HOTNEWS

New IoT Controller Offered

Warmzone Adds Advanced Controller to its Impressive List of Product Offerings

Over the years a growing number of consumers have come to rely on Warmzone for all their radiant heating needs. Knowing they can count on Warmzone’s industry-leading products and customer support services, homeowners and construction professionals alike turn to Warmzone for their snow melting, home heating, and roof de-icing needs.

As an established industry leader, Warmzone has focused on two basic philosophies: Provide unmatched customer support services, and a large selection of the industry’s most proven products. This emphasis on selection and service is why Warmzone has grown to be a favorite among building professionals.

In keeping with Warmzone’s commitment to offering the largest selection of the best products, Warmzone recently added the EcoTrace IC controller to our line of snow melting controls. This advanced device is a single-circuit IoT heat trace controller for use in snow melting, freeze protection and temperature maintenance applications.

What is IoT?

“IoT” refers to the Internet of Things, and may be one of the most important technologies of this century. It allows us to connect everyday objects such as roofs, driveways, kitchen appliances, etc., to the internet via embedded devices. These devices (or sensors) can be added to objects to measure environmental parameters, and the data is then transmitted through a communications network. IoT technology makes seamless communication possible between people, processes, and things.

EcoTrace IC Controller for snow melting and heat trace applications.
The new EcoTrace IC Controller for snow melting and heat trace applications.

How does the Controller Use This Technology

The advanced controller uses its proprietary algorithms to process weather data and adjust the system’s power output according to storm conditions. In addition to activating the heating system, the controller’s “smart” snow melting capability includes optional preheating, the ability to ignore light storms, and dynamic heating after the storm, all to improve overall system performance and reduce energy use and operating cost. The versatile controller allows the user to choose from a selection of weather-based control algorithms, which include, roof de-icing, gutter heat tracing, and heated driveways and snow melting systems.

Pipe Heat Trace

For pipe trace applications, the EcoTrace IC controller can be used for freeze protection and temperature maintenance. A temperature sensor can be connected, allowing you to use either ambient or pipe sensing modes to prevent pipes from freezing. Hybrid freeze protection uses weather forecast data in combination with the local sensor to control freeze protection systems up to 40 percent more efficiently. The temperature sensor can also be used for process temperature maintenance, grease waste lines, and hot water maintenance lines (HWM).

Eliminate Silent Failure with 24/7 Monitoring

Heat trace failures can result in frozen pipes, leaks, and damage to critical equipment. With the comprehensive 24/7 system monitoring and automated fault notification, you can rest easy knowing your systems are working. The device’s cloud platform allows you to manage all of your heat tracing systems in one place, even if you are somewhere else.

Connect from Anywhere

The advanced controllers connect to the Frio Cloud via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Cellular. When connected to the cloud, the controller will upload system status and receive operational commands. Multiple devices can be joined together in the Cloud platform, allowing centralized control of multiple heat tracing systems. Users can access their control device remotely via the Cloud platform to check status, activate the system or run a diagnostic test, eliminating the need to physically check the heater control system.

Front view and internals of EcoTrace IC Controller.

Two models of the controller are available: one with Modbus and BACnet connectivity, and the other, which accepts a thermistor only. Both controller models support Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. The devices are designed to use 802.11n Wi-Fi operating in the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band. Both units are compatible with older 2.4GHz 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a networks. The ethernet connection supports 10Mbps and 100Mbps operation. See the user manual for firewall information.

The controller can drive up to a 30A resistive load to control electric heat trace systems operating between 110 VAC and 277 VAC. The IC (Internet Controller) comes in an outdoor-rated enclosure, tested to IP67 standard.

The controller also allows for the user to manually activate the device for a set period of time. Manual override can be set from the device’s Cloud platform, or through Modbus for BMS connected systems.

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.

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HOTNEWS

Adding Radiant Heat to Asphalt

I still remember last year’s biggest snowstorm. It was a doozie. The snowfall made it impossible to see where the yard stopped and the driveway – or even the street – began. It seemed that the whole world was buried under a downy blanket of snow. It was beautiful – and intimidating. I had to go to work.

Knowing I’d be spending much of the morning clearing the driveway and walks before going to work, I got up early and fried some eggs and bacon. I sat down and began seasoning my eggs. I was gently tapping the salt shaker when my wife barged into the kitchen, franticly mumbling something about her “stupid” alarm clock.

“Have you salted the driveway?” she asked, pulling her blazer up over her shoulders.

