Category : Blog

Electric Radiant Floor Heating: Exploring The Popularity and Efficiency Considerations

In the realm of modern home comfort, electric radiant floor heating is emerging as a cutting-edge solution that offers both warmth and energy efficiency. This technology, which involves installing heating elements beneath the flooring to emit heat evenly across the room, is gaining widespread attention for its ability to provide a comfortable living environment while minimizing energy consumption. As concerns about energy efficiency and sustainability continue to rise, electric radiant floor heating presents a compelling option for homeowners seeking both coziness and eco-friendliness.

Zmesh electric radiant flooring heating being installed for under hardwood flooring

The growing prevalence of this technology can be attributed to several factors. One key advantage is the even distribution of heat it provides. Traditional heating systems, such as forced air or radiators, often create temperature disparities within a room, leading to pockets of warmth and coolness. In contrast, electric radiant floor heating generates consistent heat from the ground up, resulting in a more balanced and comfortable environment throughout the space. This not only enhances comfort but also contributes to better indoor air quality, as it reduces the circulation of dust and allergens that typically accompany forced air systems.

Efficiency is a central concern for modern homeowners, and electric radiant floor heating delivers on this front as well. To make the most of this technology, several key efficiency considerations should be taken into account.

1. Insulation: Efficient heating starts with proper insulation. Insulating the subfloor effectively helps to retain the heat generated by the radiant system, preventing unnecessary heat loss through the floor. This is particularly crucial in colder climates, where the efficiency gains can be significant.

2. Flooring Selection: The type of flooring used can influence the efficiency of radiant heating. Materials like tile, stone, or concrete are excellent conductors of heat and work well with radiant systems. Carpet and wood, while still compatible, may require slightly higher operating temperatures to achieve the same level of warmth due to their insulation properties.

3. Programmable Thermostats: Installing a programmable thermostat allows precise control over when and where the system operates. This feature ensures that the system only operates when needed, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and potentially leading to considerable energy savings over time.

4. Zoning: Zoning the heating system enables different areas of the house to be heated independently. This is particularly useful for homes with varying heating requirements throughout the day or different usage patterns. By targeting heating only where it’s necessary, overall energy consumption can be reduced.

5. Proper Sizing and Installation: Ensuring that the radiant system is appropriately sized for the room and installed correctly is crucial. An undersized system will struggle to heat the space efficiently, while an oversized system can result in unnecessary energy consumption.

In conclusion, the growing prevalence of under floor heat is a testament to its ability to combine comfort and efficiency. This technology’s even heat distribution, compatibility with various flooring materials, and customization options make it an attractive choice for modern homes. By carefully considering factors like insulation, flooring selection, zoning, and proper sizing and installation, homeowners can optimize their electric radiant floor heating systems for maximum efficiency.

At Heatizon Systems, we stand out as a leading supplier of electric radiant floor heating systems. Our extensive range of solutions is carefully designed to address a variety of heating needs, ensuring exceptional comfort and energy efficiency. In a time where energy efficiency remains a top concern for individuals and communities, embracing innovative and responsible heating solutions like those offered by Heatizon Systems resonates with growing market demands.

Heatizon’s Electric Radiant Floor Heating systems:

Flooring Types:

Learn more about Radiant Heating.

The Importance of Roof Deicing Products

The Importance of Roof Deicing Products: Ensuring Safety and Preventing Roof Damage

ICE DAM - ROOF DEICING

As winter brings its chilly grip, the beauty of snow-capped roofs can quickly turn into a serious hazard for homeowners and building managers. Icy roofs not only pose risks to individuals and property but can also cause substantial damage to the structure itself. Roof deicing products have emerged as essential tools to combat these challenges, as they effectively ensure safety and significantly reduce the potential for roof damage. This article delves into the importance of using Heatizon’s roof deicing products, highlighting their role in safeguarding lives and properties while preserving the structural integrity of roofs.

Safety:

Injury Prevention: One of the primary reasons to invest in Heatizon’s roof deicing products is the critical aspect of safety. Icy roofs can be perilous, as snow and ice accumulation create slippery surfaces that increase the risk of falls. Each winter, thousands of individuals sustain injuries due to slip and fall accidents on icy surfaces and rooftops are no exception. By utilizing Heatizon’s roof deicing products, property owners can minimize the likelihood of such incidents, providing peace of mind to both residents and visitors.

