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December 19, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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Hydronic under floor heating are the most
popular form of radiant heaters. This is mainly
because these radiant
heaters have been around the longest. This form of
heating was first used by the Romans, but there
have been significant developments since. In the
most recent hydronic systems, PEX radiant tubing has
been installed in a concrete mass called Gypsum
Concrete or “Gypcrete.” This
method works very well in most applications, but there
have been developments in the installation
process of hydronic under floor radiant
heaters that make it easier to install for certain
situations. This new development is known as a
low-mass or modular board underlayment system.
Rather than embedding the hot water tubing in concrete,
the PEX tubing is laid in the grooves of pre-cut
wood panels. This new method is ideal for
remodeling and most new construction projects.
If you’d like to know more about both types of
hydronic heating systems, contact the expert staff at
warmzone.com. They can help
match your individual project with the best system at the
best price. There isn’t a single system out
there that is an ideal fit for every project, but
there is an ideal system for every project. Also,
because of the relationship that warmzone.com has with the
manufacturers, they can guarantee the lowest price on
the highest quality systems available.
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September 20, 2007 00:09 AM  BY WARMZONE
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With a name like
Warmzone, we have an unspoken obligation to live up to
the task of matching our customers to the best available
system of warmth and comfort. We strive everyday
to ensure that our products and our knowledgeable,
dedicated staff will leave memories of service that is
second to none, and products that will provide years of
enjoyment.
A brief history
of Warmzone allows consumers to understand why Warmzone
was created. Warmzone realized the growth in the radiant
heat industry was causing problems for consumer and
contractors due to the abundance of technical
information and product choices. Making the right choice for
a radiant heat system is crucial and carries serious
implications to its cost and effectiveness.
Serving as an intermediary between manufacturers,
contractors and consumers, Warmzone’s role is to
match individual needs of a project to a heating
system that makes the most sense. We strive to
match our customer’s needs with the finest
radiant heating systems available. Warmzone.com offers
non-biased, individualized solutions that factor the
installation, durability, performance and operational
investment as the key criteria for our customers.
There are several
variables that Warmzone considers when looking at a
project. Some of these variables include: square
footage, the type of floor covering, the amount of
heat needed for a given area, whether that heat will
be the supplemental or primary source, how well
insulated that environment is, and if it is a major remodel
or completely new construction.
Based on this criterion, we can then discuss the benefits of
a radiant heating system and which technology would be
most appropriate for a consumer in terms of
effectiveness, efficiency, operational costs and
overall upkeep and maintenance.
Because radiant
heat is relatively new in the United States, there is a
continuing need to educate consumers about a wide variety of
radiant solutions. In the interest of avoiding
confusion and finding the best possible application,
Warmzone has done most of the homework for our
prospective customers. Our professional consultants
learn the details regarding your heating goals and
then propose a system that can be easily installed and
will fit your budget. Warmzone continues to
strive toward being viewed as the premier radiant
provider. “We want customers to feel
confident in this market and receive honest
information and pricing regarding the best available
products,” says Brandon Weaver, Vice President
of Sales.
With so many
options in the radiant industry, Warmzone.com is helping
contractors and consumers with the pros and cons of each
system. Representatives of Warmzone suggest the
best possible system for any project. We are not
tied to any one manufacturer and will provide the very
best in pricing and information available. Warmzone
has a very direct relationship with select
manufacturers thus eliminating the ‘one size
fits all’ sales pitch normally received by
homeowners. Using various forms of technology,
Warmzone’s focus is to provide customers with
the most pertinent information in record time. We know this
is the key to establishing trust and long term
partnerships.
As heating costs
skyrocket, radiant heating continues to come to the
forefront. We at Warmzone excel in providing options
that are affordable, convenient and specifically
tailored to the needs of individual consumers.
As we match products with needs, we continually strive
to provide our customers with “warm,
pleasurable” heating experiences. After
all, feeling warm IS a wonderful thing!
We would welcome
the opportunity to serve your needs. Visit us at www.warmzone.com, or call
us directly at
1-888-488-WARM.
