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.

The Mystery Warranty

How much do you really know about the warranties offered by manufacturers? Sure it may say “25 Year Warranty” on the package, but what exactly does that mean? Most manufacturers of radiant heating systems offer a warranty, but a 25 year warranty isn’t always better than a 10 year warranty and this is why:

I chose the Danfoss GX electric radiant heat cables to build an asphalt heated driveway at my residence. The heat of the asphalt combined with heavy weight, caused me to wonder how the GX cables were going to hold up, and what would happen if a problem occurred. I was pleased to discover that Danfoss products have a 10 year warranty, that covers up to 5 times the cost of original installation. Why is this exciting? Because the failure of a radiant heating system isn’t like a vacuum cleaner breaking down, you can’t throw it in your car and bring it back to the store for a refund. Fixing a severed cable requires tearing up the surface of the driveway – or in the case of indoor radiant heating, tearing up your brand new tiles or wood flooring. The process of tearing up a floor or driveway is time consuming and costly, not to mention annoying. Many manufacturers will replace the bad product, but you still have to pay out of your own pocket to tear up the floor and hire someone to fix the problem.

Danfoss is so sure that you won’t have any problems, their warranty is the best offered by radiant heat manufacturers. Not only do you get brand new Danfoss product, but they will cover the cost of floor removal, and reinstallation (up to 5 times the cost of the original installation). So when you install your radiant floor or driveway, you can rest easy knowing that unexpected problems are already covered.

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.

Radiant Heaters Tip: If you are looking for a great way to save energy and maximize comfort in your home at the same time, then radiant heaters may be the perfect solution for you.

Radiant Heaters Tip: whether you’re building a new home or updating your current home, you owe it to yourself to check out the comfort that radiant heat has to offer.

Mostly the radiant heat panels are attracted to the sub floor using approximately 10 screws per panel. Manufacturer recommendations include screwing and fastening adhesive when installing the panel. An electrometric bonding material is placed in the grooves prior to tube installation. The tube is pressed into the groove flush with the surface of the panel. Though the installation does not take much time, you may want to consult the professionals at warmzone.com if you’re considering installing your own radiant heating system.

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.  

As demands for lower energy costs increase, 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.
In a nutshell, radiant heating is among the most efficient forms 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.