Tag Archives: Heated floors

HOTNEWS

Of Water and Wires: Hydronic Heated Driveways vs. Electric Heated Driveways

‘Ride the Current’ or ‘Go With the Flow’?

If you’ve finally put down the shovel and decided to purchase a heated driveway system, will you be going hydronic or electric? If you’re a newcomer to the concept of driveway heating, hydronic and electric are both popular, and extremely viable forms of driveway heat, and Warmzone has the expertise, and experience, to help determine which is best for you. What these systems share in common—four key components you should be familiar with before purchasing a heated driveway system:

  • The Heating Element (Embedded in the driveway)
  • Snow Sensor
  • Power Controller Unit (Powers the heating elements on and off)
  • Power Supply (Circuit breaker panel)

Of the components mentioned above, the heating element and the control source distinguish hydronic heated driveway systems from electric heated driveway systems.

Hydronic Heated Driveway Systems: Going with the Flow
The heating element for a hydronic snowmelt system, as you may have guessed, involves water. Specifically, hydronic heated driveways use what is known as closed-loop tubing to heat the surface of the driveway. The tubing is generally made of a flexible (and quite durable) polymer or synthetic rubber to circulate a mixture of hot water and propylene glycol (antifreeze). The fluid is warmed to temperatures between 140 to 180 degrees F to deliver enough heat for snow melting.

Heated driveway with brick pavers

A water heater or a boiler is the chief source of heat for a hydronic driveway heating system, which can be powered by any energy source that satisfies the btu requirements, including natural gas, electricity, oil, wood, or even solar collectors. A circulating pump and supply and return manifolds, installed in an easily accessible location, transfer the water between the heat source and tubing.

Electric Heated Driveway Systems: Riding the Current
Unlike hydronic systems, electric heated driveway systems use hot wires to heat paved surfaces. These wires are surrounded by layers of insulation, copper grounding braid and a protective outer layer of PVC or polyolefin to form a flexible cable about ⅛ to ¼ inch in diameter. What’s great about the heat cables is the flexibility of the application. Cable is available on spools as well as pre-spaced and woven into mats, and can be customized (cut) to suit virtually any type of layout, including odd-shaped driveways, common walkways and sidewalks, etc.

After being triggered by the snow sensor, the control unit then powers the heat cable to warm the driveway. To reduce the power demands (and operating costs), you can install cables in just the tire tracks of a driveway rather than the entire area. Warmzone provides complete system design services to ensure that you receive the best system layout and products for your project.

Radiant Heat for Custom Applications

Finding a Radiant Heating Solution as Unique as You Are
As temperatures plummet and heat bills skyrocket, consumers everywhere are turning to radiant heating systems. As the most affordable and customizable option out there, radiant heating is quickly making a name for itself as a titan in the heating market.

So radiant heating is the latest and greatest, but what exactly is so great about it and what can it do for you? One word: customization.

When it comes to radiant heating, the possibilities are endless. Warmzone can design a radiant heating system completely customized for your home and lifestyle, and it’s as easy as one, two, three!

Choose
The first step of your radiant heating revolution is studying the available options and talking with a radiant heat expert to help determine the best radiant heat system for your needs.

Indoor Radiant Heating
Radiant heating can be installed under just about any surface, including tile, carpet, wood, etc. Put it in your bathroom, your kitchen, your living room—anywhere you need heat. Each room, or zone, can be controlled with its own thermostat. giving you great flexibility along with outstanding efficiency. Radiant floor heating is an affordable way to keep your house perfectly warm without racking up the electricity bill.

Outdoor Radiant Heating
You can also enjoy the benefits of radiant heating outdoors. Exterior snow melting systems keep your property safe by preventing pesky snow and ice buildup. There are several outdoor radiant heating products and options, including heated driveways, sidewalks, roof heating, pipe tracing, and portable heating mats; all of which will make your life a little easier in the harsh winter months.

Design
We realize that your radiant heating system isn’t the same as the next customer’s, so we’ll work with you to come up with a radiant heating system tailor-made to your needs.