Wait, what? It took a moment for my early-morning brain to stretch beyond the simple thought of a tasty breakfast. I’m salting my eggs. Why would I want to salt the driveway? I’m not THAT hungry.

I looked up at her as my upper lip stretched into an Elvis-esque sneer. “Say wahhh?” I winced.

“Have you shoveled the driveway and salted? You know how slick it gets.”

“Oh, uh yeah. I mean, no. No, not yet. I was just gonna eat first,” I gestured to my plate.

My wife eyed the omelet like it was my old girlfriend.

“Well, I have to go in early today, so I hope I can get down the hill alright.”

In other words, breakfast can wait. Time to trade my fork for the snow shovel. (Thank goodness for microwave ovens.)

Our driveway is on an incline, so if the car starts sliding, it will slide right into the road. If a car happens to be passing at the time, well, let’s just say there’s no ‘merging’ lane.

After working up a considerable sweat – and appetite – I was able to safely see my wife off to work. I wouldn’t be far behind, but first, I’d warm up some bacon and eggs.

Most mornings aren’t quite this hectic, but we’d grown accustomed to altering our schedules in order to deal with the weather. But if a surprise storm hit, or we didn’t get up early enough to deal with the snow, well, it seems that we’d spend the entire day trying to catch up.

Heated tire tracks in asphalt driveway.

Given the layout of our driveway, and how it spills out onto the road below, I can’t think of a better solution than that of installing a radiant heated driveway. Truth is, some neighbors of mine have a heated driveway. Every morning after a storm, I drive past their house and I envy their clear – dry – driveway. Apparently, they also have radiant heat installed under their front steps and porch. It sure stands out in the neighborhood. I’m sure that Jared enjoys watching everyone else shovel and plow their driveways. Yeah, while everyone else is salting and shoveling their driveway, he’s probably salting his eggs and shoveling them into his mouth.

After talking with Jared about his heated driveway, I was convinced that my wife and I needed to install one. In addition to being fully automated, heated driveways are also maintenance free. The efficiency, and everything else about these systems sounded too good to pass up. And given our driveway incline, it seemed like an obvious solution to an obvious problem.

I also learned that heated driveways can be customized to meet whatever needs we have. Whether it’s for layout needs or budget constraints, these systems can be tailored explicitly to match the precise needs of each customer.

Initially, I wasn’t sure how to best heat the driveway, but Warmzone gave us some great money-saving options. My wife and I were excited to find an option that still made the driveway safe during the winter, but also resulted in a lower installation cost as well as a lower operating cost. We chose to install heated tire tracks.

The heated tire tracks extended along the length of the driveway. (Each heating mat heated an area 24-inches wide. The mats feature pre-spaced heat cable that is easily rolled out during the installation.) Near the end of the driveway, near the road, we heated most of the area.

Having an asphalt driveway made it pretty easy for us to retrofit our existing driveway with radiant heat. The ClearZone heating mats were laid out over the area to be heated, and then secured to the asphalt. Then a new layer of asphalt was applied.

Warmzone provided all the technical support and training we needed. If there was ever a question, the electrician could immediately call Warmzone and get the issue resolved. The free installation training was especially beneficial. This was one of the best home upgrades we’ve done. Since installing the heated driveway, my wife and I have enjoyed eating our breakfasts together. I no longer get a raised eyebrow when I’m enjoying my bacon and eggs. And as for the salt, well, it just stays on the eggs.

HOTNEWS

My Experience with Installing a Heated Driveway

Knowing What to Look for When Shopping for a Radiant Heat Snow Melting System

This winter I’ve been enjoying my heated driveway like a little country boy enjoying a Red Ryder BB gun on Christmas morning. This is the gift that keeps on giving, and every snowy day seems a little like Christmas. I feel like a proud father as I watch my heated driveway distinguish itself from all the other driveways in the neighborhood. Oh, and there’s Bob, shoveling snow from his driveway. ‘Atta boy, Bob.’ I nod and acknowledge him with a raise of my coffee cup. I know he can’t see me, but still, this is oddly satisfying. Ah, but I’m not here to gloat over my snow-free driveway.

I’ve learned a lot about radiant heat this past year. As a homeowner, I wanted to share what I’ve learned about driveway heating systems. Perhaps some of my experiences can be beneficial to others who are exploring the possibility of installing a radiant heat system.

