Ask Us Anything Radiant Heating Solutions for the Home

Awesome. Thank you, everybody, for joining us. Sorry for the technical difficulties. We're still figuring out hosting on Zoom, so we're getting this going. My name is Lynn, and I am a customer service rep here at WarmlyYours. I'm joined by one of our amazing technical guys, Scott. Thank you for being here, everyone. If you have any questions during today's presentation, please feel free to type them in the chat. If we don't see them right away, we'll definitely get to them by the end of the presentation.

Jumping right in, we want to talk about our floor heating products first, especially our TempZone product, which is definitely one of our best sellers and a very popular floor heating solution. TempZone is compatible with most flooring types, including tile, stone, hardwood, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). It is also available in shower floor and shower bench mats, offering a variety of options for different applications. Scott, can you tell us a little bit more about what TempZone is and when it would be used?

Certainly! One of the questions we often receive is whether you can heat showers. The answer is yes; the TempZone product displayed on the screen is wet location listed, making it suitable for use in showers. This versatility allows it to be installed with just about any type of flooring. If you're considering an easier option, such as a stretch-in carpet application or laminate, we have a different product designed for that, which simplifies installation. TempZone is only an eighth of an inch thick and is embedded in 3/8 to a half inch of thinset or self-leveling compound, so you don't have to worry about height adjustments. It's a great product that is waterproof and can be used almost anywhere except outdoors.

Looking at the picture on the last slide, this is a good example of the two main options you have with TempZone: cut and turn mats or loose cable. On the next slide, you'll see the different options for cable installation. Can you walk us through the choices available for cable installation, Scott?

Absolutely! Cable installations do not require a membrane, unlike some systems that mandate a membrane for installation. This means you can save on costs if your floor doesn't require one. You can use cable fixing strips, which are placed along the perimeter of the room, allowing you to string the cable back and forth within those strips. It's crucial to maintain the correct spacing between the cables; they should never overlap or touch each other, as that could lead to future issues. Both the Perdesso membrane and fixing strips are designed to keep the cables spaced correctly.

Moving on to another floor heating option, we have Envirin. This product is designed for different types of flooring compared to TempZone. Can you explain where Envirin would be utilized?

Envirin is not wet location listed, so it is not suitable for use in showers. However, it can be used in bathrooms, but it is important to note that it is water-resistant, not waterproof like TempZone. This product is ideal for use under carpet, laminate, or floating engineered wood in the United States, but it should not be used for LVT or any vinyl products. Envirin is a floating system, meaning it is not glued down; it simply sits in a layer, making it one of the fastest installations available for heating a floor.

When it comes to underlayment, we often receive questions about whether insulation is needed beneath or above the floor heating. Generally, if you're working with a concrete slab, you should insulate with our Cerazorb, which is a synthetic cork. Can you explain the importance of Cerazorb and what we're looking at in this picture?

In the picture, we are isolating the heating wire from the concrete slab. Concrete tends to pull heat down, which means the area where you want to feel warmth—where your feet are—won't receive it. By placing an R-value material like Cerazorb between the concrete slab and the heating wire, you can direct the heat upward instead of downward. This is essential for achieving the warm floors you desire. The thermal camera image shows a tile job where a section was left without Cerazorb. The blue area indicates where the heat is being absorbed into the slab, while the insulated areas show where the heat is rising. This image was taken shortly after activation, demonstrating a significant temperature difference.

To summarize, if you want temperatures in the 80s, use Cerazorb over concrete. If you're okay with temperatures in the low 70s, which may not feel warm, you can place the heating wire directly on the concrete. Cerazorb has a 1.5 R-value, is only a quarter of an inch thick, and is lightweight and easy to install. You can use modified thinset to set the tile, which is readily available at any big box store. It's important to note that while some people use cork, it must be rated as an underlayment, not the type used for bulletin boards. Cork can absorb water, so it's not suitable for wet areas. Cerazorb, being synthetic, does not harbor mold, making it a better choice for such conditions.

Our last floor heating system is our indoor slab heating, which is available in cut and turn mats or loose cable. This is an excellent option if you're working with a concrete floor as the finished surface, such as stamped or polished concrete. When pouring a new slab, it's important to remember that heating a slab takes longer because you're heating four to six inches of concrete. Most of our other systems heat only an inch to an inch and a half at the surface. Therefore, the thinner the application, the faster it will heat and usually the warmer it will get.

For slab heating, the cable must be positioned in the middle of the slab, not resting on the ground. This ensures that the heat rises to the top surface. The key is to install the cable at least an inch and a half deep within the slab for optimal performance.

Next, let's discuss our comfort heating products, particularly radiant panels. These are fantastic if you're not looking to change your flooring. For instance, in my own home, I have original hardwood floors that can get quite cold. Radiant panels provide a warm, comfortable heat without requiring extensive installation work. Scott, can you explain how these panels are installed and what we see in this image?

Radiant panels can be installed on the ceiling or walls. The Ember Flex units can be mounted on the ceiling, while the glass Ember units are designed for wall installation. These panels are lightweight and can be placed on the ceiling, similar to how the sun warms you. If you can see the panel, you'll feel the heat. However, if the panel is in another room and you walk through a door, you won't feel the heat. Therefore, placing them on the ceiling is effective because they will be visible from most locations in the room.