Example of a Warmzone floor heating AutoCAD

Once we assess your project’s requirements, our team will design a custom radiant heat solution with an AutoCAD of your system, complete with all the technical specs you need so you know all the details prior to any installation taking place.

Enjoy
With radiant heating, your only job is to sit back, relax, and enjoy your custom radiant heating solution. Let your heated floors warm your home evenly and efficiently. Sit back and watch from the warmth of your living room as your radiant heated driveway does the shoveling for you. And sleep in peace knowing that your gutters and pipes are safe from nasty and potentially devastating snow and ice buildup.

Why settle for an out of the box heating solution? Let us help you customize a radiant heating system that meets your needs, fits your budget, and keeps you and your family warm and safe.

Radiant Heat News

Radiant Heat Could Never Be a White Elephant Gift

A Gift Like Radiant Floor Heating Would Win Big Points

With the holidays rapidly approaching do you find yourself scratching your head as to what would be the perfect gift for that special someone? We have a little hint that might get you off the naughty list and onto the “oh boy, are you ever a shining hero on a white horse” list. Giving the gift of warmth and comfort and luxury is closer than you think. I can guarantee that if you give the gift of radiant heat you will never find it in a white elephant gift pile as someone tries desperately to get rid of it. No, radiant heat will earn you major points at home or with family or with whoever you think would enjoy the glowing gift of radiant floor heating.

Radiant floor heating is more affordable than ever, so you can actually feel guilt-free about this precious gift of floor heat. Radiant heating systems are also easier than ever to install so you won’t have to muddle through a major home improvement project that uproots your lives through the busy holiday months. Many radiant heating systems can be retrofitted to your existing floors so there isn’t a lot of down time as you cross over from blasé home heating to “wow”radiant heated floors. If you commit to give radiant heat this holiday season we can pretty much guarantee you’ll see many smiles not just on the day you announce this coveted gift, but for many, many days and years to come.

Radiant Heat News

Secretly Vow to Enjoy Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant Floor Heating is a Decision You Won’t Regret

Ok, here’s the deal, if you don’t know much about radiant floor heating you need to get up to speed and fast. You’ll miss the radiant heating boat and trust us, there are a lot of people clamoring to jump aboard and enjoy the warming effects of warm floors. You should secretly vow right now to treat yourself to the luxurious, yet remarkably affordable joy of radiant heated floors. There is nothing quite like stepping sans sock onto an otherwise cold surface only to find it surprisingly and appealingly warm. Those first steps taken on a radiant heated floor will make you wonder why you didn’t take this vow sooner.

Radiant heat provides constant and consistent heat throughout your floors, warming everything around it, unlike forced air systems that blow warm air that rises quickly and settles near the ceiling and sneaks out the cracks of your walls, causing the whole system to kick on once again to replenish what has been lost. Forced air systems create more allergies with all that air and dust moving around, a problem easily avoided with radiant floor heat. With radiant heating the radiant heat cables beneath the surface of your floors generates warmth that permeates the surface and all the spaces around it leaving your living space inviting and comfortable. Keep this vow to treat yourself to something irresistible and warm and you’ll soon realize that radiant floor heating is a decision you won’t end up regretting.

Radiant Heat News

Low Profile, Electric Underfloor Heat

Efficient, Discreet Radiant Heat

Radiant heat has been around many years now for very good reasons. Electric underfloor heating is just plain hard to beat when it comes to ways of providing efficient heat for your home or business. I’m sure you have heard of heated floor technology by now. Rows of heat cable, mats or other heating elements are laid out on the subfloor and the finish surface is applied over that. ComfortTile floor heating cable is a proven, and commonly chosen radiant heat system that is easy to install, and has become the workhorse of radiant heating systems. ComfortTile systems offer a single point connection, allowing you to connect one end to the thermostat and be done. No need to “loop” or connect the other end to a controller.

FoilHeat and FloorHeat are also excellent choices when there is need to keep the profile extremely low. Both floor heating systems are almost paper thin, and the low profile also makes FloorHeat idea for discreet roof heating systems (aka, RoofHeat STEP). Both FoilHeat and FloorHeat systems come in rolls that are conveniently rolled out for easy installation. Virtually any finish surface can be applied over the top. The FloorHeat system is also a low-voltage, self-regulating floor heating system.