About Warmzone
Warmzone provides consumers with
energy-efficient, radiant heating solutions for homes
and businesses. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah,
Warmzone's electricians and radiant heat experts will help
you determine the best radiant heating solution,
ranging from electric heated floors to large
commercial snow and ice melt projects. Send us a plan or
drawings and we'll be happy to provide you with a
FREE estimate
and options for your
roof
heating and ice melting
project.
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December 24, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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You may not know that radiant
heaters for your home or business come in a variety
of forms – all efficient and providing
reliable, cozy warmth. Today we’re going to
discuss one form of radiant heaters: hydronic floor
heating.
Quite a name, isn’t it?
Hydronic floor heating is the oldest and most
popular type of radiant floor heating. These systems are
comprised of a boiler or hot water heater,
pumps, manifolds, PEX tubing, thermostat, and
either gypcrete (a concrete-like material) or wood
panels. Hydronic heating is the most complex of
all radiant
heat systems. These systems require trained
professionals to design and perform the
installation. Your best economies of scale are achieved
for hydronic systems in large areas or entire homes
because of their expensive components and
operational costs. Hydronic systems can be
installed under any type of flooring. Most hydronic
systems require hot water tubing to be installed
in a 2-4″ bed of light concrete and are
best installed during the initial construction because
of its weight load demands and adjustments to
floor height.
For heating smaller areas such
as a bathroom or kitchen, a hydronic floor
heating system may not be the best value for your
project. The complexity and cost of installing
the system, along with the long-term maintenance
and up-keep required, might not be worth the small
amount you will save in operational costs.
Radiant Heaters Tip: Many recent
developments have made hydronic systems more
convenient and possible radiant
heater solutions for major home remodeling projects.
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December 28, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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Are you having a
hard time deciding which radiant
heat system is right for you? We know,
it sometimes can be hard to narrow down what kind of
radiant heaters to install. There are dozens of
products available to purchase, and there are even more
companies telling you that their product is the best.
For many homeowners, electric cable heating
systems, often called line- or high-voltage systems,
are gaining popularity and are ideal for heating
smaller areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and sun rooms. These
systems are comprised of a thermostat and a heating
cable. These radiant
heater systems are oftentimes less expensive,
and give the ability to customize a layout that will
heat every square inch of your floor.
Every available radiant heater cable system is
equally effective, so when determining which system to
purchase, you should look at the warranty of the
product, along with the ease of installation. Some cables
must be embedded in a separate layer of concrete or
mortar, whereas other systems can simply be installed
in the thinset. Most radiant heater cable systems can
only be installed under tile. However, on others, if the
cable is embedded in mortar or concrete, any flooring
can be installed on top of the concrete.
Radiant Heaters Tip: When heating smaller
areas, it is nearly impossible to beat the simplicity
and price of an electric cable radiant heating
system.
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December 14, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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If you are looking for a great way to save
energy, and maximize comfort, then radiant
heaters may be the perfect solution. Installing radiant
heaters in a home under construction or in an
existing home is proven to cut heating costs. It
works by putting water lines in the
home’s concrete floors or under existing floors
and running hot water through them. Radiant
heaters help to keep the whole house at a more
constant temperature. In this way, our regular heaters
don’t have to do as much to keep things
warm and toasty during the winter.
Switching to radiant
heaters will not only help save energy, and lower
heating costs, but it ads to comfort as well.
That is because it put the heat at our feet,
which are generally cold, and offers cooler air near
head level, where we are generally a little
warmer.
Many times, what first springs
to mind when people think of eco-friendly energy
and heating is solar power. While solar panels are
expensive, there are other eco-friendly ways to cut your
power bill. In fact, energy savings can be found
right beneath your feet:
radiant
heaters.
Radiant Heaters Tip: Many people waste a
lot of energy by not sealing cracks, doors and
windows; checking to make sure a home’s
insulation is in good shape and replacing it if it’s
not is another good way to stop energy waste.
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December 28, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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If you are looking to warm your floors with radiant
heaters and are trying to research what kind of
radiant heaters to install you might find
yourself scratching your head at this point.
There are dozens of products available to purchase, and
there are even more companies telling you that
their product is the best.