When my wife and I first decided that we wanted a radiant heated driveway, we knew very little about the actual systems. I figured that the driveway gets warm, the snow melts, and boom, there it is. But the reality of it is that there are certain components and support services that make a big difference. I was fortunate in dealing with Warmzone. With that being said, I guess my first piece of advice to homeowners is to make sure that you deal with experienced, established pros. (There are cheap options out there, like buying generic heat cable from some home improvement store, but when you don’t have customer support services, it ultimately costs you more in the long run.) A heated driveway is a significant investment. Don’t cut corners.

These systems are touted as fully automated and maintenance free. This almost sounded too good to be true, but it is actually the case. Once installed, you really don’t have to worry about it. However, I like to wipe down the snow sensor every now and then. During the year, wind storms can kick up dust or leaves that may end up on the small sensor. To be honest, I haven’t had a leaf land perfectly on the sensor, but one never knows. Regardless, I like to wipe the sensor plate down now and then, just to avoid any dirt buildup.

Heated driveway shown after a snowstorm.

In addition to the snow sensor, automated heated driveways also feature a heating element and control panel. Make sure the components for your system are proven products. Warmzone uses ClearZone heat cable, which has been around for decades, so I know it’s a cable I can trust. It also carries a top manufacturer warranty. The contactor panel, or controller is what kicks the power to the heat cable. The sensor detects snow, signals the controller, and then power is sent to the heating element that’s embedded in the driveway. It’s a simple system with no moving parts. Gotta love that.

Before I looked into getting a heated driveway, I didn’t realize that heat cable can be purchased in individual lengths off a spool, as well as in mats. I chose the mats. These are available in different lengths as well, but the cable is already pre-spaced, so they can simply be rolled out during the installation, and then secured. Boom! Pretty quick and easy. I was even able to help install them.

I’m really not much of a “do-it-yourselfer”, but this was something that even I could do. (I had my wife take a couple of photos of me “installing” the driveway, just for posterity’s sake – and to document my diverse skills.) Yeah, it was a proud moment, unlike the time I tried to show off my handyman skills by switching out a water facet in my wife’s apartment before we got married. (Be sure to always turn off the water supply beforehand.) But hey, she still married me. I guess I might still be trying to redeem myself for that one.  

Anyway, to heat our concrete driveway, thin remesh was laid out and then the cable mats were placed over the remesh and then secured with plastic ties. (Did I mention that I did this part?) Little plastic supports, called Mesh-Ups were used to keep the remesh from resting on the ground. This ensures that the heat cable is ideally positioned about 2-3 inches from the surface of the finished driveway. Then the concrete was poured.

I also learned that heated driveways are designed according to ASHRAE standards. (Don’t worry, I had no clue what this meant either.) In other words, your driveway heating system will be designed specifically for the winter conditions in your area. If you have an average winter temperature of 24°F, with annual snowfall around 70 inches, then the designers create a system that is specifically designed to handle those conditions. This helps to determine the watts per square foot that your system needs to effectively keep the driveway clear of snow and ice. Each system is custom tailored to deal with the customer’s unique demands.

Heated driveway with overlay of components.
The typical components of an automated Warmzone radiant heated driveway.

As you’re shopping for a system, ask questions. I’m glad I did. And be sure to have your electrician find out about the power requirements. (This usually isn’t a problem for most homeowners, but for those who are looking to heat massive areas, you should definitely find out what your available power is, and confirm the system’s power demands.)

Fortunately, snow melting systems can be customized to the hilt, so you can install radiant heat exactly how you want. If you don’t want to heat your entire driveway, then you can heat two 24-inch wide tire tracks, or just an 8-foot wide strip in the middle. Heck, you can install radiant heat in a checkerboard pattern if you want. It’s all about you and what works best for your layout and budget.

Also, perhaps the most important services for customers are the support services such as free installation training, technical support, and system design. The free installation training was invaluable. The instructor covered every aspect of the installation, so the electrician and installers knew everything they needed, prior to installing the system. Warmzone also provided real time technical support. When the electrician had a question, he called and spoke with an expert. Also, prior to any work taking place, Warmzone created a detailed layout / design of the system. We knew exactly how and where to install the heat cable and every component. These support services are what made the difference. I can’t stress enough that you deal only with a company that provides these types of services.

My advice to you is to call and talk with a radiant heat expert and explore your options. (Oh, and remember to always turn off the water supply before changing water facets.) Warmzone radiant heat experts are friendly professionals who will ask you about your project and then explain the best available options. There’s no rush, and no pressure. I talked with these guys for months before my wife and I decided to do the installation. They were always there to patiently answer any questions or address any concerns. Given their quality products and remarkable support services, I couldn’t imagine working with any provider other than Warmzone.

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.

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