One of the nice features of a radiant heated floor system is that you program or control zones separately, so you can shut down any rooms that you aren’t using. There is not a more comfortable and energy-efficient heat solution than an electric radiant floor heating system. It’s simply a heat that can’t be beat.

Radiant Heat News

Home Heating Options that are Both Efficient and Affordable

Raise your hand if your list of home improvements including upgrading the heating system for a small space in your home. You’ve probably been putting that project off, thinking that a traditional heating system may cost you far more than it’s worth. This is almost always the case for those who may live in small or older homes and apartments. Older homes often times don’t have the necessary heating ducts needed to install a traditional forced air system, and installing these ducts is very expensive. Due to the cost associated with installing these systems, many people choose not to heat smaller rooms and instead suffer through the winter, chilly and miserable. However, there is a very cost-effective and efficient solution to this problem: electric radiant heat.

Electric radiant heat systems are very cost-effective solutions for smaller spaces (1-5 rooms) because they are easy to install and have a very low start-up cost. An electric thermostat is all that is required and costs only about $100-$200.

Another advantage of electric radiant floor heating over a warm-water system is the floor build up or height. Floor build up can be from as little as 2mm. The electric cables are usually installed onto an insulation board or directly onto the subfloor or padding (under carpet or laminate), then the floor covering is placed directly over the heating system or thinset.

Electric Radiant Heat Tip: Your electric radiant heat system could use 30% less fuel than the average new forced air heating system.

HOTNEWS

Back on Track with a Heated Driveway

Heated Driveway System in Illinois Paves the Way to Big Savings for one Warmzone Customer

When a Warmzone customer in rural Illinois found he did not have the resources to heat his entire driveway as originally planned, Sales Manager, Bryan Morris, offered a reasonable alternative. “Tire tracks were a great option in this scenario,” he explained, “because you can still get a heated portion that allows you to drive in and out, without breaking the bank. After consulting with the customer and our design team, we laid out the options (verbally and with drawings) before deciding on a more cost-effective, two-track heated driveway solution. Ultimately, heating two tire tracks (500 sq.ft.), as opposed to heating the entire 1,250 sq.ft. driveway, resulted in a $3,900 cost savings.”

Retrofitting asphalt driveway with heated tire tracks-1      Retrofitting asphalt driveway with heated tire tracks-2

Another consideration was the lack of available power. “To heat an entire driveway would have required a large number of amps from the home’s electrical power panel,” Morris stated. “Most homes only have a 200 amp panel, yet it takes approximately 180 breaker amps per 1,000 square feet to heat an entire driveway.”

The two-track radiant heated driveway system required installation of four Warmzone ClearZone snow melting mats, a 200-amp Warmzone electrical timer panel, an aerial mounted moisture/temperature snow sensor, a remote manual control unit and an NEC marker plate. Tire tracks were easily installed by rolling out the mats like sleeping bags. A protective asphalt layer was then raked over the tire track mats (photo 2) before the final surface coat was applied. “We use an asphalt machine that straddles the heating element to prevent damaging the heat cable,” offered Morris.

Asphalt driveway being retrofitted with heated tire tracks - 3      Heated asphalt driveway retrofitted with heated tire tracks.

The great news is that you don’t have to pour a new driveway to benefit from a heated driveway. Warmzone can customize your system to fit your needs and budget. “On this project,” said Morris, “the customer was paving the whole driveway anyway. Some customers pick other install methods, such as saw cutting, to achieve their goals.”

Saw cutting is cutting grooves or paths and inserting the heat cable in areas where heat is desired. With certain driveway heating systems, it is also possible to pave over the mats and create the appearance of a seamless transaction. “You can cut out the area you want to heat and then pave only that area,” Morris added. ClearZone is used under cement, asphalt and pavers on a regular basis.

