Step Warmfloor� Technical Overview

Radiant heat uses energy waves emitted from the product to heat the adjoining body (in this case, the flooring). Then heat is naturally transferred to an adjoining body mass (in this case the objects in the room, and the air).

The system maintains comfort at the floor level, in contrast to conventional heating systems - that can tend to leave the floor area cold but the room hot toward the ceiling.

A convection system, like radiators, relies on the movement of air around the house. Since air does not maintain heat, the room temperature fluctuates as the system goes on and off.

The concept of radiant heating is to warm walls, objects and people, which in return warm the air, creating ultimate comfort at lower room temperature. A large area of mild surface temperature, such as a warm floor, is capable of transferring as much heat as a small surface area e.g. a radiator, at high surface temperatures. The even distribution of heat eliminates draughts and gives a pleasant comfort at a lower temperature, making the system more cost effective.

Beyond comfort, radiant heat does not circulate dust and allergens that can cause respiratory problems. Due to increased temperature at floor level, there is less moisture, thereby inhibiting dust mites and mould/mildew problems.

STEP Warmfloor� vs. Water Tubing:-

One method is to use hot water pipes placed below the floor. The water tubing is connected to a water boiler. The hot water from the boiler is circulated through the tubing to generate the radiant heat.

Hydronic systems require maintenance for pumps and valves, are difficult to use for smaller areas and for retrofits in an existing home. -
Hydronic systems require 25mm-50mm thermal mass between heat source and finished floor.

STEP Warmfloor� vs. Electric Cable:-

Another alternative is to use electric cables.

These systems are fixed wattage and carry higher voltage (110 - 230v)
They require thermostats, sensors and ground fault switches.
Fragile wires and cables can be easily damaged.
Cable systems require 25mm-50mm thermal mass between heat source and finished floor.

Why STEP Warmfloor� is more efficient than other heating systems:

Reaction to temperature fluctuations

STEP Warmfloor� is installed directly under the floor covering and reacts quickly to temperature changes. The self-regulating elements act as a floor sensor, produces more wattage when cold and less wattage as they warm up

STEP Warmfloor� Cannot Overheat.

STEP Warmfloor� self-regulates at 28�C. The air temperature is then controlled by a thermostat. Once the air temperature reaches your desired level the thermostat communicates with the transformer which reduces the energy flow going into the STEP Warmfloor� Element.

Temperature loss to the ground

The flat heating elements of STEP Warmfloor� operate at a much lower temperature than hot water tubing and electric cables. Hot goes to cold and the excessive heat from hydronic and cables is lost to the ground.

Heat distribution:

Floor area covered by STEP Warmfloor� elements = 60%
STEP Warmfloor� covers a much larger area, thereby warming the floor evenly with a lower temperature

Floor area covered by heated cable = 2%
Thin heated cables need more mass and more power to distribute the heat.

Energy consumption

STEP Warmfloor� is made up of self-regulating material and can be used with a regulator, lowering the consumption of energy.

No Maintenance

STEP Warmfloor� is designed for a lifetime of continuous duty on 24v. No extra boiler, hence the danger of possible pipe breaks does not exist.

Top