STEP Warmfloor Energy Efficient Radiant Heat

The American market is mainly dominated by traditional forced air heating methods, while radiant solutions barely register on the market radar.

The disconnect in understanding the value of radiant approaches stems largely from misconceptions, some manufacturers say. When one doesn’t hear the sound of a running compressor or feel warm air blowing their way – as is typically the case with forced-air systems – he or she sees the unit as not working.

But that’s just how radiant heating works – silent, but effective and efficient. Just ask Monica Irgens, president of Electro Plastics Inc., maker of STEP Warmfloor, a patented, low-voltage, self-regulating flat and thin radiant heater.

This heater was first developed to heat car seats in the early 80’s, but has since been used in multiple other applications, including in the construction industry.

STEP Warmfloor has been a sought-after heating solution for more than 30 years, with the product installed in a host of commercial settings. Among them: hospitals, schools, ships and even an Arctic outpost where the application is used to keep batteries from freezing and being rendered useless.

At a mere 1.2 mm thick, the heating strips are touted for their versatility, in addition to their effectiveness. The product can be installed in foundations, above subfloors, atop existing floors or under between joists.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy radiant heating has a number of advantages over other forms of heat distribution: “It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because no energy is lost through ducts.”

Proper heat distribution is of essence, such as having radiant heat in the floor where you need it most, knowing that hot air rises and more dense cold air sinks. Also It is scientifically proven that distributing an even low temperature over a large surface is more efficient.

Using modulating self-regulated heating elements allow for elements to stay on and maintain set temperatures by filling in heat leakage from an area. A thermostat serves to adjust the element if the sun or other sources heat the air too fast.

In 2009, to illustrate the viability of radiant heating, Electro Plastics laid its product across nearly 35,000 square feet of floor in its Missouri warehouse and production facility. Paired with thermal insulation, the semi-conductive polymer strips – the building’s sole heat source – were buried in concrete or laid on the floor, under rubber mats, wood, laminate, tiles and carpet. The building is LEED registered and to demonstrate the energy efficiency of STEP Warmfloor, a dedicated meter was installed to calculate the energy consumption of the heating system. An energy modeling study was calculated by an outside agency which showed that the company saved an average of more than $22,000 in heating expenses per year. That’s a 60.4 percent savings over a comparable standard commercial facility.

The effectiveness of STEP Warmfloor wasn’t simply found in the monthly electric bills at the plant; it also maintained a comfortable even temperature all winter. Even when open dock doors allowed some heat to escape, once closed, the constant heat rising from the floor filled the gaps almost immediately.

To maintain a comfortable indoor working environment, the ambient indoor temperature was set to 72 degrees in the office area and 65 degrees in the warehouse and factory.

“Nobody believed you can heat with 24 volts in a commercial setting,” Irgens said. “We proved we can do it and do it efficiently.”

As buildings worldwide have become tighter through sustainable and green- building initiatives, radiant heating can prove an effective solution to maintaining high air quality. Despite the seals of a structure working in unison to keep out pollutants, traditional blower systems can push dust and other impurities settling in the ventilation ducts throughout the interior. Additionally, using fossil fuels can cause an unhealthy environment by producing harmful gas emissions.

“When it’s too warm, you tend to get sluggish, with radiant, there are no drafts, and the temperature is the same all around. In our building, Irgens said, it’s not warm or cold. It’s comfortable.” In fact, the consistent level of comfort, as evidenced through studies, can contribute to a healthier environment and worker productivity.