Liability Mitigation: In addition to safeguarding individuals, Heatizon’s roof deicing products also protect homeowners and property managers from potential lawsuits resulting from injuries sustained on their premises. Slip and fall accidents on icy roofs can lead to expensive legal battles and insurance claims. By proactively implementing deicing solutions, property owners demonstrate due diligence in ensuring the safety of those on their property, reducing the chances of legal liability.

Safe Roof Access: For properties that require regular roof access, such as maintenance tasks or equipment installations, deicing products are indispensable. Ice-free roofs facilitate safer access; ensuring workers can carry out their tasks without the added risks associated with navigating slippery surfaces. This helps prevent accidents during roof inspections, repairs, and maintenance routines.

Roof Damage Reduction:

Prevention of Ice Dams: One of the most significant threats to a roof’s longevity during the winter months is the formation of ice dams. Ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts, trickles down to the roof’s colder edges, and refreezes; creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage. The accumulated water can seep under shingles, causing leaks and structural damage to the roof and attic. Heatizon’s roof deicing products help prevent ice dams by ensuring uniform melting of snow and ice, allowing water to flow freely off the roof.

Protecting Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from the roof and foundation. During winter, they are prone to clogging due to ice and snow buildup. Heatizon’s roof deicing products prevent excessive ice accumulation in gutters and downspouts, safeguarding against potential damage caused by overflowing water or ice pressure.

Preserving Roof Integrity: Prolonged exposure to ice and freezing temperatures can compromise the integrity of roofing materials, leading to cracks, warping, and premature deterioration. By using deicing products, homeowners can protect their investment by maintaining the roof’s structural integrity and extending its lifespan.

Heatizon’s roof deicing products offer a powerful combination of safety and roof damage reduction, making them indispensable for property owners in regions prone to harsh winter conditions. By prioritizing safety, deicing solutions mitigate the risk of accidents and protect homeowners from potential liabilities. Simultaneously, these products prevent ice dams, preserve gutters, and maintain the structural integrity of roofs, safeguarding properties from costly damage.

As winter approaches, investing in Heatizon’s roof deicing products is not just a matter of convenience; it is a wise and responsible decision that ensures the well-being of residents, protects properties, and ultimately enhances the longevity of the roof itself.

Roof Deicing, Ice Dam Prevention & Heat Tracing
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Snow Melting on Pedestal Paver Roof Decks

The Crucial Role of Snow Melting on Pedestal Paver Roof Decks: Ensuring Access and Enhancing Recreation

As urban landscapes continue to evolve, architects and developers are embracing sustainable design principles and innovative solutions to optimize limited space. One such innovation is the integration of pedestal paver roof decks, which not only provide functional outdoor spaces but also enhance the aesthetics of buildings. However, as beautiful and practical as these roof decks may be, they present unique challenges during winter months when snow accumulation can disrupt access points and limit recreational activities. The importance of adding Heatizon’s snow melting system on pedestal paver roof decks cannot be overstated, as it ensures critical access and enhances opportunities for recreational enjoyment.

Ensuring Critical Access Points:

Pedestal paver roof decks often serve as vital access points to buildings or areas that require frequent ingress and egress, such as emergency exits, maintenance access, or rooftop lounges. During the winter, snow accumulation on these decks can create hazardous conditions, obstructing pathways and potentially causing accidents. Snow melting systems offer a reliable solution to this problem.

Heatizon’s patented and listed pedestal paver snow melting system is installed beneath the paver surface, preventing snow from accumulating and forming ice. This system comes with automatic activator that senses temperature and precipitation levels, activating only when needed, thus providing a cost-effective and energy-efficient approach. By ensuring critical access points remain clear of snow and ice; these melting systems promote safety, reduce liability risks, and guarantee smooth operations even during harsh winter conditions.

