Archive for March, 2008
Electric Radiant Heat For The Masses
Posted by radiant heat in In Floor Radiant Heat on March 22nd, 2008
Michael Singer asked:
Imagine warmth radiating from the ground up, producing evenly heated rooms at lower temperatures, no constant hassle with the thermostat and lower energy and heat bills. This dream is an every day, all-day reality for those with electric radiant heat systems in and around their homes.
But saving extra money in the warmth of your own home is only part of the advantage of employing electric radiant heat. Add the fact that such a heat source helps allergy sufferers by reducing the levels of mold, dust and pollen spread by typical forced air systems and the benefits multiply. And don’t forget doing your part to clean up the environment by being able to throw out those snow-melting salts and chemicals, as well as the burnt fuel used in other heating methods.
While most electric heating systems distribute heat by circulating warm air throughout a room, electric radiant heat takes a different approach. By warming surfaces to directly heat objects and, therefore, people in your home, this heating alternative is gaining popularity by the day.
Often embedded in the ceiling or floor of a given room, each system comes complete with a thermostat to choose the right temperature for each room in your house in use. If occupants turn the heat on and off as they enter and exit rooms in use, utility bills will inevitably decrease. Pros in the radiant heat business state this is the perfect solution to reducing energy consumption in unused rooms and saving up to 30 percent on heating and electric costs.
In addition, if electric rates vary by time of day, you can save money by setting the clock thermostat to heat the slab during off-peak hours when electric rates are lowest.
At that point, the preheated floor can warm the house through high-cost, high-peek hours to maintain comfortable temperatures without using too much additional energy.
With low-voltage systems utilizing Zmesh technology, simple under-floor mats or cables, electric radiant heat occupies no visible space. As opposed to hydronic heating systems where water is heated by a boiler or water heater and pumped through tubes underneath the floor, an electric system is much easier to install and less expensive to operate and zone.
The lower installation costs of electric radiant heat help offset high fuel costs, lower the otherwise impending costs of supplemental energy and there are additional savings from forgetting the hassle of heaving inefficient or leaky ductwork.
More specifically, electric mats are similar to electric blankets, made up of loops of cable embedded in a fabric that often looks mesh-like. They come in a range of standard sizes and are easy to install based on their thin exterior.
On the other hand, Zmesh heating systems, measured at barely 1/16 of an inch, are basically a bronze, electrically conductive screens. Such an element usually measures 12 inches wide and comes in lengths from 50 to 350 feet. Installation is a simple process of retrofitting the Zmesh to an existing floor or building it into newly constructed homes.
When looking for the right electric radiant heat system, a short delivery time, easy to understand installation directions and simple electrical connections are important to keep in mind.
Ida
Imagine warmth radiating from the ground up, producing evenly heated rooms at lower temperatures, no constant hassle with the thermostat and lower energy and heat bills. This dream is an every day, all-day reality for those with electric radiant heat systems in and around their homes.
But saving extra money in the warmth of your own home is only part of the advantage of employing electric radiant heat. Add the fact that such a heat source helps allergy sufferers by reducing the levels of mold, dust and pollen spread by typical forced air systems and the benefits multiply. And don’t forget doing your part to clean up the environment by being able to throw out those snow-melting salts and chemicals, as well as the burnt fuel used in other heating methods.
While most electric heating systems distribute heat by circulating warm air throughout a room, electric radiant heat takes a different approach. By warming surfaces to directly heat objects and, therefore, people in your home, this heating alternative is gaining popularity by the day.
Often embedded in the ceiling or floor of a given room, each system comes complete with a thermostat to choose the right temperature for each room in your house in use. If occupants turn the heat on and off as they enter and exit rooms in use, utility bills will inevitably decrease. Pros in the radiant heat business state this is the perfect solution to reducing energy consumption in unused rooms and saving up to 30 percent on heating and electric costs.
In addition, if electric rates vary by time of day, you can save money by setting the clock thermostat to heat the slab during off-peak hours when electric rates are lowest.
At that point, the preheated floor can warm the house through high-cost, high-peek hours to maintain comfortable temperatures without using too much additional energy.
With low-voltage systems utilizing Zmesh technology, simple under-floor mats or cables, electric radiant heat occupies no visible space. As opposed to hydronic heating systems where water is heated by a boiler or water heater and pumped through tubes underneath the floor, an electric system is much easier to install and less expensive to operate and zone.
The lower installation costs of electric radiant heat help offset high fuel costs, lower the otherwise impending costs of supplemental energy and there are additional savings from forgetting the hassle of heaving inefficient or leaky ductwork.
More specifically, electric mats are similar to electric blankets, made up of loops of cable embedded in a fabric that often looks mesh-like. They come in a range of standard sizes and are easy to install based on their thin exterior.
On the other hand, Zmesh heating systems, measured at barely 1/16 of an inch, are basically a bronze, electrically conductive screens. Such an element usually measures 12 inches wide and comes in lengths from 50 to 350 feet. Installation is a simple process of retrofitting the Zmesh to an existing floor or building it into newly constructed homes.
When looking for the right electric radiant heat system, a short delivery time, easy to understand installation directions and simple electrical connections are important to keep in mind.
Ida
Radiant Heat, A Hot Trend
Posted by radiant heat in In Floor Radiant Heat on March 21st, 2008
Sheryl Walters asked:
The struggle for survival has evolved across centuries from the attainment of basic food, water, and shelter to the ongoing battle of job security, crime, and stability within the home. Constructed through family or neighborly efforts, the four walls and weatherproof roof once considered sufficient shelter is no longer admired in today’s competitive society.
