How you use and generate your electricity clearly has consequences on both your bill and green credentials.

Energy derived from wind, water, sunlight and biosources will play a major role in reaching the goal of 10% renewable energy use by 2010 in the UK and 20% in 2020 in Europe.

Technologies such as electric underfloor heating are not only an extremely efficient method of heating, but also ideally suited to take advantage of the shift to clean energy. The Warmup website has a list of underfloor heating systems that will help you make that transition. You can also work out your energy requirements with The Warmup® Energy Expert.

While it’s not always practical to install a wind turbine or geothermal heat pump in your backyard, you can still make a difference by choosing an energy supplier who shares your ethos.

In the UK, energy providers are obliged to reveal the fuel mix they use to generate their electricity, along with environmental information such as carbon dioxide emissions and nuclear waste levels. This fuel mix disclosure was set up by OFGEM and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and has been in place since 1st October 2005.

The fuel mix ratio varies amongst competing providers and the variation is reflected in the different tariffs available within each company too. If you really want to do your bit, it could be worth looking more carefully into the source of your supply.

Another tip for reducing your carbon footprint with your supplier is opting for paperless billing, which incidentally, could earn you monetary discounts too.

Falling electricity prices makes electric underfloor heating an even more attractive proposition. So, with mass access to a variety of fuel mix permutations…

we are as green as you choose to be.

Users of electric underfloor heating could soon enjoy lower heating bills.

In a wave of uplifting news at the close of last week, energy suppliers E.On and EDF have promised reductions of up to 9% in electricity tariffs.

These changes are due to take effect at the end of next month.

Since January 2009, 4 of the ‘big six’ energy suppliers have already announced price cuts and it appears likely that the remaining two giants will follow suit. So far, the changes impact electricity more than gas; prices of which either stay unchanged or enjoy a smaller reduction.

Warmup recently conducted tests to determine exact running costs of our systems, as well as comparisons with the efficiency of gas-fuelled radiators. To see if you too can benefit from installing electric underfloor heating, simply click here.

“If we stay focused on the coffee and enjoyment elements the results will come,” tipped Kelly Chapman, team manager of the Warmup Cycling team for 2009.

A squad of 10 riders has been named, and according to Chapman the team, as part of their success strategy, is focused on enjoying the team concept, coffee and performing well in Canterbury B grade races, the Benchmark series and targeted tours.

“We have a good bunch of guys that train a lot together and we’re really looking forward to the team focused Benchmark series and the Tour of Canterbury and Tour de Lakes in March and April.”

“Our aim is to support each other, develop riding as a team in various tours and races and hopefully gain some results in local and South island events.”

The team’s first official outing was in this weekend’s opening round of the European style teams based road racing Benchmark series in Christchurch. There was an exhibition 40km team time trial on Saturday and on Sunday the series opened with the 145km Round One 4th Lowe & Associates Accountants Trophy. The race started in Sefton and followed the roads of Cust, Oxford, and the Ashley Gorge before finishing back in Sefton.

This year’s team has a winning mix of youth, experience, regional and national age group champions. Oh, and a penchant for cocoa beans and fun, of course!

Warmup team 2009:

Michael Crawford
Tom Molloy
John McKenzie
Mike Sleeman
Laurence Holding
Brent Harris
Mark Forsey
Nigel Pink
Kyle Ralfe
Kelly Chapman

I am very pleased to announce that our R&D Director, Dr Simon Newberry, has been elected as Chair of Technical Committee of UHMA for 2009.

This is particularly exciting because it is the first time that an electrical UFH company has been appointed for this post.

Warmup has always been at the forefront of developments for electric UFH, and with Dr Newberry now heavily involved in regulatory and technical issues, no doubt the industry can look forward to many positive changes.

You can read more about it here:

http://www.warmup.co.uk/newsitem/27.phtml

The Radiant Panel Association reports continued growth of Electric Radiant Heating

The growing popularity of electric radiant heat is demonstrated by the latest industry statistics for the North American market reported by The Radiant Panel Association. These statistics show an increase in sales from 285,000 ft² in 1998 to a remarkable 9,089,000 ft² in 2007.

Read the news release: click here.

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

 Warmup® Underfloor Heating was snapped up for 300 bathrooms in Gibraltar’s largest development.

The developer approached Warmup after a trade show in the UK and proceeded with an order for Warmup® Undertile Heating Mats with accompanying heating controls, the TSTAT thermostats.

At least two more towers are waiting in the pipelines to be installed with yet more Warmup® systems before the year is up.

When completed, Ocean Village will be the biggest residential and leisure centre in Gibraltar. It will boast exclusive waterside living and premium commercial and recreational facilities. 

Corvo Island, at the size of just 17.45km², is one of the world’s smallest, with only about 300 inhabitants.  Formed by the collapse of a volcano which created a caldeira, the Portuguese island is constantly shrouded by a mist, giving rise to a humidity that caused moulding and related problems to occur in properties.

When a middle aged couple there decided to build their dream house using their life savings, they were advised by some American and German entrepreneurs involved in wind turbines to install Warmup® Underfloor Heating for increased comfort and to resolve the humidity issue.

The cautious pair sought additional opinions and it was only after further research that they ventured out of the island for the first time ever, to visit a retailer in San Miguel whom they’d located online.  A close examination of the product later and impressed by plenty of excellent feedback, they took the plunge.

