Tag Archives: Snow melting controls

HOTNEWS

Ultimate Control

What better way to ring in the new year than by installing a radiant snow melting system? Warmzone snow melting systems feature industry-leading components, and offer a variety of benefits that make them popular among homebuilders today. In addition to eliminating the need to shovel and salt sidewalks, steps, and driveways during the winter months, the systems are fully automated, maintenance free, and extremely energy efficient.

The reason these systems are so efficient is not only because of the inherent characteristics of radiant heat, but because of the industry-leading controllers provided with the systems. Warmzone automated snow melting systems utilize advanced snow sensors (activation devices) that detect temperature as well as precipitation. Customers have the option of installing an in-ground sensor that is mounted directly in the pavement of the driveway, or installing an aerial-mount snow sensor.

Aerial mount snow sensors

Most residential driveway heating systems utilize the aerial-mount sensor. The small unit is typically mounted near the roofline where it has clear access to the elements. The WS-2C activation device features an adjustable setpoint, so when precipitation is detected, and the temperature is below the setpoint (usually set at 39°F), the sensor sends a signal to the contactor panel, which is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. When the panel receives the signal, it then sends power to the embedded heat cable in the driveway, warming the surface to eliminate snow from accumulating. The systems operate only when needed. (Warmzone offers contactor panels that are available with and without GFEP. These advanced panels are designed for electric and hydronic snow melting systems, with a variety available for all types of commercial and residential applications. The contactor panels are pre-wired and UL listed, complete with a NEMA 4 weatherproof enclosure, wiring diagram, terminal connection block and contactors.)

In-ground (pavement-mount) snow sensor for radiant snow melting system.
The in-ground (pavement-mount) snow sensor for radiant snow melting systems.

After the snowstorm, the system remains on for a short time. This “afterrun” function dries the driveway to reduce the chances of ice from forming. This is a valuable feature that helps to ensure safety. Different sensors are available to accommodate other types of snow melting and de-icing systems. The WS-5C is similar to the WS-2c aerial-mount sensor, but is designed for bigger heating loads, such as regulating cable operation in commercial driveways, sidewalks, ramps and more.

The WS-8C is another state-of-the-art aerial-mount sensor, but it designed specifically for roof de-icing systems. The activation device can be used for gutter, downspout, and small satellite antenna de-icing applications. The sealed, low voltage, remote mount precipitation sensor head can be installed in a downspout, the bottom of a gutter, or at the end of an antenna boom, up to 10 feet away from the main controller, which is typically mounted in a more convenient location.

Warmzone WS-8C snow sensor (activation device) for roof de-icing systems.
The aerial-mount WS-8C snow sensor with remote sensor head for radiant roof de-icing systems.

In addition to Warmzone’s premium controllers and system components, Warmzone also includes the industry’s top customer support services. Radiant heat system experts design the system, and provide installers with a detailed AutoCAD, which includes the precise layout of the system components and materials, as well as the proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, and other electrical information needed by your electrician. These detailed layouts serve as the roadmap for installers, and help to simplify the installation.

Additionally, Warmzone includes free installation training for installers. This valuable training can be completed online, via web conference, where the instructor covers every aspect of the installation. The installer can interact and ask questions at any time during the training, which includes installation photos, illustrations, and instructional video clips.

Technical support is also provided by Warmzone radiant heat experts. If installers encounter any issues, or have questions during the installation, they can simply call and talk with an installation expert. Warmzone stands ready to assist installers to help ensure that the system is installed correctly and operating as intended. Warmzone also maintains relationships with experienced installers throughout the country, so you may be recommended a trusted, experienced installer in your area.

For more information about radiant heat systems, and system components, contact a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.

HOTNEWS

Warmzone Introduces the Wi-Fi Controller

As an industry-leading provider of radiant heat solutions, Warmzone is committed to providing its customers with the most advanced radiant heat system controllers and components. The latest addition to Warmzone’s extensive line of products is the Wi-Fi Snow Melting System Controller.

Warmzone’s new controller offers basic Wi-Fi functionality, and can communicate the status of the controller to the user, relaying information so the user can choose how they would like the system to proceed. This is a feature previously not available. For example, when the control unit is activated it sends a notification to the app on your phone, and you can then decide to ignore it or turn it off if you do not want the system to run. It will also send you a notification if it detects a problem with the system’s activation device. This is currently the only Wi-Fi controller available for radiant snow melting systems.

Driveway with heated pavers.

The Wi-Fi snow melting system control unit works with an aerial-mount or in-ground snow sensor to automatically detect snow or ice and activate the system to prevent any snow from accumulating. The unit is compact, and easily installed on a wall in the garage or utility room.

Wi-Fi Control Unit Features:

  • Automatic snow/ice detection
  • Compatible with both in-slab and retrofit aerial sensors
  • Tandem snow/ice detection
  • Operates hydronic or electric on/off systems
  • Supports multiple zones with priority
  • Warm weather shut down
  • Cold weather cutoff
  • Idling and manual storm for quick response
  • Automatic software updates
  • EconoMelt function

Automated snow melting systems operate only when needed, providing efficient, ‘round-the-clock protection to prevent snow and ice from accumulating. In addition to a controller like Warmzone’s Wi-Fi Snow Melting System Controller, the systems typically feature industry-leading ClearZone heat cable and an advanced in-ground or aerial-mounted snow sensor. (Warmzone also offers hydronic (water-based) snow melting systems.)

The snow sensors are capable of detecting precipitation as well as temperature, so when conditions warrant, the sensor triggers the control unit, which then sends power to the embedded heating cable.

Radiant snow melting systems are commonly used to heat residential driveways and sidewalks, as well as commercial properties. The systems not only eliminate the need to shovel, plow or salt the area, but enhance safety, which is of paramount importance for business owners.

To learn more about Warmzone and the many interior and exterior radiant heat options, call a friendly Warmzone representative today, at 888-488-9276.