So which product is the best?
Should you install a hydronic heating system
that pumps hot water through your floors, an electric
cable heating system, or a low-voltage screen
system? The answer lies in the type of project
you are doing. Not every system is ideal for every
project, but there is an ideal system for every project.
Hydronic Heating Systems
Hydronic floor heating is the
oldest and most popular type of radiant floor
heating. These systems are comprised of a boiler or hot
water heater, pumps, manifolds, PEX tubing,
thermostat, and either gypcrete (a concrete-like
material) or wood panels. Hydronic heating is the most
complex of all radiant heat systems. These systems
require trained professionals to design and
perform the installation. Your best economies of
scale are achieved for hydronic systems in large areas
or entire homes because of their expensive
components and operational costs.
Hydronic systems can be installed under any
type of flooring. Most hydronic systems require hot
water tubing to be installed in a 2-4″
bed of light concrete and are best installed during
the initial construction because of its weight load
demands and adjustments to floor height. Recent
low-mass products have been developed to avoid
these challenges by fitting the tubing into pre-cut
wood panels, making hydronic systems more convenient and
possible for most major remodeling projects.
If you want to heat smaller areas
like a bathroom or kitchen, a hydronic floor
heating system may not be the best value for
your project. The complexity and cost of installing the
system, along with the long-term maintenance and
up-keep required, is not worth the small amount
you will save in operational costs.
Electric Cable Heating
Electric cable heating
systems, often called line- or high-voltage
systems, are gaining popularity and are ideal for
heating smaller areas (10-300 square feet) like
bathrooms, kitchens, and sun rooms. These
systems are comprised of a thermostat and a heating
cable. On some systems, the cable will be
shipped to you as a large spool of cable. These
systems are oftentimes less expensive, and give you the
ability to space the cable how you want and
customize a layout that will heat every square
inch of your floor. Other systems have the cable
attached to a plastic mesh or tape to create a
mat to maintain its proper spacing.
Every available cable system is equally effective, so when
determining which system to purchase, you should look
at the warranty of the product, along with the ease of
installation. Some cables must be embedded in a
separate layer of concrete or mortar, whereas other systems
can simply be installed in the thinset. Most cable
systems can only be installed under tile. However, on
others, if the cable is embedded in mortar or concrete,
any flooring can be installed on top of the concrete. When
heating smaller areas, it is nearly impossible to beat
the simplicity and price of an electric cable heating
system.
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November 06, 2008 00:11 AM  BY WARMZONE
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There has been
much debate over low voltage radiant systems versus line
voltage radiant systems as radiant heat gains popularity in
North America. The aim of this article is to dispel
some of the myths surrounding the different kinds of
systems.
Myth 1: Low voltage radiant systems are safer than
line voltage.
Low voltage is
low, so it makes sense that it’s safer, right? While
this makes perfect sense initially, we have to take a
closer look to find out the real answer. If your
definition of safe is the chances of being hurt by
voltage during installation, low voltage will give you a bit
of a shock, but won’t cause lasting damage. The
real question we should be asking is how durable is
the cable against damage and how well is the cable
insulated. Both line and low voltage snow melting systems
are embedded in 4 inches of concrete, asphalt, or
under pavers. When installed properly the embedded
systems are not exposed and harmful. Some low voltage
heating wires are NOT designed for embedment. These have
only a thin layer of plastic and a heating element
that is THHN/THWN wire. This wire is intended for
interior use NOT in concrete, asphalt, or under
pavers. Low voltage wires do not have ground fault
protection, so electrical leakage can go undetected.
In contrast, line
voltage obviously has higher voltage, which is why line
voltage cables are built to withstand wear and tear, and are
much more difficult to damage. If you do manage to
damage a line voltage cable, don’t worry! Line
voltage systems are equipped with ground fault
protection (GFEP) breakers with a 30 milliamp trip. Which
means the system will automatically shut off when it
has reached beyond allowable leakage levels. What does
this mean? Well for one you don’t need to worry
about bodily harm, but you also don’t need to worry
about potential fire hazard from a damaged cable. The
bottom line: both line voltage and low voltage systems
are safe to use.