Enhancing Recreation and Utilization:

In addition to facilitating safe access, Heatizon’s snow melting system on pedestal paver roof decks opens up exciting opportunities for recreational activities. Rooftop spaces often serve as communal areas, providing residents, employees, or visitors with a respite from the urban environment. However, without effective snow melting systems, these spaces might remain inaccessible and unused during the winter months, severely limiting their potential.

By keeping the paver surface free of snow and ice, melting systems enable individuals to enjoy recreational activities such as rooftop gatherings, yoga classes, or simply taking in the breathtaking views. The utilization of these spaces throughout the year not only enhances the overall experience for occupants but also maximizes the return on investment for building owners and developers.

Preserving Infrastructure and Longevity:

Snow and ice not only pose risks to people’s safety but can also cause significant damage to the infrastructure of pedestal paver roof decks. As snow accumulates and melts, the freeze-thaw cycle can lead to cracks and water infiltration, compromising the integrity of the paver system. Over time, this deterioration can lead to costly repairs and even necessitate the replacement of the entire deck.

Snow melting systems mitigate these risks by eliminating the accumulation of snow and ice in the first place. By preserving the integrity of the paver system, these technologies extend the lifespan of the roof deck, reducing maintenance expenses and ensuring the sustainability of the investment.

Electrical & Design Considerations:

While the benefits of Heatizon’s snow melting system for pedestal paver roof decks is undeniable, it’s essential to address the potential problem areas. Energy consumption is a concern, especially in regards toward electrical usage. However, Heatizon’s snow melting systems often incorporate smart and automatic control systems that optimize energy usage can reduce the electrical usage. These systems are designed to activate the snow melting only when necessary, preventing excessive energy consumption.

Varying paver size and overall area layout can be a cause for concern for implementation in the early stages. Heatizon has designed a proven process to be able to design a suitable system for any size or shape area. In addition, all the critical components of the pedestal paver system can be customized to suit the size of the pavers, the native project voltage, along with many of variables that unique to each project.

Conclusion:

Pedestal paver roof decks bring a host of advantages to urban spaces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. However, during winter months, snow accumulation can hinder access to critical points and curtail recreational activities. Implementing Heatizon’s Pedestal Paver snow melting system on these decks ensures safe access, enhances utilization, and preserves the infrastructure’s longevity. As technology advances and environmental considerations take center stage, the importance of snow melting on pedestal paver roof decks becomes even more pronounced, ensuring that these spaces remain accessible and enjoyable year-round. By striking a balance between functionality, sustainability, and user experience, cities can continue to evolve with innovative architectural solutions that harmonize with the changing seasons.

Pedestal Paver Snow Melting System

Ice Dams, Snow Loads, Icicles

 

Ice Dams, Snow Loads, Icicles

By Steven D. Bench

Managing Member, Heatizon Systems

 
 

Heatizon Systems products, and their approved applications, proudly carry the ETL Mark for the United States and Canada verifying that they have been tested to and successfully passed the stringent tests established by both UL and CSA. It is important to note that Heatizon Systems Roof Snow and Ice Melt products are the only products available today that are listed for under-roof covering applications.

All of Heatizon Systems products are proudly made in the United States of America and carry a “Made in the USA” label. In order for Heatizon to provide its customers with the highest quality products possible it closely monitors and controls the materials and manufacturing processes used.

Tuff Cable and ZMesh heating elements come with a 25 Year Warranty against material defects and like all of Heatizon Systems products they carry industry leading and precedent setting warranties.

Heatizon Systems makes products that are used for each of the following applications:
$Radiant Snow Melting off of driveways, walkways, handicap ramps, parking lots, etc. in new or existing asphalt, concrete, or pavers.
$Radiant Floor Warming under all floor coverings including hardwood, tile, and carpet.
$Radiant In-Floor Space Heating for all residential and commercial projects.
$Radiant Roof Snow and Ice Melt designed to eliminate ice dams and icicles and manage snow loads under all types of roofing materials including metal.

For additional information on Heatizon Systems products please visit www.heatizon.com

 

  
     

Heatizon’s Spec Projects

Press Release

For Immediate Release

September 24, 2007 – Heatizon Systems products are selected for snow-melting project at Islip Public Library in New York.

