Category : Blog

Getting The Most From Your Heatizon System

Winter has arrived in force across North America, although those people utilizing radiant heat may not have noticed yet. We want you to get the most out of your radiant heating system, and have compiled some reminders below.

Floor Warming
There are generally two methods for ensuring enjoyment of your heated floors. If the heated area is used throughout the day, keeping the floor at a consistent temperature ensures that it will always be warm and ready to enjoy.

If you have radiant floor heat in rooms that are used primarily at specific times, we recommend using a programmable thermostat to heat the floors prior to use. Ensure the thermostat is programmed and the heat tested before the cold hits to ensure warm floors.

Snow Melting and Roof Deicing
For outdoor radiant heat systems, operation varies greatly depending on your activation device. In all cases, we recommend checking the system in the late summer or early fall to verify everything is functioning properly before the snow and ice arrive.

Many systems utilize an automated sensor to efficiently melt snow as it falls. These systems require little human interaction to run effectively, however certain sensor models can be adjusted for sensitivity. This adjustment can help you optimize your system for your climate to keep things melting smoothly. Some sensors also have an adjustable “overrun” which allows you to set the amount of time the sensor continues running after the storm. This can be helpful in allowing melted snow to run off the surface so it doesn’t freeze and form ice.

For snow melting systems using manual switches and timers, it is critical to activate the system before a storm. Radiant heat works much more effectively when it stays ahead of the falling snow. Allowing snow to accumulate will slow down melting and use more energy.

Retiring Baby Boomers Driving Interest in Snow Melting Systems

The population of the United States is aging. The number of individuals over 65 is on the rise, and as baby boomers begin to retire, these numbers are expected to increase dramatically. It is estimated that by 2030, this age group will make up 20% of the population.

Snow melting systems, such as heated driveways, sidewalks, and stairs, have risen in popularity in recent years. Contributing to this is a growing population of older individuals looking for greater convenience and reduced snow and ice related hazards.

As culture and healthcare evolves and retirees live independently for longer, automating snow removal can reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries. With modern technology, electric radiant heat can be activated automatically to remove snow and ice. With activation options ranging from timer switches and thermostats, to automated temperature and moisture sensors, there is a solution for any situation.

While it is easy to see the applications this may have at home, snow melting is also very useful for businesses and organizations seeking to protect their clientele and avoid costly lawsuits. Slip and fall injuries cost businesses millions each year. This risk can be reduced with a snow melting system.

Heatizon offers multiple snow melting solutions based around our Hott-Wire and Tuff Cable products. Capable of installation in new and existing surfaces, our electric snow melting systems provide peace of mind to anyone ready to retire the snow shovel.

Tips for Installers, Part 3: Final Testing and Installing the Control Units

This is the final entry in our series of installation tips. This post includes covering and testing the heating element, and the installation of the control units. For information on planning the layout and starting the process, see Part One and for tips on installing the heating element and activation devices visit Part Two.

Covering the Element

Cover the element as instructed in the installation manual, taking precautions to avoid damaging the heating element. Once the element has been covered, another test should be made. Compare the results of this element test with the one taken during installation of the element. If the results don’t match the heating element should be checked for damage.

Installing the Control Units

The control units or relay panels are installed in the location selected by the customer. The installation manual and wiring diagrams provide instructions for making the connections. Once installed, the device should be tested to ensure it properly turns the system on and off. After this, the final start up and post installation tests are performed and recorded for warranty purposes. It is a good idea to meet with the client and review the operation of the system upon completion.

This is the final entry in a three part series of installation tips. Part 1 is located here. Part 2 can be found here.

For more on installing Heatizon products, including manuals and videos, visit the Installation area of our website.

ZMesh Under Hardwood Flooring

12” ZMesh Heating Element is the ideal system for heating under hardwood floors. ZMesh can be installed directly under the hardwood flooring. Nails or staples to hold the hardwood covering may be driven directly through the ZMesh as long as the nails or staples do not come in contact with any other metal object.

Allow the Hardwood to acclimate to the humidity level by bringing in the Hardwood several weeks before installation. This will minimize dimensional changes due to moisture. Install the ZMeah Heating Element to the subfloor and run a continuous continuity check to make sure the Zmesh is not damaged or shorting to something conductive. Let the System run for 2 to 3 days before nailing or stapling the Hardwood to the subfloor. It is very important to check with the manufacturer of the Hardwood before installing.

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Radiant Heating System is All About Comfort, Warmth

As Seen in – Deseret Morning News
By: James Carpenter

Steve Love, a Salt Lake resident, is the owner of Hidden springs Ranch, a multi million dollar adventure resort located high in the hills east of Nephi in central Utah. His lodge was built from the ground up, using the finest materials available, including wood floors, tile and beautiful stone areas.

To bring comfort to the floors, Love installed an in-floor radiant heating system. “I wanted a heating system that would provide my guests with the most comfortable available, but that wasn’t too complex and didn’t require a lot of maintenance,” Love says.

