Plan Your Next Radiant Project with our Quote Builder Tool

Hello. Thank you so much for joining us. My name is Lynn. I am a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. Today, I am joined by Scott from WarmlyYours. Thank you for having me. Absolutely. Thank you so much for being here. We're going to be talking today about planning for your next floor heating project or just your heating project in general. We will be going over our quote building tool on our website today. I will pull up and screen share our website so you can follow along step by step to see exactly how to use this tool to get a good idea of what your next project will entail. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask them. You can do so either in the sidebar chat or in the "Ask a Question" module at the bottom of the screen. Either way, if we don't get to it right away, we'll see it and address it by the end of today's presentation.

Let me get our website pulled up here. On our website, we have a lot of information, not just tools for planning, but also extensive details on all of our products. Each product is available on its individual page. We also have blog posts and videos. If you go to the Explore tab, you'll find all of our past webinars, often hosted by me and Scott. You can watch those, along with installation videos and troubleshooting guides, as well as numerous blog posts to learn more about electric heating in general. It's a treasure trove of information where you can find anything you want to know about electric radiant heat.

One of the most utilized features on our website is our various tools, which we highly recommend using. These tools will give you a comprehensive overview of what your project will entail before you even get started. If you go to the Tools tab, you'll see several options. We have our Build a Quote option, which we will cover in depth today. Additionally, we offer running cost calculators and heat loss calculators, allowing you to understand how much it will cost to run your system and how much heating capacity you will need for your space. This will provide you with a solid overview of your project.

Before we leave this section, I want to mention that if you are a professional and have a customer considering floor heating as a sole source of heat, we always recommend using the heat loss calculator. This tool will tell you how many BTUs your room needs, enabling you to determine if the floor heating system can provide sufficient BTUs to serve as the sole heat source. Please keep the heat loss calculator in mind when exploring sole source heating options.

As I mentioned, we will be focusing on our Instant Quote Builder tool today. This tool is located at the top of the page under "Build a Quote," where you can choose between floor heating or snow melting. Today, we will specifically go over the Quote Builder for floor heating. Many people underestimate the importance of quoting, especially for simple projects. However, our heat mats and cables cannot be cut, lengthened, or altered on-site. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you are ordering the correct size for your project. The size of the project will also dictate the electrical requirements, so it’s essential to ensure that your electrician is on board and that you know which products you need to purchase to achieve the desired coverage.

One thing I’d like to add is that, as a member of the tech support department, I am amazed at the number of people who call us daily asking if they can cut their mat or cable short after ordering too much. This tool is designed to help you determine the right amount to order, preventing you from over-purchasing. You cannot buy a large spool, use half of it, and then cut it off for use in another room. The entire product you receive must be used as shipped. When discussing installation with our TempZone rolls, we cut the mesh, but we never cut the cable. You cannot shorten the cable, which is why we emphasize the importance of getting the correct size for your room. It’s always better to have slightly less than too much, as you cannot cut the cable.

If you have any doubts, we will discuss later how to send us a sketch of your space to receive a free installation plan. Typically, we can provide this plan overnight. The best part is that it will include all the necessary details, such as the required amps, number of breakers, wattage, and other pertinent information. So, it’s definitely worth taking advantage of this free service.

Before we begin the demonstration on our website, please note that our presentation software does not allow us to display drop-down menus. Lynn will be navigating the site, and she will describe what each drop-down says, as you won't be able to see it on your end.

Yes, thank you for pointing that out. I often forget that you can't see what I see. I want to reiterate that this tool is free to use. It won’t cost you anything, and it is a quick process. If you want to explore it yourself on warmlys.com, feel free to play around with our quote builder tool. If you have a pricing program with us as a trade professional, you can log into your account to see your discounts. Otherwise, this tool is free to use, and you won’t need to create an account or log in to explore it.

To start, you will want to specify the type of room you are heating. Before diving into that, it’s essential to have the room's measurements or dimensions and an idea of your desired heating coverage. This information will help you easily input data into the quote builder and receive the necessary information regarding product sizes and types. Additionally, keep in mind any electrical limitations you may have. For instance, you might only be able to use 120 volts or 240 volts, or you may have restrictions on amperage. Being aware of these limitations will help us assist you better.

