Warmup Electric Radiant Floor Heating » Benefits http://blog.warmup.com Warmup corporate resource centre Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:59:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 Extend Or Not To Extend? That Is The Question. http://blog.warmup.com/2010/08/extend-or-not-to-extend-that-is-the-question/ http://blog.warmup.com/2010/08/extend-or-not-to-extend-that-is-the-question/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:42:51 +0000 Winnie http://blog.warmup.com/?p=376

"We stole space from our garage" stated Anna Chapman when telling ideal Home how they managed to get a big family kitchen using what they had instead of extending"
“We stole space from our garage” stated Anna Chapman when telling Ideal Home Magazine how they managed to get a big family kitchen using what they had instead of extending”



When it comes to reworking space one of the most important decisions to start with is whether to extend or not to extend, and that’s exactly the question Anna and Glyne Chapman faced when they decided they needed a bigger kitchen with better storage, more food prep areas and a place for her daughters to sit and draw while the couple cooked.

They started by speaking to a builder a neighbour had recommended, and he suggested to knock the kitchen and utility room together instead of extending and taking space from the garage, which they would never have thought of.

They found it hard to visualize the new space, so, they employed an architect , who charged £450 to design the layout changes. Afterwards they have approached a local kitchen company to design the layout of the units, which charged £2050 for planning and installation, while the builder did all the building work, electrics, plumbing, underfloor heating and decorating for £9500.

Warmup products were choosen to install the underfloor heating system in this exciting project the Chapmans’ had gone through with satisfying results. To read the complete story click here.

]]> http://blog.warmup.com/2010/08/extend-or-not-to-extend-that-is-the-question/feed/ 0 Floor Heating for Added Value http://blog.warmup.com/2008/06/floor-heating-for-added-value/ http://blog.warmup.com/2008/06/floor-heating-for-added-value/#comments Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:24:24 +0000 Administrator http://www.warmup.com/blog/2008/06/25/floor-heating-for-added-value/ WITH the recent spate of economic gloom hovering over homeowners, the rate of property sales has dropped significantly affecting related businesses
The tile industry, based on a product often view as a luxury, might seem at first glance about to take a hard hit. It is important however, to realise that the movement has not stalled, but simply taken a different direction. In the face of the current situation, many ae choosing to improve their living conditions by renovating rather than moving home. Instead of making cheap nad quick updates for a fast sale – as was the previous trend – homeowners are now looking to invest in a quality refurbishment that will add genuine value to their properties. This is in fact an excellent window of opportunity for the tile industry since tiles, traditionally perceived as upmarket and durable, tick all the boxes. The one drawback of tiles though – especially tiled floors – is how chilly they can get in winter, a cause for concern for many homeowners. This problem can be easily rectified by laying electric underfloor heating in conjunction with the tiles. To a tile retailer or tiler, this will be the single most worthwhile recommendation they can make to a customer. Not only does it serve as a solution for the immediate issue a hand, it also offers several other benefits.

Aesthetic advantage
Space is always a premium and any opportunity to minimise clutter is precious. The freedom to rearrange existing furniture, to enhance usage of available space,to be creative without hindrance from obstructive radiators, is a powerful incentive for many homeowners. Apart from increased interior design flexibility, the inconspicuous nature of the system is another draw. Once installed, all that remains visible is a thermostat, which can be discreetly tucked out of sight. Warmup,for instance, offers the XSTAT, a programmable thermostat which can be flush mounted for a truly seamless finnish. A graphite is version also available to match darker decors.

Greater heating efficiency
Electric underfloor heating provides more than just warmth – it provides a more efficient form of heating. Because the vertical stratification of underfloor heating conformsto the natural inclinations
of the human body towards warm feet and cool head, it makes for more comfortable warmth than conventional radiators. Advanced technology also means that the heating controls nowadays feature cleverfunctions which adapt to the homeowners’ needs. Typically run off individual thermostats for respective rooms,this zonal method of heating employed by electric systems reduces energy wastage and in turn promotes financial savings. This difference is even more pronounced when used in conjunction with insulated tile backer boards. Following the introduction of Home Information Pack which include the compulsory Energy Performance Certificate, more homeowners are conscious of the energy ratings of their properties. A better heating system is more likely to lower fuel bills for the current owner and by the same token, render the property more attractive to prospective buyers in the future.