Flexible options make heated driveway solutions a very popular equity booster for homeowners, and are becoming a popular home improvement option. “On average,” Morris stated, “the overall materials (cable, electrical and auto sensors) cost $6.00 per sq.ft. for 1,000 sq. ft., and the operating cost per 5-hour storm is $18.00, or $3-4 per hour depending on the state the heated driveway system is installed in and the power company’s cost per kilowatt hour.”

While the initial cost of installing a radiant heated driveway system may seem a bit daunting, the benefits of driveway heating are well worth the initial investment, the most obvious being convenience. Heated driveways don’t require shoveling, harmful salt and chemical applications or expensive snow removal services. Instead, driveway heating systems provide a safe, thorough snow removal solution with curb appeal, solving snow  removal challenges posed by problematic driveways, steps, and other heavy traffic areas.

Heated driveway systems are fully automated, so they will automatically turn on or off when needed. “If it snows at 3 a.m.,” Morris smiled, “our customer will wake up to a clear driveway. He now has a reliable, efficient snow removal solution.”

Project Spotlight – Colorado Homeowners Install Solar Powered Radiant Floor Heating System

When two Colorado homeowners decided to build a new home from the ground up, they had two main objectives in mind. They wanted a home just for them and they wanted to be as eco-friendly as possible. One of the components they chose in their new construction was to install radiant floor heating through the 1600 square feet downstairs and 900 square feet upstairs.

After doing some research and finding Warmzone online they were pleased with the many options available for various applications and the customer support offered during the entire process.

These Rocky Mountain homeowners had several great reasons for wanting to go the radiant heat route. A major consideration was allergies and how forced air systems exacerbate this condition. Cost was another concern, as was the noise of a running furnace and the desire for a comfortable, even-air temperature throughout the home. Many customers are finding their way to radiant floor heating for some of the same well thought-out reasons.

Installing radiant floor heating cable

In order to accommodate the necessary electricity needs for a radiant floor, they installed 28 solar panels to meet the demand of the electric heat. This means they are using electricity solely produced by them, helping to keep costs down and mother earth smiling.

This project called for ComfortTile heat cables and a low-voltage floor heating system laid under a variety of flooring throughout the home. The Colorado couple chose tile, wood laminate, and carpet in various parts of the home. The radiant flooring systems were chosen because of their particular capabilities and installed throughout different zones. Warmzone provided the design layouts and helped walk them through the entire process.

When asked about the benefits of using radiant floor heating, the homeowner produced a long list, including evenly spread heat through the whole house, toasty floors, noiseless heating system with easy-to-program thermostats, lack of dust, and no need to wear shoes indoors anymore.

Solar panels installed to power radiant floor heating system

Asked if they would recommend radiant floor heating to others Jane responded, “Definitely! Check out the different flooring options and applications and determine where you want the zoned heating.” Warmzone provides customers with a variety of options and helps you select the best solution for your home and budget.  Warmzone prices, product offerings and professional design services are among the best in the industry.

HOTNEWS

Electrical Thermal Storage

What is ETS and Why You Should Care

Here’s another acronym that’s worth remembering – ETS. Learning about Electrical Thermal Storage (ETS) may help you save some coin. Who can turn that down right now? And let’s be honest, who would want too? Saving money is on everyone’s mind, and this may be one more chance to do just that. Electrical thermal storage is the term given to certain types of heating, specifically, electrical storage heating that stores heat during the nighttime hours, allowing radiant heat to slowly transfer throughout your home or commercial site without drawing electricity during peak hours.

Some utility companies have adapted their rates to reflect high usage hours. In a way they have copied the telecommunications industry that charges more for calls during peak hours and drops rates during the less trafficked times of the day. Electrical thermal storage heaters draw upon this concept, allowing you to use your heat during non-peak usage times, storing heat for use during the more expensive times of the day.

In-Slab heating cable installed in concrete

You would need to check with your utility company first to make sure they offer these price incentives. If they do (and many are starting to jump on this pricing band wagon) then you may be a candidate for ETS.

Once you establish the rate system of your electrical provider, you may find you could benefit from a radiant heat system that provides electrical storage heating when the rates are lower. While it is important to distinguish that you will not be saving energy with this system, it can save you money because you’ll be taking advantage of the lower rates.

