Hicksville, N.Y.—As the leaves turn to varying shades of gold and brown, kids head back to school and the family car prepares to gulp down a fresh supply of anti-freeze, there is no doubt autumn is upon us. With the change of season, nip in the air, consumers more than ever seek the benefits of warmth underfoot. Whether it’s new constructions or remodeling projects, radiant heating systems are becoming a more attractive add-on feature to an increasing amount of homeowners. The following takes a look at two more of the systems now available. ( FCNews highlighted a number of other companies in the July 7/14 issue)

Infloor Radiant Heating Systems. The Infloor heating systems range from a residential system in both hot water and electric to a commercial system for use in garages, industrial buildings, airplane hangars, car washes, snowmelting and many other applications. The hot water residential system is ideal for new construction and can be used for whole house heating to supplemental heating. The electric system is also ideal for new construction or renovation as a complete heating system or for warm flooring in selected areas such as bathrooms, entryways and kitchens, noted Chris Wasley, Infloor’s general manager.

“With a choice of hot water or electric systems, Infloor is perfect for homes, highrises, hospitals and warehouses. Any residential, commercial or industrial building can take advantage of all the benefits Infloor radiant heat offers, including: more comfortable heating; greater energy efficiency; a healthier living environment; improved heat distribution; individual room thermostatic control, and unlimited applications like new construction, remodeling, heating entire homes and buildings, warming tile, wood and marble floors and carpeting, and melting snow and ice.”

Infloor hot water systems features PEX and BPEX (oxygen barrier) tubing while its electric systems uses premium cable that is flexible and moisture resistant. “Infloor quality goes beyond the components as well,” said Wasley. “Authorized Infloor technicians will design a system that meets your specific needs and requirements, providing custom installation to assure your system is fine-tuned for maximum efficiency and dependability.” For more information on Infloor Radiant Heating Systems, call 800/588-4470.

Step Warmfloor. “Our company offers the ultimate in radiant floor heat,” said Monica Irgens, president. “This innovative, energy-efficient electroplastic element is distinctly different from hydronic or water tubing and cable systems. Step Warmfloor gives a comfortable, even warmth and is the only low-voltage self-regulating system available.” Featuring a patented electroplastic technology, she noted, Step Warmfloor has heated over 100,000 homes and commercial buildings for over 20 years. “The widening variety of floors has opened the possibility for different surfaces and atmospheres for each area. It’s compatible with any floor covering, utilizing a simple three-step installation process. It even provides snow-melt solutions for driveways and walkways.”

What makes Step Warmfloor different than other radiant heat systems is, it employs the use of 12-in. wide electroplastic strips rather than tubes. The strips are laid side-by-side and are connected to a low-voltage transformer. The system lies underneath the chosen floor covering. The heating elements are in direct contact with the finished flooring, with no air gaps. In wet areas, it is recommended the heating elements be installed under a waterproof membrane. Step Warmfloor features a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC), noted Irgens. “It heats with maximum power in a cold environment. As the element warms up, the energy draw gradually decreases.

Step Warmfloor elements are made of a thin homogeneous, semi-conductive polymer, which by nature is self-regulating. These elements are electrically resistive and produce heat when low-voltage is applied. There are two bus braids embedded along the sides of the elements where supply wires are attached. “Because the elements cover over 60% of the floor,” she added, “the temperature is more subtle and can achieve optimal comfort without causing any kind of thermal stress to the cement, mortar or finished floor covering.” For more on Step Warmfloor, call 877/783-7832.