to go with a supplier that offers a comprehensive selection of radiant heat solutions. Warmzone has one of the largest and highest quality product selections available. They aren’t locked in to trying to sell you one particular product or brand, so you get an objective suggestion of what’s best for you. Because they deal in huge volume purchases, Warmzone also realizes a cost savings they will happily pass on to you

Complete System Design and Engineering Services

Knowing the exact power requirements and performance expectations prior to any installation is critical. With Warmzone you can expect to receive complete radiant heat design and engineering services with each system you purchase.

Genuine, Helpful and Friendly Customer Service

It would be hard for me to imagine a more knowledgeable, friendly staff then the staff at Warmzone.

Expert Installation Support

At Warmzone, the relationship doesn’t end with a purchase. Their experienced staff will work closely with you to ensure your radiant heat system is installed properly and performing as expected.

Comprehensive Information and Resources

No competitor comes close to matching Warmzone in this category. Visit their literature / documents section and you’ll see what I mean. (Incidentally, another great resource for information about radiant heat is www.bestradiantheating.com.)

Summary of Warmzone Top Notch Services

  • Product Quality and Selection
  • Complete System Design and Engineering Services
  • Customer Service and Installation Support
  • Radiant Heat Information Resource (collection of online information.)
  • Radiant Heat Product Manuals, Guides, Illustrations and more.

Call 888.488.9276 to learn more or visit www.warmzone.com.

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.

Our Customer is Extremely Happy

Solution: ClearZone Snow Melting System

Warmzone did an awesome job with the installation of a heated driveway at our customers house. Nate is incredibly great to work with and we highly recommend you to all our clients. Our customer is extremely happy that he will not have to shovel his driveway this winter thanks to Warmzone.

SJM Tile and Masonry

It Won’t Break the Bank, or my Back (Shoveling)

Location: Calgary, Canada

Solution: ClearZone Heated Driveway

Heated tire tracks in driveway

This past weekend, we received over four inches of snow and temps -15 degrees C . . . That’s like Green Bay cold!

Anyway, as you can see, the heated driveway is doing its job. Just a week ago, my electrician installed the correct type of wire for the CDP 2 so everything is functional now. 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.

I know that some think this would be extremely expensive to operate, but last month, with Christmas lights on every night, I saw only a $150 increase in my electrical bill. Also, we only have 2 or 3 months of significant snow in Calgary so it won’t break the bank, or my back (shoveling) and delivery people don’t have to crawl up the slope in fear of slipping!

Have a great day.

Dennis S.