Hassle-free specification and installation
One of the most brilliant aspects of electric underfloor heating must be its installation, and in turn specification simplicity. It works with both wooden and concrete floorbases and is thus suitable for both period houses and purpose-built properties. Plus it does nor raise floor height – a crucial consideration in many refurbishment projects. Unless the property is a large, older house, blessed with very high ceilings or an ultra-modern build featuring custom double height ceilings, the chances are there will be some constraints on how high the floor can go. Dry systems for tiled floors come in the forms of thin wires and mats. The installation process itself is short and has minimal disruptions to the household. Unlike warmwatersystems that require digging up of floors for installation, electric systems can be fitted directly onto the existing subfloor and simply covered bythe chosen flooring. Installation can be completed in a matter of hours, and is a great option for time-tight projects. Convenient access to the systems helps too. Should it not be feasible for the retailer or trade counter to stock the systems, it is usually possible to place an order for direct delivery. Good underfloor heating suppliers are able to provide handy next-working-day deliveries to most locations, or two days for more for far-flung regions. Aside from wiring-which is required by British regulations to be completed by a qualified electrician the electric heaters do not need to be installed by someone with specialist skills and tools and can usually be taken on by any competent tradesman or DIY-er.

Peace of mind
Once fitted, neither retailer, installer nor homeowner need to worry about future servicing sessions since there are no pipes to bleed or clean. Should any issues arise though, the plethora of warranties,
including popular lifetime guarantees available, provide a security blanket.l nstallers do not lose out either Warmup offers a unique SafetyNet installation guarantee whereby if accidental damage to a heater is incurred initially, a replacement heater will be sent out free of charge, so long as the tiles have not been laid down. More details on this guarantee can be found on wvwv.warmup.co.uk. Functional yet affordable, electric underfloor heatlng not only meets fundamental needs, but also acts as a viable heating solution for the requirements of busy modern lifestyles. Best of all, in the processof helping the customer to add value to their property, suppliers have also added value to themselves. That is always a good thing for repeat, long-term business.

Printed in Tile UK – June 2008: download pdf

Printed in Heating Ventillation and Plumbing – June 2008: download pdf

]]> http://blog.warmup.com/2008/06/floor-heating-for-added-value/feed/ 0 Warm Floors in Alaska! http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/warm-floors-in-alaska/ http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/warm-floors-in-alaska/#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2006 07:01:31 +0000 Administrator http://www.warmup.com/blog/2006/09/25/warm-floors-in-alaska/ The Alaska Star suggest some “cozy ideas for a warmer winter” (story) that clearly illustrates the benefits of radiant heated floors even in the arctic chill.

“One of the hottest trends in home renovations is to add the affordable luxury of electric radiant heat underneath the floor. Not only does it take the chill off a tile, stone, engineered wood or laminate floor, but it can also reduce winter heating bills.”

The growing popularity of electric floor heating is a direct result of its benefits: low cost (installation, operating cost, and low maintenance), a comfortable warmth that you simply can’t get from conventional heating, no ugly radiators. Contact Warmup to find out how easy it is to have warm floors all year round.

]]> http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/warm-floors-in-alaska/feed/ 0 Rammed Earth Homes with Radiant Heat http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/rammed-earth-homes-with-radiant-heat/ http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/rammed-earth-homes-with-radiant-heat/#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2006 05:58:28 +0000 Administrator http://www.warmup.com/blog/2006/09/25/rammed-earth-homes-with-radiant-heat/ The Napa Valley Register has an interesting article (story) on homes constructed with rammed earth (a technique used as far back as 2,000 B.C. in Mesopotamia and ancient China) that use radiant heating to keep heating bills under $60 per month.

Lance Emerson has lived in a rammed earth home on Old Sonoma Highway in the Carneros region of Napa for nine years. ?The walls are 24 inches thick,? said Emerson. ?The floors have radiant heating which can be controlled in individual rooms. Because of the thickness of the walls, the inside temperature stays consistent. In the winter, the walls absorb heat during the day and release it at night. We?re a family of four and last winter we didn?t have a heating bill over $60 a month. In the summer, we open the windows at night and close them in the morning. It stays at 65 degrees.?

Another interesting example of how radiant heating can deliver comfortable year round warmth reliably and efficiently.

]]> http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/rammed-earth-homes-with-radiant-heat/feed/ 0 Radiant Heat for Warm Walls? http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/radiant-heat-for-warm-walls/ http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/radiant-heat-for-warm-walls/#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2006 05:44:38 +0000 Administrator http://www.warmup.com/blog/2006/09/25/radiant-heat-for-warm-walls/ Warm floors from radiant heating installed “under floor” are becoming more common but how about warming your walls as well? According to Carol Abrahamson (www.extraordinaryhomes.com) its an idea whose time has come. The Akron Beacon Journal (story) reports how she she’s seen radiant heating showing up in some of the large walk-in showers being built in high-end homes. The radiant heating guards against chills in those wide-open showers and does so with less energy use than heating the whole room conventionally.