Warmzone offers radiant heating systems compatible with electrical thermal storage. Specifically the In-Slab cable systems provide underfloor heating ideal for this time of money saving advantage. Warmzone’s radiant heating floor systems are an inexpensive system that will effectively warm your floors and heat your entire home or commercial building. When you install In-Slab radiant floor heat, you are given a maintenance-free operating system as well as the peace of mind that comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Warmzone’s In-Slab heat cable is durable, high quality, and hassle free. The In-Slab floor heating systems can be installed to provide luxurious radiant floor heating to almost any type of floor surface. The technology associated with these heat cables make them ideal for electrical thermal storage heating because they are typically installed beneath a concrete or brick floor. While heat is building up, drawing upon your electricity you may use the system during less expensive times of the day. The radiant heat builds up and then once shut down during peak hours, slowly transfers throughout the day from all the heat stored in the slab.

It may not be for everyone, but ETS may be another way you can save money as you heat your home. Contact Warmzone to find out if you can benefit from a radiant heating system that would allow you to take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of electrical thermal storage. ETS – it might just become your favorite acronym.

Electric Radiant Floor Heat – Steps for Installing a Radiant Heated Floor

We all know about forced air heating systems, which use burners to fire up and heat the air and then a fan blows heated air throughout the home. For the most part, this works rather well. It is reasonably quick and for years it has been the standard method of heat for homeowners. So, you ask, what else is there? Well, surely you have heard of radiant heated floors. It’s a form of heating for the home that is becoming more and more popular as of late.

Installing electric radiant floor heating is not extremely difficult. Here are the basic steps to installing a heated floor. (Don’t worry, you can do this.) Let’s assume that you have arrived at the point where you can get started. After thoroughly cleaning the subfloor surface, lay out Reflect ground insulation over the area you plan to heat. A proven ground insulator such as Reflect will optimize the efficiency of your heated floor.

Radiant heated floor being installed in bathroom.

ComfortTile heating cable is available pre-spaced and woven into mats that can be easily rolled out, or individual cable that is laid out with the aid of spacing straps. Individual cable is best suited for custom shapes while the heated mats are ideal for quick layout of standard shapes.

Thinset can be applied directly over heat cable

(It would be a good idea to check the resistance of the wiring before proceeding.  The instructions will give you a range that it should fall within. Temperature can make a difference in the reading as well so keep that in mind.)

If you are installing over a wood subfloor (after applying ground insulation), staple the heating mat or cable spacer tabs to the floor in the desired layout. Be careful to avoid damaging the heat cable anywhere. Lay the cable out in such a way as to allow for the connection to the switch in the wall of course.

Once you have the heat cable laid out and fastened, you should consider pouring a leveling surface over the cable. Technically, you could simply apply thinset and then install your tile, but since the heat cable has a thickness of around 3/8th of an inch or so, it is advisable to pour a leveling surface. Quick Level does a good job of this. Use the adhesion liquid that is recommended. Follow the instructions for applying the liquid and then simply mix the Quick Level with water and then pour it over the entire floor.

Heated bathroom floor

Ensure that it spreads evenly and doesn’t form any lumps anywhere. Only pour to the top of the heat cable. The less you use the better. This will provide you with a clean flat surface to which you will adhere your floor surface.

Tile is a common surface since it conducts the heat very well. Reflect floor insulation is effective in preventing the heat from being lost, and the radiant properties of the tile further enhance the efficiency of the system. Once installed, the sensor embedded in the floor will automatically maintain the temperature you desire.

One of the big advantages to radiant floor heating systems is that you can heat only the rooms you are using. There is no need to heat the whole house. In that sense these floor heating systems are very efficient. The greatest advantage though is the enhanced comfort level you will enjoy. It is really true that when your feet are warm you feel warm and comfortable all over.

Press Releases

Warmzone Donates Radiant Heat System to the Colorado Parade of Homes

April 17, 2008 – Warmzone recently donated ComfortTile radiant heat cables to the Colorado Parade of Homes. The radiant floor heating system was installed under tile floors in the master spa and coffee bar area of the luxury home, complementing the innovative design and elegance of the Bella Paradiso home. The custom home was built by Bartran Construction.