They chose Warmup® Underfloor Heating Mats for rapid installation and 5 of the exclusive Warmup® XStat Thermostat for its user-friendliness and clever functions including self learning capabilities to ensure the right temperature at the right time.  To enable individual control and improved heating efficiency, each room was fitted with its own thermostat, which comes with a floor sensor each for more accurate temperature readings.

The systems were installed quickly and the couple is thrilled with their warm tiled floors, not to mention the marked improvement in the humidity condition!

Electric underfloor heating systems these days are technologically advanced and usually designed to be easy handling.  Yet often, the heaters end up incorrectly fitted or worse, damaged.  In addition to the hassle of repair, there is also the financial brunt to bear.  Understandably, some installers and even retailers are put off the idea but in the face of a growing underfloor heating market, it is a pity.  Indeed, installation doesn’t have to be stressful and accidents do not have to slide your profits into losses.  The following are some ways to get around these concerns.
 

Prevention is better than cure.  With installation, following the instructions carefully can eliminate most after-sales problems.  Although systems in the market might seem similar and you already have relevant prior experience, always read through the manual thoroughly to preempt avoidable mistakes.  Planning your installation ahead will allow for a clearer idea of the steps involved and increase your chances of a smooth progress.  And at any time you have a question, call the manufacturer to be sure.
 

Mind the subfloor.  When installing, there are some things you can look out for to reduce the likelihood of complications.  For a start, make sure the subfloor is clean before laying the heaters over the area to be heated.  This helps the adhesives to attach far more easily.  Check too, if the subfloor material requires priming or not.  On bases such as insulation boards, that coat of primer might never dry.
 

Test, Test, Test!  After fitting the floor sensor probe, test both the heater and the floor sensor.  Heating cable can be stressed by incorrect installation or damage but the fault may not show up straight away.  By taking and recording resistance readings before, during and after installation, or as shown in the instructions, it makes a quick job of identifying the point of damage at a later date.  Alternatively you may use special gadgets that warn you right at the point of accident.  Warmup has a Watchdog monitor which is temporarily connected to the heating mat until the tiling is completed.  If the wire is broken or damaged, an alarm sounds.  In such instances, repair kits should be available from the heating company.
 

Be grout-smart. When tiling, it is advisable to choose flexible adhesive and grout, for this will be more accommodating towards the expansion and contraction effects of heating on objects, in this case, the tiles.  If it’s a tight turnaround time, consider using rapid-set types.  Once again, check with the manufacturer if in doubt.
 

Play by the rules.  For making electrical provisions, installing and connecting the thermostat, it is obligatory to hire a Part P qualified electrician in accordance with British Regulations.  So remember to coordinate this one.
 

Invest in a good system for it is less likely to create post-installation problems.  The most common worries tradesmen have are the hassles of a failed system and the potential need to lift entire floors.  Choosing a reliable manufacturer however, could relieve at least part of the stress.

A fair indication of a product’s quality is if it’s approved by a control body that tests the electrical strengths and safety levels.  In Britain, BEAB (British Electrotechnical Approvals Board) is the trusted authority on this.  Other features to look out for include warranties and after-sales support.  Manufacturers are not likely to promise product life-spans and services that they are not confident of delivering, so non-technical benefits can serve as a gauge too.  Currently in the market, warranties range from an average of 10 years up to a lifetime.  Warmup for example, goes a step further with their SafetyNet™ Guarantee which insures you against installation mishaps.  Should you damage the wires accidentally prior to tiling, Warmup will replace the heater at no extra charge.  Details can be found on warmup.com 

Also check that you’ll be able to contact the heating company easily for backup.  A helpline, especially if it’s round the clock, is invaluable.  As an installer, it is always useful to know you have somewhere to go should you encounter a situation on a job, and better yet if there are service engineers to literally lend a hand and minimise disruption.  The fewer tiles lifted, the lower the costs incurred!
Finally, with new products being introduced constantly, do ask for refresher training sessions with your preferred supplier if they are not already offered.

With its fine offerings of golf galore and yachting facilities all under glorious sunshine, Sotogrande in Cadiz makes an ideal playground for the affluent. Adding to the skyline of this Spanish paradise, B. Solis Constructora has launched a residential project which will see the creation of 196 apartments fitted with luxurious finishes including Warmup® underfloor heating in all 444 bathrooms.

All the bathrooms in this prestigious new harbourfront development will have Warmup® mats installed under the tiled floors and operated by the Warmup® MStat, a user friendly thermostatic heating control. To optimise heating efficiency, the mats will be laid onto Warmup® Insulation Boards to reflect heat back up through the tiles, minimising unnecessary heat loss. When the cold does eventually set in during winter, the homeowners can still be pampered with warm floors underfoot, a benefit that ups the wow factor of each apartment, rendering it a powerfully persuasive selling tool of the development.

B. Solis Constructora’s decision to use Warmup was attributed to the quick and simple installation of the systems, crucially reducing the risks of costly delays to the construction. The accessibility to local Warmup fitters increased the practicality of the process while the ongoing personalised service received from the Warmup sales team from day 1 enabled them to enjoy reassurance and peace of mind, enhancing the entire customer experience.

Warmup’s commitment to excellence in both quality and service echoes the corporate values of B. Solis Constructora, fostering a mutual trust and laying a solid foundation to the working relationship. Underway since June 2005, the project as a whole is scheduled for completion over just 28 months, in time for summer 2008.