]]> http://blog.warmup.com/2006/09/radiant-heat-for-warm-walls/feed/ 0 Radiant Underfloor Heating in a Green Home http://blog.warmup.com/2006/05/60/ http://blog.warmup.com/2006/05/60/#comments Sun, 21 May 2006 06:43:53 +0000 Administrator http://www.warmup.com/blog/2006/05/21/60/ Read about how Mark Barthel used Underfloor Heating as just one of the many ways to turn his detached home into a temple of recycling and energy-efficiency at little cost to himself and the comfort of his family. Read the full article here

If you are worried about your impact on the environment take a leaf out of Mark’s book and install radiant underfloor heating in your home.

]]> http://blog.warmup.com/2006/05/60/feed/ 0 Benefits of programmable thermostats http://blog.warmup.com/2006/02/gaining-in-with-programmable-thermostats/ http://blog.warmup.com/2006/02/gaining-in-with-programmable-thermostats/#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2006 11:30:39 +0000 Winnie http://www.warmup.com/blog/2006/02/23/gaining-in-with-programmable-thermostats/ It’s little wonder that when choosing a controller for underfloor heating, programmable thermostats are increasingly popular when compared to conventional manual thermostats.

Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping. Not only are they more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats and improve your home’s comfort, they save energy and save money on utility bills ? when used properly, about ?60/year.

Containing no mercury, these smart gadgets are also better for the environment, since using less energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.

Warmup programmable thermostats meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government. These units save energy by offering 4 convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings ? settings that try to anticipate when it’s convenient for you to scale back on heating or cooling.

If you are like many homeowners and work outside the home during the day and have a different schedule on the weekend, a programmable thermostat can offer many benefits, with the return on your investment being recouped usually within 1 year.

On the other hand, if you are home throughout the day, seven days a week, then a programmable thermostat will offer slightly more limited benefits.

]]> http://blog.warmup.com/2006/02/gaining-in-with-programmable-thermostats/feed/ 0 The Benefits of Underfloor Heating in Your Home. http://blog.warmup.com/2006/02/benefits-of-putting-underfloor-heating-in-your-home/ http://blog.warmup.com/2006/02/benefits-of-putting-underfloor-heating-in-your-home/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2006 12:55:14 +0000 Spencer http://www.warmup.com/blog/2006/02/08/benefits-of-putting-underfloor-heating-in-your-home/ While most benefits of underfloor heating are easy to spot, others aren’t so apparent until after you have a system installed; it’s at that point you have one of those, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” moments.

Pure Comfort

The most obvious advantage of using underfloor heating as opposed to traditional heating methods (radiators, forced-air) is that of comfort.

Traditional systems heat from the top down and have a tendency to over-heat your head, leading to stuffiness. The heat is concentrated into relatively small areas (e.g. near a radiator) and the heaters heat the air next to them. The air then rises up the wall, along the ceiling into the centre of the room. When it reaches the centre of the room, it cools slightly, and then descends towards the floor. The result is a warm head and cool feet.

To get warmer feet, you may need to overheat the head; as the feet naturally act our ‘thermostat’ warm feet generally means we feel comfortable.

Underfloor heating (AKA in-floor heating) heats the whole floor area resulting in the opposite vertical heat stratification – warm feet and a cool head.

Interior Design Flexibility

Using an underfloor heating system in place of radiators presents you with more useable space. You no longer have to arrange your furniture so as not to block radiators.

Individual Control

Most systems are installed on a room by room basis, each running off of its own programmable thermostat. For example, while you may wish to have a warm floor in the bathroom and kitchen in the morning, you probably don?t care if the lounge is on until the evening. With a direct-acting (on when you want it on) underfloor heating, you can individually adjust temperature settings in each room to suit your needs. This benefit leads to the next;

System Efficiency

Underfloor heating can result in a 15% energy saving over traditional electric heating methods, assuming it has been properly installed and is run using a programmable thermostat.

Cleanliness

Underfloor Heating reduces the number of airborne allergens by lowering air moisture levels in areas such as bathrooms by drying wet floors and walls. It also helps reduce drafts, aiding people with asthma or other breathing complications.

Low Maintenance

With underfloor heating there are no rads to bleed, no pipes to burst and nothing to flush. An occasional dusting of the thermostat is all that is required.

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