While we are working through this, especially if you are new to indoor floor heating, don’t hesitate to rely on our expertise. If you see a drop-down that says "Let Us Decide," and you are unsure, please let us decide. We handle hundreds of these every day and thousands each year, so we know what works best. You don’t need 240 volts for a small room; 240 is not more efficient than 120. You don’t want to use 240 volts in a small space because it requires two breaker spaces instead of one.

For rooms under 150 square feet, we will default to 120 volts. Most master bathrooms are typically 50, 60, or 70 square feet at most, so remember that there’s no need for 240 volts. You’ll save breaker space by using 120 volts.

Now, let’s start with the type of room. Each question in the quote builder helps us determine which products will work best for your project. Knowing the type of room gives us a good overview of what the project might entail. When I click on the drop-down, it presents numerous options. Common choices include bathrooms, bedrooms, entryways, hallways, family rooms, living rooms, and kitchens. We even have options for niche rooms like breakfast nooks, additions, or ensuites. Whatever room you plan to heat, we have a corresponding option.

When we get started, it’s similar to ordering a sandwich at a sub shop. The first question is about the type of bread you want because they need to know what kind of sandwich they are making. In this case, you are telling us about your flooring, which is the top of your sandwich, and the subfloor, which is the bottom.

The subfloor can be wood, an existing concrete slab, or a newly poured slab. It’s essential to specify the subfloor type because existing concrete slabs will pull heat down into the slab instead of allowing it to rise to your feet. You don’t want to pay for a floor heating system only to have the heat trapped in the floor. We want the heat to come into the room and warm your feet. Therefore, we need to know if it’s an existing slab or wood, as they require different heating approaches.

If you have an existing concrete slab, we recommend using a thermal break like Cerazorb, which is synthetic cork, between the cable and the slab. If you are pouring a new slab and plan to use a polished concrete surface without any flooring on top, we will use slab heating cables. However, if you have an existing slab, we want to heat just an inch above it, not four or six inches, as that would increase the thickness unnecessarily. Heating just one inch will allow for faster and more efficient heating.

If your subfloor is wood, it usually indicates that it’s on the second floor, which may require fewer watts per square foot.

Next, we will discuss the type of flooring you have, which is the top of your sandwich. This will determine the type of system we will quote for you. Certain systems are designed for specific flooring types, so it’s crucial to ensure you select the correct one. Options include tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), laminate wood, and engineered wood, among others. We also cater to hardwood, carpet, and bamboo flooring. Essentially, whatever flooring you plan to install will have a corresponding product for your quote.

It’s important to note that LVT is not heated with the same product as laminate. In the past, laminate was the primary option, and we used our Environ product, which sits on top of a pad. However, LVT requires a different heating method using our TempZone product for tile and embedding it. Many people mistakenly think LVT and laminate are the same because they both float, but that is not the case.

Thomas asked in the sidebar chat about the name of the underlayment that needs to go over the concrete slab. That would be Cerazorb. I’ll type that out for you, as it is spelled a bit differently. Cerazorb is our synthetic cork, and we always recommend it when installing over an existing slab.

Jumping back into the quote builder, let's say we are using tile today. When entering the heated area, keep in mind that this is not the total square footage of the room but rather the square footage you want to heat. Generally, only about 80% of any room needs to be heated for a couple of reasons. One reason is that it is often unnecessary to heat the area against the wall since you typically do not stand with your feet directly against it.

Additionally, if you have heavy furniture like bookcases or cabinets, you want to ensure you are heating around those areas rather than underneath them. The National Electric Code does not allow heating under permanent fixtures, which is why we suggest accounting for that 20% of non-heated space in the room.

When entering the heated area coverage, you can input the dimensions as width and length, or we can calculate it for you. For example, let’s say we are heating 80 square feet. This will auto-populate the full room area, generally about 20% more than what you input.

Next, you will enter your installation zip code. This information serves two purposes: first, if you are in our service area, we can offer installation and troubleshooting services. Second, it helps us understand the ambient temperature and climate conditions you will be working with, which can affect your heating needs.

Once you enter your zip code, you will see options for "Let Us Choose" and "Quote In Stock Items Only." If you are unsure, it’s easier to let us decide. The system will ask for the voltage, either 120 or 240. Checking the box for "Quote In Stock Items Only" will ensure you receive items that are ready to ship immediately.

