Radiant Snow Melting - Frequently Asked Questions
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| Q. | How do radiant heat systems work? |
| A. | Electric radiant heat systems utilize heat
cable that is embedded in the floor. When the floor heating system is
turned on, the energy forced through a conductive material (heat cable)
creates resistance or heat. Heat radiates and warms the floor and room.
Electric floor heating systems feature rapid response times and energy
efficient operation. Hydronic radiant heat systems utilize specially treated water that is heated by a boiler and then a pump cycles the liquid through a series of PEX tubing that is installed under the floor's surface. |
| Q. | How much does it cost to install radiant heat? |
| A. |
No two radiant heating systems are exactly alike. For accurate pricing,
submit your project information to a reputable company for
a free quote.
(This information includes square footage, surface type, location, etc.) |
| Q. | Are radiant heating systems really energy efficient? |
| A. | Radiant floor heating systems can be control by
"zones" or rooms, allowing you the flexibility to heat precisely where and when
you need. Unlike the furnace of a forced air system that operates at one level,
regardless of whether you have closed off vents in some rooms, individual zones
(rooms) of radiant heat systems are capable of being controlled by separately.
The floor heating systems can also be programmed to turn on and shut off when
you choose, so you can program the heat to accommodate your schedule. |
| Q. | What are the indoor applications that radiant heat can be used for? |
| A. | Radiant floor heating systems can be installed under
virtually any floor surface, including tile, laminate, hardwood, marble, etc. |
| Q. | In what types of surfaces can snow melting systems be installed? |
| A. | Warmzone snowmelt systems can be installed in
almost any surface, including concrete, stamped concrete, asphalt, and under pavers.
View photos
of snow melting systems that are installed. |
| Q. | What are the power requirements for your snow melting systems? |
| A. | The power requirements vary from system to system.
Generally, cable heating systems require a 240 V. 30 amp breaker for every 300
square feet you are heating. (On average, a 240 V. 30 amp breaker is required
for every 175 square feet you are snow melting.) |
| Q. | Are snow melting systems manually or automatically activated? |
| A. | Radiant snowmelt systems come standard with an
aerial-mounted, automatic snow switch and a 4-hour manual timer. The system
automatically turns on when the temperature is below a set point (usually 38° or 39°F)
and there is moisture on the sensor. Pavement-mounted snow sensors are also available. |
| Q. | What are the operational costs of snow melting systems? |
| A. | The average operational cost for a snow melting system
is approximately $0.28 per 100 square feet per hour. This figure is based on a
system producing 35 watts/sq. ft. with a kwh rate of $0.08 per hour (the national
average kwh is $.08/hour). If you know the square feet of the area you want to
heat and your kwh rate, you can calculate the operational costs with this formula:
heatable sq. ft. times watts/sq. ft., divided by 1000, times your kwh rate. |
| Q. | Who provides the best radiant snow melting system designs? |
| A. | A good benchmark is the AutoCADs provided by the
Warmzone radiant design team. No system should be purchased without a detailed
engineering and design layout as included with all Warmzone systems. (View
samples of radiant heat system design drawings.) Call 888.488.9276 for more
information. |
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