Countless resources and skilled professionals are increasingly available to add beauty, detail, luxury, and exclusivity to the homes of those daring to venture the sea of possibilities and associated costs of time and money. Among this array of possibilities exist products fit to meet the demands for luxury and detail without compromising efficiency, or cost effectiveness. These radiant heat products are highly functional in a variety of applications to upgrade both commercial and residential properties and enhance exterior and interior settings. Whether simply desiring warm, soothing floors or seeking to implement an alternative heat source more efficient in output, radiant heat systems are rapidly setting a standard of excellence in providing both comfort and quality.
Eliminate the shock and discomfort of frigid, hard surface floor coverings through the addition of luxurious radiant heat. These systems are easily installed in new construction developments or remodeling projects, but may also be added to existing floors located above crawl spaces or unfinished basements. Truly innovative, radiant heat products are clean, quiet, and create virtually no floor buildup that could interfere with other phases of construction and the overall appearance of interior details. Equally impressive is the fact that radiant heat elements effectively function in combination with various types of subfloors and an extensive selection of coverings. These proven, high-quality systems have been refined for decades, achieving the goal of transmitting slipper like warmth through tile, hardwood, vinyl, carpet, marble and any other stone varieties. With such versatility, radiant heat allows for flexibility and creativity in the design process of a system exclusive to each distinctive home and the unique individuals who reside within.
Beyond the scope of warm, cozy floors lies the possibility of an entire system of alternative heat through the careful design and installation of radiant heat elements. Effective as a primary heat source, radiant products are safe, more efficient, and cleaner than the forced air systems most commonly found in present-day, homes. The heating elements operate at a low-voltage rate to ensure the safety of the unit, the home, and most importantly, the occupants. The computer operating system carefully monitors temperature and shuts down automatically upon detection of signs of dysfunction. In addition to the guarantee of safety, radiant heat systems efficiently transform all energy consumed into heat that warms floors, furniture, objects, and people all located in the lower portions of each room. The warm air from forced air systems escapes from vents and quickly rises to top of the room, leaving occupants below uncomfortably exposed to uneven temperature distribution and drafts of cold air. Radiant heat units, however, maintain consistent, even warmth, resulting in the ability to comfortably lower thermostat settings and consume less energy. A radiant heat system can provide a valuable source of alternative heat for the environmentally friendly, the budget savvy and those conscientious of safety and efficiency. With energy costs rising and external pressures mounting, allow radiant heat to contribute to the art of making a house a home where reassurance, relief, rest, and relaxation should meet to rejuvenate all who enter.
Colleen
The struggle for survival has evolved across centuries from the attainment of basic food, water, and shelter to the ongoing battle of job security, crime, and stability within the home. Constructed through family or neighborly efforts, the four walls and weatherproof roof once considered sufficient shelter is no longer admired in today’s competitive society.
Countless resources and skilled professionals are increasingly available to add beauty, detail, luxury, and exclusivity to the homes of those daring to venture the sea of possibilities and associated costs of time and money. Among this array of possibilities exist products fit to meet the demands for luxury and detail without compromising efficiency, or cost effectiveness. These radiant heat products are highly functional in a variety of applications to upgrade both commercial and residential properties and enhance exterior and interior settings. Whether simply desiring warm, soothing floors or seeking to implement an alternative heat source more efficient in output, radiant heat systems are rapidly setting a standard of excellence in providing both comfort and quality.
Eliminate the shock and discomfort of frigid, hard surface floor coverings through the addition of luxurious radiant heat. These systems are easily installed in new construction developments or remodeling projects, but may also be added to existing floors located above crawl spaces or unfinished basements. Truly innovative, radiant heat products are clean, quiet, and create virtually no floor buildup that could interfere with other phases of construction and the overall appearance of interior details. Equally impressive is the fact that radiant heat elements effectively function in combination with various types of subfloors and an extensive selection of coverings. These proven, high-quality systems have been refined for decades, achieving the goal of transmitting slipper like warmth through tile, hardwood, vinyl, carpet, marble and any other stone varieties. With such versatility, radiant heat allows for flexibility and creativity in the design process of a system exclusive to each distinctive home and the unique individuals who reside within.
Beyond the scope of warm, cozy floors lies the possibility of an entire system of alternative heat through the careful design and installation of radiant heat elements. Effective as a primary heat source, radiant products are safe, more efficient, and cleaner than the forced air systems most commonly found in present-day, homes. The heating elements operate at a low-voltage rate to ensure the safety of the unit, the home, and most importantly, the occupants. The computer operating system carefully monitors temperature and shuts down automatically upon detection of signs of dysfunction. In addition to the guarantee of safety, radiant heat systems efficiently transform all energy consumed into heat that warms floors, furniture, objects, and people all located in the lower portions of each room. The warm air from forced air systems escapes from vents and quickly rises to top of the room, leaving occupants below uncomfortably exposed to uneven temperature distribution and drafts of cold air. Radiant heat units, however, maintain consistent, even warmth, resulting in the ability to comfortably lower thermostat settings and consume less energy. A radiant heat system can provide a valuable source of alternative heat for the environmentally friendly, the budget savvy and those conscientious of safety and efficiency. With energy costs rising and external pressures mounting, allow radiant heat to contribute to the art of making a house a home where reassurance, relief, rest, and relaxation should meet to rejuvenate all who enter.
Colleen