Murray, Utah – The Architect Firm of Beatty Harvey & Associates selected Heatizon Systems products for their snow melting needs at the Islip Public Library in New York.  The projects electrical contractor, L.E.B. Electric will be installing the Tuff Cable heating element in front of the Islip Public Library. 

The 5 zone system will provide snow melting for the entrance and walkway, totaling over 1,400 square feet.  The system, designed by Cy Sherwood of WarmQuest, is installed on 6” x 6” x 4” gauge remesh with elevated chairs in new pour concrete.

The system will be activated with CBX7 Control Units, which are installed in rough-in boxes installed on concrete in the building’s interior, and will be activated with a selector box and a pavement mounted snow sensor in the front entrance.

The Islip Public Library serves approximately 19,500 residents, according to Lauraine Farr Kindler, the Senior Librarian for the facility, and had a total circulation of almost 250,000 items last year.

Affordable-Snow-Ice-Melting-Solutions

Affordable SnowMelt Solutions

By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer

December 21, 2007

Snowmelt systems are designed to take the sting out of Utah winters.

Last week we discussed a permanent system to keep snow and ice off your driveway. The system, which can be expensive, features electric cables or hot water pipes running under your driveway.
Today we’ll discuss some other options that may add convenience to your winters without sending you to the poor house.

The first option is to use an electric cable system, but to install it judiciously, heating only critical areas. For instance, instead of heating an entire driveway, you could heat only narrow strips corresponding to the wheel base of an automobile.

This would allow vehicular access in and out of a garage without having to shovel the entire area until a more convenient time.

Portable heated walkway mats are one of the less-expensive options for melting snow and ice.

Perhaps you are concerned about the safety to the walkways around your home. Portable snow melting mats are one solution. The mats are designed to lie on top of existing surfaces as opposed to being imbedded in the walkway. The electric units can be placed in any area where snow and ice accumulate and work on the same principle as other snowmelt systems, continuously melting snow as it comes in contact with the warm surface.

The mats are manufactured with an electrically operated heating element sandwiched between two protective surfaces of nonslip rubber. They are durable and provide a much more secure footing for pedestrians. They are not appropriate for use in driveways.

Portable snowmelt mats operate by plugging them into any outlet. They come in either 110 or 240 volt options and in sizes ranging from 2 feet by 3 feet up to 3 feet by 25 feet. Several mats can be hooked together to achieve a configuration to suit your situation.

The cost of a 2-foot-by-3-foot mat is less than $200, while the 3-foot-by-25-foot version is more than $2,000.

Snowmelt mats come only in black, but there is another option if you already have a mat or outside rug. You can purchase an underlay mat that functions the same way as a snowmelt mat, but it only features a heating element without the rubber surface.

Stairs pose another concern. Electric rubber treads have the same slip-resistant surface as the mats but are sized to fit one to a stair tread. Sizes range from 9 inches by 2 feet ($125 each) up to 11 inches by 5 feet ($205 each). The treads are wired together and operate from a single plug.

There is also a more permanent (though pricey) solution to icy stairs. Heated aluminum stair treads can replace the steps of an existing stairway or be used in constructing a new exterior staircase. These range in cost per tread from $255 for a 9-inch—by-2-foot tread up to $510 for an 11-inch—by-5-foot tread. While the aluminum option is permanent, the mats and rubber stair treads are seasonal — just roll them up and put them away in the spring.

Portable snow mats and stair treads come with the option of automatic moisture and temperature sensors so they can respond automatically to the climate if you are not home to plug them in. They offer the same convenience and safety as a full-blown snowmelt system without melting away all your funds.

Article written by Ann Robinson and Annie Achwemmer the founding principals of Renovation Design Group, a Salt Lake City based architectural firm specializing in residential remodeling. See examples of Home Renovations on their website. This article posted on heatizon.com with written permission from Renovation Design Group. © 2005 Renovation Design Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Renovation Design Group.