Generally, we have most items in stock, so this is rarely an issue. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you need something shipped quickly. The great thing about our stock sizes is that they allow us to ship the day you order, which is a significant advantage.

Next, we will discuss the uncoupling membrane. We have been in this business for a long time and are experts in floor heating. Some companies only have one method of installation, but we offer various ways to heat different surfaces. Uncoupling membranes are not needed for every floor type, especially floating floors. Some companies may try to sell you a membrane unnecessarily, but we do not require it for every installation.

If you are installing a floating floor, you don’t need to spend extra money on a membrane. However, if you are using tile, it may be beneficial to ensure you don’t experience cracking.

Regarding cable spacing, if you are unsure, it’s best to let us choose. Our general recommendation is about three-inch spacing, but we can adjust it as needed. The options for spacing will vary depending on whether you are using an uncoupling membrane.

Cable spacing is crucial because the closer the cables are together, the more watts per square foot you will receive. Different rooms have varying heating needs. For example, a bathroom over an unheated crawl space will require more watts per square foot than a bathroom on the second floor above a heated area.

If you have a three-season room, it’s essential to consider the product you choose for heating. Rooms with many windows, like three-season rooms, can lose heat quickly. Therefore, we recommend using tile instead of LVT, laminate, or carpet, as tile can handle higher temperatures without any issues.

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s begin building our system. When you click "Get Quotes," it will guide you through a choose-your-own-adventure style process. You will be able to select your heating system and learn about each available option.

As you click through, you will see pricing changes and coverage details. For instance, if you are looking at a TempZone Flexroll, it will show the price and provide an installation video. You can learn about each option, including part numbers and specifications, such as coverage and estimated running costs.

This tool allows you to find the most cost-effective solution for your project. If you are not using tile, there is no need to spend extra on a product that includes a membrane. We can provide the same area for less cost because you don’t need a membrane for every floor type.

As you become more familiar with the program, you can experiment with different spacing options to see how they affect your costs. This flexibility allows you to find the most efficient way to heat your space while staying within your budget.

Moving on to controls, you have the option to use your own thermostat. Ensure that the thermostat you plan to use is a line voltage control with GFI protection, as this will ensure compatibility with our systems.

When considering a control, inquire about the maximum temperature your flooring can handle. Some manufacturers will specify a maximum temperature, and it’s essential to know if you can implement a setback temperature. For example, can you lower the temperature from 84 degrees during the day to 70 degrees at night?

Some flooring types may not allow for significant temperature swings, which will affect your thermostat choice. Our most popular option is the nSpire Touch, a programmable thermostat with a user-friendly touch screen. If you want to go for a smart home experience, the nSpire Touch Wi-Fi allows you to control the system via an app on your phone.

Rick asked about the coverage mentioned in the product description. The coverage refers to the percentage of the area that will be heated. When using a product like Perdesso with an uncoupling membrane, it will cover 100% of the space. However, when using heating cables, it’s generally around 80% coverage due to the need to avoid heating under permanent fixtures.

As we move forward, you can also explore installation kits, which are optional. These kits include tools that may be helpful for your installation, allowing you to avoid extra trips to the hardware store.

If you are interested in extra accessories, I recommend the backup or replacement floor sensor. It’s a small investment that serves as an insurance policy against any potential issues in the future.

The circuit check is essential during installation. It monitors the heating circuit while you work, ensuring there are no open circuits or shorts. It’s a valuable tool to have on hand, especially for larger installations.

Before we wrap up, I want to emphasize that you don’t need a perfect drawing to get started. A simple sketch on a napkin or piece of paper will suffice. Just take a picture and email it to us, and we can work from there.

We received a question from Matt about whether it’s possible to heat an entire house with our products. The answer is yes, but we recommend having a separate thermostat for each room. This allows you to control the temperature in each space based on usage and heating needs.

Roger asked about the maximum floor area that can be heated on one dedicated 15 amp circuit. The answer depends on the voltage. For 120 volts, you can heat approximately 150 square feet, while for 240 volts, you can heat about 240 square feet.

If there are no further questions, I want to thank everyone for joining us today. We hope to see you at our next webinar on March 10th, where we will discuss cutting down installation time for heated tile floors.

Thank you again for your participation. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We are here to help, and we look forward to seeing you at future events. Stay warm and be radiant!