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November 29, 2008 00:11 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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With the current housing market being so
unpredictable, we’re seeing an increasing
number of homeowners are opting to stay put in their
homes, rather than buy a new home. They find
that one way to make their current home a better
fit for them is to remodel the kitchen or
bathroom, or upgrade the home’s heating systems.
While there isn’t a single heating
system out there that is an ideal fit for every
project, there is an ideal system for every
project. Warmzone.com can provide you with the
heating
systems you desire, as well as consult with you on
which systems would be the best fit for your
project.
Hydronic under floor heating
systems are some of the most popular forms of
radiant heat. In the most recent hydronic
heating systems, PEX radiant tubing has been
installed in a concrete mass called Gypsum Concrete or
“Gypcrete.” This method of heating
system installation works very well in most
applications, but there have been developments
in the installation process of hydronic under
floor heating 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.
Heating System Tip: The hydronic
under-floor heating
system was first used by the Romans; there have
obviously been significant developments since
that time.
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December 15, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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Yes, it might take a little effort, but being
more environmentally friendly doesn’t
have to involve major renovations. 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 surefire way to stop, prevent, and
reverse energy waste.
Quite simply put, radiant
heaters are the most efficient form of heat
available in today’s market.
Significantly less operating time is required to attain
and maintain the desired warmth compared to
furnaces and other, traditional methods of
heating, which keeps operational costs to a minimum.
High efficiency boilers or
electric radiant floor systems makes radiant
heat one of your most efficient ways to heat your
home. Combined with a well-insulated home these
systems can quickly warm your home and then shut
down or wait idle for long periods of time before being
called upon by the thermostat to operate. Don’t
waste expensive heating fuel another day.
Radiant Heaters Tip: More than ever before,
homebuilders, househunters, and home renovators alike are
looking for energy-efficient heating options for
houses. We say they need look no further than radiant
heaters for their ideal home heating solution.
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December 25, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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For anyone who is looking for a great way to
save energy, and maximize comfort, then radiant
heaters may be the ideal 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.
You’ll find that
switching to Radiant
heaters will not only help save energy and lower
heating costs, but it will certainly add 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: It is reported that
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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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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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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December 13, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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Recently John Thiffault of Carriage Lane
Homes was recognized by the Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation for building homes that
maximize health and efficiency.So what is it about
Thiffault’s homes that set them apart
from other homes, and make them safer and more
efficient?Well, Radiant
Heaters are one way.
Health Benefits. Radiant
heaters improve the air quality, which is
important, especially for anyone who suffers from either
dust allergies or asthma. The heated towel rails
provide ample heat alleviating a breeding ground
for germs to multiply not to mention the added
benefit of not having change filters or clean heat
ducts.
Health experts also claim that
radiant heaters can help in eliminating dust
mites that live in our homes, and since dust mites love
a warm moist environment, towel heaters aid in
maintaining a consistent room temperature and
keep it moisture free. Furthermore, mold and mildew are
also caused from excessive moisture especially in
bathrooms with insufficient ventilation.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.
Efficiency. Radiant
heaters are the most efficient form of heat
available. Significantly less operating time is required
to maintain the desired warmth compared to
furnaces and other methods of heating keeping
operational costs to a minimum. High efficiency boilers
or electric radiant floor systems makes radiant heat one
of your most efficient ways to heat your home.
Coupled with a well insulated home these systems
can quickly warm your home and then shut down or wait
idle for long periods of time before being called upon
by the thermostat to operate.
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April 01, 2010 00:04 AM  BY BENSON RICKS
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Radiant Snow
Melting and Floor Heating Systems Rock Our World
It’s not something you might think of
every day but radiant snow melting systems are
certainly something you’ll wish you had at
certain times of the year. Automated snow melting systems
have proven critical in many parts of the country
– for both commercial and residential
applications. How much easier can it get than to pull into a
snowless driveway after a full day of snow fall? Or better
yet, how about waking up to a snow covered landscape
and a clear driveway?
From heated
driveways and roof ice melting systems to cozy heated
floors, radiant heating has provided new levels of
convenience, comfort and safety in the last few years.
And not only do you have a choice nowadays to install
these conveniences when building a home or commercial
project, but existing driveways and floors can be
retrofitted with electric radiant heating systems. The
technology and products have advanced to the point
where radiant heat offers reliable, fully automated,
maintenance-free performance. You owe it to yourself to
explore the many snow melting and floor heating
options.
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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
embedding. 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 12, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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We’d risk
a guess that a majority of homeowners are probably most
familiar with forced air unit heaters and might not realize
that there are other options for heating a home
– other options that are more efficient and
even more comfortable. One such option is radiant
floor heating, which, as opposed to warm air
systems, delivers the source of heat upwards from the
floor level, not from 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. Radiant energy is heat efficiently
radiating outwards, 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.
It might be hard to believe, but under floor
heat was first used by the Romans. While under floor
heating was initially reserved for the rich, it
eventually became increasingly commonplace in public
buildings and villas. This form of radiant heating was
used particularly in the colder regions of the Roman
Empire. The Roman system was based on hypocausts,
comprising ducts that underlay the floor (itself built on
raised brick piles) and flues that were built into
walls. Hot air or steam from fires circulated up
through this system, warming the floor and walls, with heat
passing into the rooms.
If you’re looking for efficient,
comfortable heat for your home, radiant floor
heating could the solution you’ve been looking
for.
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December 23, 2008 00:12 AM  BY STACEY BARRUS
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Even though
it’s now Springtime (and forecasted high energy
bills), homebuilders, househunters, and home
renovators alike are looking for energy-efficient
heating options for houses. In fact, as builders
and homeowners look for new ways to add value to homes
in a weak housing market, they often look for upgrades
that will add value and efficiency to their homes,
which will help them sell. We say they need look no
further than radiant heaters for their ideal home
heating solution.
In a nutshell, radiant
heaters are the most efficient form of heat available in
today’s market. Significantly less operating
time is required to attain and maintain the desired
warmth compared to furnaces and other, traditional
methods of heating, which keeps operational costs to a minimum.
High efficiency boilers or electric radiant
floor systems makes radiant heat one of your most
efficient ways to heat your home. Combined with a
well-insulated home, these radiant heater systems can
quickly warm your home and then shut down or wait idle
for long periods of time before being called upon by
the thermostat to operate.
Radiant Heaters
Tip: Being more environmentally friendly
doesn’t have to involve major renovations. 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 surefire way to stop,
prevent, and reverse energy waste.
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