Radiant Trak Portable Snow Melting Mats

Toasty Toes Floor Warming

Toasty toes: Radiant Floor Heating Warms Tiles from Below

Northern Virginia Daily
by Sally Voth, Daily Staff Writer
28 September, 2007

There’s nothing like a hot bubble bath on a frigid winter’s night. And, nothing snaps you back to reality faster than stepping out of the tub and onto a cold tile floor.  These days, fewer people are experiencing the discomfort of cold feet. That’s thanks to floors being warmed with radiant heat.

A room at the Old Waterstreet Inn, at 217 W. Boscawen St. in Winchester, with heated tile floors in the bathroom, is especially popular in winter, innkeeper Jeannie Faith said.

“They love it,” she said. “It’s very nice when you step in in the morning or the evening, and it’s warm under your feet. It’s very efficient. It actually helps with the heating bills to have it. We’re actually considering building a house in the next five years, and we will definitely put the radiant heat in when we build.  “It gives a whole coziness to the room that you don’t have otherwise.”  Faith and her Norwegian husband have a cabin in Norway with radiant heat in the bathroom and kitchen.

“In Norway, they would never put a tile floor down without radiant heat,” she said.
WarmQuest, based in Salt Lake City, sells two types of radiant heating systems, Tuff Cable and ZMesh, said Ryan Bench, the company’s Web master.  ZMesh is a 12-inch-wide bronze screen heating element that is no thicker than screen-door material, he said. It can go underneath carpet, hardwood floors and tile.  The Tuff Cable is for tile and cemented floor coverings and causes a little floor buildup, Bench said.   According to heatizon.com, Tuff Cable uses a 10-gauge coated copper cable. Heatizon manufactures Tuff Cable and ZMesh.

With the ZMesh there’s virtually no buildup, he said, and it’s nailed or stapled in place, so long as there’s no conductive material where the nailing or stapling would go.  “[Radiant heat] heats up the floor, and then it starts heating up the objects that are on the floor,” Bench said. “So, it’s not heating up the air. It’s heating up the objects instead. Also, objects radiate out the heat. 

“All the power that goes in, goes back to the transformer and makes it pretty much a loop.”
Both of WarmQuests’ systems are low-voltage, he said.  “It has a step-down transformer with a control box that converts high-voltage to low-voltage,” Bench said. 

About 12 to 15 volts are put out per square foot.  Putting in radiant heat is popular in remodeling jobs, Bench said. The company also uses it for de-icing and snow melting in roofs and driveways. The Tuff Cable goes in driveways and ZMesh under asphalt roof shingles.

The spaces they are used for vary. “We have systems for small bathrooms 110 square feet and less,” Bench said. “We also have systems for as big as you want to go. Some people put it in their entire house for their primary heat source. Some people supplement their heat source with it. A lot of it’s new construction as well. It’s starting to get really popular.“It’s economical to run, depending on what your kilowatt hour rate is. [It] usually cuts down on utilities, especially if it’s supplementing the heat source.”The larger the area of the house being heated with radiant heat, the cheaper the square-foot price, he said. For instance, a 110 square-foot bathroom might cost $10 to $12 per square-foot, compared to $8 per square-foot for larger areas.A different style of radiant floor heat, hydronic radiant heat, is used by Whittington Construction Co. in Front Royal. Water is used either from the home’s hot water heater or a separate boiler system, Steve Whittington said. It runs through tubing in the flooring.

He said this system has been installed in two or three of the custom homes the company has built.  “It’s just coming to this area,” Whittington said. “It’s been slow-moving up here because the cost is quite a bit more. It’s the initial installation cost.”

He said the system was installed throughout an entire house that had concrete floors, while another house just had it on the first floor, in the great room, kitchen and bathrooms.

“The one that I’m working on now is going to be in the bathroom, kitchen and eating area,” Whittington said. This latest home has piping that’s already integrated into the subfloor when the panels are bought. It is known as warmboard, Whittington said. There are several benefits to radiant floor heat, he said. “When you get up in the morning, if you have hardwood floors, or if they’re [a] non-carpet surface, these are really more comfortable, and really, it’s more even heat,” Whittington said. “Radiant heat heats up the whole mass, and it radiates from that point to heat the entire mass up. With forced-air heating, you have hot spots and cold spots.”