Myth 2: Low voltage radiant systems cost less to
run than a line voltage system.
It is true that
low voltage radiant systems consume a lower amount of
power, but this doesn’t mean it is less costly to
run. Low voltage systems can actually be more
expensive to operate because these systems generally
produce 20 watts/sq ft (which is below ASHRAE standards). By
producing less heat per square foot, it takes longer to heat
the same area, thus increasing the cost and the time
it takes to melt. Because of the decreased heat
output, during heavier snow falls low voltage systems
struggle to keep up with the snowfall, and have to remain on
much longer. For this reason, ASHRAE has set forth
watt standards for snow melting.
Line voltage
systems are designed specifically for the environment in
which they will be operating. These systems are made to
produce the necessary watts (that meet ASHRAE
standards) to melt snow in the most efficient time
possible.
Some low voltage systems on the
market have some distinct advantages over line
voltage. Zmesh is low voltage, but does not rely on
heat cables to generate heat. Instead it is constructed
of a unique thin mesh that requires no embedding in thinset
and can be installed directly under carpet pad,
hardwood and even for use on your roof for snow and
ice melting. The biggest advantage of Zmesh is that you
can hammer nails into it without worry of damage!
Myth 3: Low voltage systems are easier to repair.
Both line voltage
and low voltage cables are easy to repair. Simply
remove the bad section of cable, add in a splice kit, cover
it back over with whatever surface it’s in, and
the system should operate as normal. You do not have
to replace the entire cable or rip out the entire
surface, only the area that is damaged. The location of the
break can be identified by using devices such as the
DEVItrace from Danfoss or a TDR, which uses radio
frequencies and a “wand” to locate the damaged
section of cable.
Myth 4: Low Voltage systems are more efficient.
Low voltage
systems are NOT more efficient. Since these systems have a
much lower output of heat per square foot; they take much
longer to melt snow, especially during heavy snow
storms and probably will not be able to keep up with
the demand. Further increasing their inefficiencies, low
voltage systems must have the electricity pass through a
transformer and very thick power leads (2 gauge),
which causes voltage to drop as it travels distance
before reaching the heating element. Line voltage cables
have the energy to go directly into heating, without the
loss of power. Overall, both line and low voltage
systems are more efficient than hydronic snow melting.
Myth 5: Low voltage systems offer a better warranty.
Some low voltage
warranties are very deceiving. They boast of a 25 year
warranty period, but when examined closer it is found that
the 25 year warranty only covers the heating wire. As
discussed earlier these heating wires are actually
THHN or THWN, which can be purchased relatively
cheaply at any hardware store.
Warmzone’s
line voltage cable manufacturer’s warranty (Danfoss)
covers up five times the cost of the original system
which is intended to cover the cost and time involved
in making repairs, not just the actual heating element
itself.
Myth 6: Both systems provide sufficient heat.
Low voltage
systems in most snow melting applications do not meet the
ASHRAE standards. The minimum watts per square foot ASHRAE
requires in North America is 32 watts per square foot.
Popular low voltage systems on average are designed to
produce approximately 20 watts per square foot and
with extremely tight spacing will max out at 30, still below
the standards ASHRAE has set forth.
Line voltage
systems are designed specifically for the environment in
which they will be operating. These systems are made to
produce the necessary watts (that meet ASHRAE
standards) to melt snow in the most efficient time
possible.
Myth 7: Both systems are UL Approved.
Most low voltage
snow melting systems are not UL listed. Warmzone’s
line voltage systems are UL tested and approved.
SYSTEM WEAKNESSES
- THHN/THWN wire was not designed for concrete
embedment. The outer jacket is soft and easily
cut which will shorten its life.
- Low heat output – Does not satisfy
ASHRAE requirements.
- Bulky and costly controls (transformer and
control box are 100 lbs per 200 square foot
zone).
- Warranty - only covers THHN/THWN wire. Control
box is 1 year, transformer is 5 years.
- Slow to install - the transformer and control
box are complicated and time consuming to
install.
- Noise – transformers emit noise and
location of them must be considered.