Ceramic tile was used for much of the home’s flooring, which posed a significant challenge for the builders in terms of finding an efficient solution for heating the home. ComfortTile radiant floor heating cables proved to be the ideal solution for the spatial house, serving as an efficiently heat source while keeping the construction process simple and on schedule. The electric radiant floor heating system was installed quickly and easily, providing the tiled floor areas with comfortable, efficient heat. The Warmzone floor heating system also has a fast response time, resulting in instant, evenly heated floors.

“What really surprised us was how easy the system was to install. The system went in flawlessly and without any setbacks. The installation instructions were clear and easy to read, and Warmzone’s tech support was so helpful in explaining and researching any questions that we had. As a large custom home, heating all of these areas was interesting, but once we hooked up the ComfortTile radiant heating system it was amazing how evenly and effectively the system produced heat. It will be a pleasant living environment for our customers to wake up to. I will be recommending your product on all of my jobs,” said Dan Zeigler, Superintendent of Bartran Construction, Inc.

The goal of the construction team was to build a home with elegance and tranquility, and was reminiscent of the charm of Northern Italy. Warmzone was the perfect compliment to the great features such as a chef’s center, butler’s pantry, a grand hall that accesses the gallery, and 2,000 sq. feet of outdoor living. The master suite includes a relaxation room that opens into a morning loggia, where the radiant floor heating was installed. No house claiming to be inspired by Italy can be complete without a wine cellar, wine tasting room, and wet bar.

The discovery of the superior comfort of under-floor heat has long since found popularity in European countries. More and more people in the United States seeking the same quality of living are modeling their homes with a European flare. Installing radiant floor heat is the simplest and quickest way to get there, especially for the remodel of existing homes. Warmzone will be there every step of the way, and offers full support, including a network of qualified installers across the country.

About Warmzone
Warmzone’s mission is to match customer’s needs with the finest radiant heating systems available. As an intermediary between project requirements and a variety of system choices, Warmzone and warmzone.com offer non-biased, individualized solutions that factor the installation, durability, performance and operational investment as the key criteria of their customers.

Warmzone and warmzone.com are registered marks and are the property of their respective owners.

Press Releases

Warmzone Offers In-Slab Heating Cable for Indoor Radiant Floor Heating

April 15, 2008 – Making a good thing better, Warmzone is adding to its most popular line of radiant heat products to reach an even wider range of users and radiant heat applications. The In-Slab floor heating system is now available for indoor radiant heating in both residential and commercial settings.

The In-Slab floor heating system can be lower in cost than the popular CT system, making radiant heating accessible to more people for their building projects. The In-Slab heating cable and radiant heat system works best in new concrete construction and can be installed under any flooring in both wet and dry environments. In-Slab radiant heating cable offers great features such as: durability, energy efficiency, a 10-year manufacturer warranty, safety approved, and versatility for rooms or walkways of any size and shape.

The In-Slab system can be installed by any competent do-it-yourselfer, or by a preferred Warmzone installer in your area. (However, be sure to have a licensed electrician wire the system.) The In-Slab radiant heat system is controlled by a thermostat with a built-in GFCI and in-floor sensor. The thermostat also has a built-in clock that allows you to program up to four events per day, with the option to manually change for a single event.

Electric radiant heating systems have been gaining popularity throughout Northern America, and many upscale resorts are installing radiant heat to entice customers seeking luxury amenities. Radiant heat is no longer thought of as only a luxury, but as an efficient means to heat homes or work spaces without the use of fossil fuels. The benefits of electric radiant heat extend far beyond added comfort, providing home owners and businesses a green alternative heating solution.

About Warmzone
Warmzone’s mission is to match customer’s needs with the finest radiant heating systems available. As an intermediary between project requirements and a variety of system choices, Warmzone and warmzone.com offer non-biased, individualized solutions that factor the installation, durability, performance and operational investment as the key criteria of their customers.

Warmzone and warmzone.com are registered marks and are the property of their respective owners.