You can control the radiant panels using a simple switch or a thermostat, as shown in the image. For larger rooms, you may need multiple panels to ensure even heating. For example, if you have a large room, placing several panels strategically will help distribute the heat effectively.

Regarding the wiring for these radiant panels, they operate on a line voltage system of 120 volts. You'll need a line voltage thermostat, which is different from the one used for your furnace. We offer these thermostats, and they function similarly to electric floor heating, but the heat comes from the walls or ceiling instead of the floor. You can choose to hardwire them or use a plug-in option, allowing for flexibility in installation.

Next, let's talk about our heated towel warmers. We have a wide variety of electric heated towel warmers, most of which are dual connect models. Can you explain what makes the dual connect models special?

The dual connect units do not require a wall plate, which is often associated with wall-mounted devices. If you prefer a wall plate, we offer towel warmers that can be hardwired. The dual connect models can be either hardwired or plugged in, giving you the flexibility to choose based on your installation needs. This is particularly beneficial for apartment dwellers who may not be able to install new outlets.

Another fantastic bathroom product we offer is our LED mirrors, specifically our Marquee series. These mirrors come with a touch power button that is flush against the surface. Can you explain how these mirrors are controlled?

You can connect the LED mirrors to an existing light circuit or leave them independent. If connected directly to power, simply touch the button on the front to turn it on or off.

Moving on to our countertop heaters, these are a luxury product designed to provide warmth in chilly areas, such as stone countertops or overhangs. We offer four sizes, and they are easy to install. Can you explain how these heaters work and how they are wired?

The countertop heaters utilize a peel-and-stick application. You simply stick them to the underside of the countertop and plug them in like a laptop. Many people run a hole through the back of the island where the heater is located, allowing for a discreet installation. These heaters warm up slowly, making them ideal for materials like marble. Most users find it best to leave them on continuously, as they do not consume a lot of power and operate at low voltage.

Our mirror defoggers are another favorite product of mine. They provide an economical way to enhance your bathroom experience, making it feel more like a spa. These come ready to install in various shapes to fit most mirror types. Can you explain how to use these mirror defoggers?

The mirror defoggers also use a peel-and-stick application, which makes installation easy. For optimal results, they should be mounted on the glass side of the mirror, specifically on the silver side to heat it effectively. This system operates on 120 volts and can be wired to your light switch. It uses minimal wattage, ensuring that your mirror remains clear whenever the lights are on. However, it's important to note that these defoggers should not be installed in a shower.

At WarmlyYours, we offer smart plans to simplify your installation process. If you send us a drawing of the area you want to heat, ideally from a bird's eye view with accurate dimensions, we can provide a detailed plan within a business day. This plan will include information on where the mat should start and end, the thermostat location, and guidance on cutting and turning the mats to fit your space.

The SmartPlan includes a diagram indicating the thermostat's placement, which is crucial for system operation. The drawing will show where the heating mat starts and ends, ensuring proper installation. It's essential to communicate your thermostat preference, as this will dictate how the system is set up. The plan will also specify the required voltage and breaker size, ensuring everything is in compliance with electrical codes.

In addition to the SmartPlans, we have a heat loss calculator that helps determine the BTUs needed for your space. This tool is vital if you're considering using floor heating as the sole source of heat in a room. It allows you to input various factors, such as exterior walls, windows, and ceiling height, to assess how many BTUs your room requires to maintain warmth.

The operating cost calculator is another useful tool for estimating the daily, monthly, and yearly costs of running your heating system. Many people mistakenly believe that radiant heat is expensive to operate, but this calculator can help dispel that myth. It allows you to adjust the number of hours the system will run, providing a clear picture of the potential costs.

When it comes to installation, you don't need a lot of specialized tools. Basic tools like scissors and a digital ohm meter are sufficient. It's crucial to use a digital ohm meter that allows you to set the resistance range accurately. Testing the product upon arrival and again during installation ensures that everything is functioning correctly before you cover it with thinset.

We also offer a troubleshooting kit for any issues that may arise during installation. If damage occurs, our rental equipment can help diagnose and fix the problem without needing to rip up the entire floor.

Our snow melting systems operate similarly to indoor floor heating but are designed for outdoor use. They have a higher wattage per linear foot, making them effective for melting snow on driveways and walkways. It's important to install these systems in concrete or asphalt, as they cannot be placed in gravel.

The snow melting cable attachment grid is a helpful product for securing cables under pavers, ensuring they remain flat during installation. This grid is particularly useful for maintaining proper spacing between cables, which is crucial for preventing overheating.

When selecting a control system for snow melting, you can choose between manual timers and automatic controls. Manual timers allow you to turn the system on and off as needed, while automatic controls use sensors to detect snow and temperature, activating the system when necessary.

In summary, we pride ourselves on our products and customer service. We offer a no-nonsense warranty, no restocking fees, and 24/7 tech support. Our experience in the industry spans over 20 years, and we provide tools for project planning to make your heating journey as simple as possible.

If you have any questions or need assistance with a project, please reach out to us. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope to see you at our next webinar on February 8th, where we will discuss heating floors in bathrooms. Don't forget to check our website for promotions, and we appreciate your feedback through the survey we'll send out after the webinar. Until next time, stay warm and be radiant!