- Price – low-voltage systems are
typically double the price of a comparable line
–voltage system.
As radiant
heating systems have gained popularity, a lot of
fly-by-night manufacturers are trying to cash in on
the recent boom. This sparked ASHRAE to come out with
standards for radiant snow melting systems to prevent
abuse from manufacturers. Most low voltage radiant snow
melting systems don’t meet the ASHRAE standards
for quality and efficiency. Unfortunately, not all
consumers are aware of standards in the radiant
industry and purchase faulty products unwittingly and end up
with negativity towards radiant heating in general.
Rest assured there are plenty of efficient radiant
systems that will run smoothly for decades without
needing any maintenance. Make sure to do thorough research
before purchasing any products, which means checking
for proper safety certifications and standards, and
you won't regret it.
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December 13, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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Have you ever gone on a ski vacation for the
weekend and stayed at a little ski
lodge?A lot of the times, they’ll have a
huge fireplace in the main room with smaller
bedrooms up in the loft area or
second-story.But the problem is that when
you’re in the main room with the roaring
fire, you’re often overwhelmed by the heat
and retreat to the bedroom, where it’s far
chillier.You see, many vacation or
weekend homes weren’t built with air conditioning
ducts with which to deliver the heat to the different
rooms of the house. However, there is a solution
to adding heating to homes that have not been
built for traditional forced air systems: radiant
heaters.
As opposed to warm air systems
(such as a forced air unit heaters), radiant
heaters deliver the source of heat to the floor
level, not the ceiling. Radiant
heaters or radiant energy is the oldest form of
heating used to provide comfort and is the basis
for all heating systems.
Additionally, radiant
heaters also offer more comfort than forced air
heating by heating the atmosphere from the
ground up. Since heat rises, the heat will be
more evenly distributed, providing a much more
comfortable atmosphere.
Radiant Heaters Tip: Radiant energy is
totally pure radiation and is absorbed by an object
without physical contact with the heat source or by
heating the surrounding air, as is the case with
convective, forced air systems.
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December 24, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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What a pain! If
you or anyone in your family has asthma or dust
allergies, you know all too well how miserable these
ailments can make a person. Many allergy and asthma
experts will advise certain changes in housekeeping
habits to help alleviate allergy- or asthma-causing
conditions in your home. In addition, you might consider
changing your heat source to radiant heaters.
At first glance, you might not think that
radiant heaters could be such a simple solution to
helping keep your home healthy. In reality, radiant
heaters improve the air quality, which is important,
especially for anyone who suffers from either dust
allergies or asthma. Not having to change air filters
or clean heating ducts should also cut down
dramatically on dust or other allergens in your
home’s air.
Eliminating dust mites that live in your home
would also go a long way towards helping keep your
home healthy. Since dust mites love a warm moist
environment, towel heaters and other radiant heater systems
aid in maintaining a consistent room temperature and
keep it moisture-free…and dust mite-free,
too. Furthermore, mold and mildew are also caused
from excessive moisture especially in bathrooms with
insufficient ventilation.
Radiant Heater Tip: By placing radiant
heaters or a radiant heat towel rack in the bathroom
you can combat the spread of germs for only pennies a
day.
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October 26, 2008 00:10 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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Winter weather is on the way. Start thinking
about heating
system solutions for the coming winter months or
spend the season shivering and wishing
you’d planned ahead. Leaving decisions like this
to the last moment (for example, when your furnace up
and dies in the middle of a brutal
Nor’easter) causes unnecessary stress, expense,
and, most obviously, a freezing cold house.
Whether you are building a new home from the
ground up, preparing to replace your heating
systems are using electricity instead of natural gas
or heating oil. Not only does this cut down on
heating costs, but it is also more efficient and
eco-friendly as well. Radiant heating
systems are quickly replacing traditional furnaces.
Heating Systems Tip: Choosing the best
heating
systems for a new home or to add supplemental heat
to a cold spot in your home now takes a little
homework. The radiant consultants and designers
at Warmzone have been trained in all of the latest
heating systems to properly assess your project
and prescribe a system that will add value to
your home within your budget.
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