R Contact Sally Voth at svoth@nvdaily.com

WHY ETL & CSA? UL vs. ETL

OSHA the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the US government’s enforcement arm for safety and health issues has been tasked with overseeing professional independent testing laboratories. The best known of all independent testing laboratories is Underwriters Laboratories, UL.

UL was established by insurance underwriters to find ways to reduce unsafe hazards in the marketplace, thereby reducing dramatic insurance claims. Since its inception, UL has, been involved with writing standards of safety acceptability in the United States. They have been one of the premier developers of safety standards but they have not been the only group to write standards. Groups like NEMA, IEEE, and ANSI have also contributed to the development of standards. Similarly UL is not the only independent testing laboratory.

OSHA has become the certification agency for independent testing laboratories in the United States. A group of engineers who decide to do testing as a business must qualify through OSHA to function as an independent test facility. Further-more, they must show competence in specific areas, fire testing, for instance. Once they have demonstrated competence in the area of fire testing and have shown that they possess the facilities and equipment to do fire testing, OSHA will certify them as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to do fire testing. Factory Mutual, FM, is one such NRTL for fire testing, Southwest Laboratories is another.

Many independent testing laboratories have NRTL status. Most are relatively specialized and limited in their scope. The three major testing laboratories that operate in the United
states that have a wide scope of testing qualification are, UL, CSA, and ETL. They are certified by OSHA as NRTLs.

NRTL status tells all customers that the services performed by these companies, to list or to label products, is reliable and legally binding throughout the United States. ETL, originally known as Edison Testing Laboratories, is an old, respected, nationwide testing group with credibility equal to UL or CSA. Therefore an ETL listing label is legally binding nationwide and should instill equal consumer confidence in the manufacturer that they have cared enough to submit their products to the rigorous safety compliance process and achieved the right to apply a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory label that certifies compliance assurance.

Radiant Roof Snow Melt and Deicing

Damage caused to buildings, people and property by snow and ice build-up and removal, ice dams, and icicles amounts to millions of dollars each year. The effectiveness of the methods historically used to manage snow and ice related problems has been spotty at best. The traditional methods used to prevent these large dollar problems fall into three categories: “Icicle Management”, “Water Channeling”, and “Elimination”. Each of these three categories traditionally includes one or more of the following approaches:

Icicle Management – This category encompasses those efforts designed to eliminate or otherwise manage the icicles along the eave line and do not attempt to address the causes nor problems resulting from ice dams. Traditional methods used to manage icicles along the drip-edge of the eave include: nothing or the “ignore them and they will eventually go away, hopefully before something or someone is damaged”, approach, labor intensive and dangerous manual removal, and expensive and often times cosmetically unattractive high voltage cables or hot liquid tubing sandwiched between two layers of metal.

Water Channeling – Included in channeling are high voltage cables that are attached to the top of the roof covering material. Installed in a fashion that looks like the letters “W” or “V” high voltage cables are attached to the shingles or other roof covering material with a variety of proprietary clips. Once attached to the shingles and energized these high voltage products are designed to provide a channel for water, created by melting snow and ice, to travel off of the roof.

Elimination – This approach is designed to eliminate snow and ice from both the roof in a manner that reduces or entirely eliminates icicles from the eave edge and eliminates the potential damage caused by ice dams. Historical experiments designed to eliminate snow and ice from the roof included partially effective and prohibitively expensive experiments such as heating the attic space and attaching hot liquid filled tubing to the underside of the sub-roof. Unfortunately these experiments most often result in exorbitant energy costs and many times contributed to and/or intensified the problem originally targeted for solution.

Heatizon Systems’ patent pending radiant roof snow melt and deicing products are the only products available today that are installed on top of the sub-roof and below the roof covering material and designed to eliminate snow and ice from the roof and manage the icicles along the eave edge. Period!

In addition Heatizon Systems radiant roof snow melt and de-icing products are:

  • Listed to UL Standards by Intertek, a nationally recognized testing laboratory approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, and have earned the right to carry the ETL mark.
  • Backed by an industry leading 25 year warranty on both ZMesh and Tuff Cable heating elements.
  • 100% efficient.
  • Proudly made in the United States of America.

Heatizon Radiant Heat

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