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.

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.  

Not traditionally used in heating homes, flat panel radiant heaters are used to heat objects via radiant heat transfer. These radiant heaters have traditionally been used in a variety of industries and applications, such as space heating, drying, curing, and water evaporation. More recently, these heating systems are also gaining popularity in home heating applications as well.

Radiant heaters use different types of emitter surfaces. Choices include: quartz, high-temperature glass, stainless steel, and ceramic tiles. These are all materials that are easily and efficiently used in home applications such as flooring, countertops, and towel racks. Because these items are easily turned into emitter surfaces for radiant heat, they can easily and beautifully be incorporated into home heating applications such as heated floors, walls, and towel racks.

To find out about radiant heaters for your home, check with the folks at warmzone.com. They have a complete product catalog of radiant heating solutions that can accommodate almost any application or budget.

Radiant Heaters Tip: radiant heaters a great way to efficiently heat a home, while maximizing your home’s beauty, but they are very cost effective and easy to install. 

Not traditionally used in heating homes, flat panel radiant heaters are used to heat objects via radiant heat transfer. These radiant heaters have traditionally been used in a variety of industries and applications, such as space heating, drying, curing, and water evaporation. More recently, these heating systems are also gaining popularity in home heating applications as well.

Radiant heaters use different types of emitter surfaces. Choices include: quartz, high-temperature glass, stainless steel, and ceramic tiles. These are all materials that are easily and efficiently used in home applications such as flooring, countertops, and towel racks. Because these items are easily turned into emitter surfaces for radiant heat, they can easily and beautifully be incorporated into home heating applications such as heated floors, walls, and towel racks.

To find out about radiant heaters for your home, check with the folks at warmzone.com. They have a complete product catalog of radiant heating solutions that can accommodate almost any application or budget.

Radiant Heaters Tip: radiant heaters a great way to efficiently heat a home, while maximizing your home’s beauty, but they are very cost effective and easy to install. 

What a pain! If you or anyone in your family has asthma or dust allergies, you know all too well how miserable these ailments can make a person. Many allergy and asthma experts will advise certain changes in housekeeping habits to help alleviate allergy- or asthma-causing conditions in your home. In addition, you might consider changing your heat source to radiant heaters.

At first glance, you might not think that radiant heaters could be such a simple solution to helping keep your home healthy. In reality, radiant heaters improve the air quality, which is important, especially for anyone who suffers from either dust allergies or asthma. Not having to change air filters or clean heating ducts should also cut down dramatically on dust or other allergens in your home’s air.

Eliminating dust mites that live in your home would also go a long way towards helping keep your home healthy. Since dust mites love a warm moist environment, towel heaters and other radiant heater systems aid in maintaining a consistent room temperature and keep it moisture-free…and dust mite-free, too.  Furthermore, mold and mildew are also caused from excessive moisture especially in bathrooms with insufficient ventilation.

Radiant Heater Tip: By placing radiant heaters or a radiant heat towel rack in the bathroom you can combat the spread of germs for only pennies a day. 

Radiant Heaters Tip: It is reported that 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 way to stop energy waste.

If you’d like to know more about both types of hydronic heating systems, contact the expert staff at warmzone.com.  They can help match your individual project with the best system at the best price. There isn’t a single system out there that is an ideal fit for every project, but there is an ideal system for every project. Also, because of the relationship that warmzone.com has with the manufacturers, they can guarantee the lowest price on the highest quality systems available.