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ZMesh Radiant Heat

By Steven D. Bench
Managing Member
Heatizon Systems

When people associated with the radiant heating industry use the
words “ZMesh”, “Golden Mesh”, “Z Mesh”, or just plain “Mesh” they are referring to a
durable line of low voltage line electric products made by Heatizon Systems and used for
Radiant Roof Snow Melt and De-icing, Radiant Floor Warming and Radiant Heating.

Designed to be installed on and under sub-floors and on sub-roofs, ZMesh provides a
nice uniform heat and it is plenty robust to satisfy the demands of discriminating radiant
heat, radiant roof deicing, and radiant floor warming customers. In addition,

  • ZMesh – is gold in color and marquee in performance.
  • ZMesh – can withstand nails or screws as long as they do not short it to metal.
  • ZMesh – is made of durable bronze and warranted for 25 years.
  • ZMesh – is simple and easy to repair if it is cut or damaged.
  • ZMesh – requires little or no floor build-up.
  • ZMesh – can be installed under all non-conductive shingles and nearly all floor coverings.
  • ZMesh – is a cut to length in the field product rather than a fixed length product.
  • ZMesh – can be retro-fitted between floor joists from an unfinished basement or crawlspace.
  • ZMesh – is used for radiant heat, radiant floor warming, and radiant roof snow and ice melting.
  • ZMesh – is available in 9 and 12 inch widths and lengths from 50 to 400 feet long.
  • ZMesh – is plenty robust to heat entire spaces and eliminate ice dams.
  • ZMesh – has been tested to UL Standards and is listed by ETL.
  • ZMesh – is made in the United States of America.
  • ZMesh – is a term that has been trademarked by Heatizon Systems.

Heatizon Systems products are manufactured in Murray Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City, and are marketed across the United States and Canada.

A Tuff Snow Job

By: Steve Smith

(Description of Heatizon Systems’ RPA Showcase Award Winning Project at the
Rothman Residence and Park City, UT)

You can count on two things when your home is located 8,500 feet or more above sea level in the Wasatch Mountains: snow and more snow.
To handle the snow loads on the roof of one 5,000-sq. ft., three-level home, electric radiant manufacturer Heatizon used a bronze mesh product called ZMesh, as well as its Tuff Cable embedded in a heat sink. The ZMesh is protected by a sandwich of ice and water shield, with composition asphalt shingle on the surface. The panel system allows for worry-free nailing. The ZMesh is energized by a step-down transformer, which produces a low voltage current that does not seek ground. The roof deicing system compromises approximately 520 sq. ft.
Meanwhile, a snow melting system using a low voltage resistance cable called Tuff Cable was embedded in the concrete in the window wells to prevent damage to the windows and interior finishes. There is approximately 400 sq. ft. of snowmelt in the window wells.

Heat Trace, Heat Tape or Something Else?

By Steven Bench

I received a telephone call this morning from a prospective customer wanting to
understand the difference between Heat Trace, Heat Tape, and GutterMelt. After
explaining the differences to him it occurred to me that perhaps others are confused so I
decided to write this article.

Heat Trace and Heat Tape are generic terms for a family of electric heating cables that
are designed to keep pipes from freezing, maintain the temperature of the contents of
pipes and melt snow and ice off of roofs and in drains, rain gutters and downspouts.
Some of the products in this family are designed to be installed inside of pipes and others
are designed to be wrapped around the outside of pipes, valves, and instrumentation.
Obviously the Heat Trace and Heat Tape products designed for rain gutters, downspouts
and on roofs are designed to be exposed to the elements including the rays from the sun.

Within the family of electric heating cables referred to as “Heat Trace” or “Heat Tape”
are Constant Wattage cables and Self Regulating cables. As you might have already
concluded Constant Wattage cables always put out approximately the same watts per
linear foot regardless of the temperature of their surroundings. The wattage output
per linear foot of Self Regulating cables on the other hand, varies dramatically as the
temperature surrounding the cable changes. As a matter of fact the wattage output of a
length of Self Regulating cable may vary as the temperature surrounding the cable varies
along its length.

The various brands of Constant Wattage Heat Trace or Heat Tape cables come in many
different quality levels and price points and are generally fixed in length. Design
longevity, temperature tolerance, and wattage output all dramatically affect quality and
price. Within the Constant Wattage segment of Heat Trace or Heat Tape, prices range
from less than a dollar to several dollars per foot, and life expectancy ranges from a year
or two to 10 or more years. The wattage output of Constant Wattage cables varies from a
few watts per foot up to 50 plus watts per foot.

Self Regulating cables are generally cut to length in the field products and like Constant
Wattage cables they are available in many different quality levels and price points. Like
Constant Wattage cables, the quality and price of Self Regulating Heat Trace or Heat
is dictated by the design longevity, temperature tolerance, and wattage output. These
cables generally have wattage outputs ranging from 3 to 24 plus watts per foot in a
certain medium (air, ice, water, etc.) and at a certain temperature.

Given that multiple outputs and many different types of cables are available on the
market much is to be gained to contacting an expert in the field when determining which
cable will best satisfy the objectives of your project.

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