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FAQ

What product should I choose?
I already have heat. Do I need radiant floor heat?
What are the best area to have radiant in-floor heating in?
What voltage do I need for my in-floor heating?
Does 120 VAC work better than 240 VAC?
Why Radiant Heat?
Is the AHT FLAT RIBBON MAT more energy efficient?
What is the difference between electrical and hydronic-based radiant floor heating systems?
Gas is cheaper than electricity, is it cheaper to operate a hydronic system?
What is the advantage of Roll 'n' WarmTM?
Will my wood floors get ruined by Roll 'n' WarmTM?
Is snow melting system expensive to operate?
How do I control the radiant heating systems?
Can I install the AHT FLAT RIBBON MATTM or the Roll 'n' WarmTM as a DYI project?
ls radiant floor heating safe?
How do I know what sizes do I need for my project?
What is the warranty on Orion Eco Tech's products?

What product should I choose?

Orion Eco Tech provides in-floor heating solutions for most common flooring choices.
- The AHT FLAT RIBBON MATTM is the go-to product for tiles, carpet, vinyl floor, linoleum , granite, slate and marble. It is ideal for any flooring that needs to be glued down.
- Roll 'n' WarmTM is the perfect solution for laminate, engineered hardwood and other pre-finished floating surfaces. Please note that neither glue nor nails can be used in Roll 'n' WarmTM applications.


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I already have heat. Do I need radiant floor heat?

Most heating systems won't ever be able to heat up the floor. Heat naturally moves up and cooler air takes its place. The only way to achieve the natural warmth of the floor is installing radiant in-floor heating. If the space is heated by both regular and radiant floor heat system, they will help each other to create a warmer, more pleasant environment. Imagine brushing your teeth in the morning, while standing on a warm tiled floor.


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What are the best area to have radiant in-floor heating in?

The most popular spaces to have heating at are:
- Basements - basements are notoriously cold usually because they is no heat underneath them and they are buried in the ground. Heating the basement floors will make a comfortable space for any use.
- Room above the garage - Dead space in the garage makes the rooms that are built on top have little heat from below and also always cold.
- Bathrooms - tiled floors in bathrooms are usually colder than most other floor surfaces, making the tiles uncomfortable to stand on. Warming the tiles, even a little will make a big difference in how you enjoy your morning routine.
- Kitchens - Just like bathrooms, kitchens usually have tiled floors, which are usually cold.


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What voltage do I need for my in-floor heating?

The AHT FLAT RIBBON MATTM is built for 120 VAC or 240 VAC for warming larger areas. Roll 'n' WarmTM is supplied only in 240 VAC for now.


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Does 120 VAC work better than 240 VAC?

Both systems have the same efficiency. 240 VAC is more common for larger spaces (over 100 ft2).

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Why Radiant Heat?

Radiant heat, unlike any other heating method heats the whole room simultaneously. The heat radiates upwards from the floor, creating a natural feeling of warmth and comfort. Forced air systems move large quantities of air together with allergens, pollutants; dries out the air and helps cultivate bacteria. The warm air blows out of ductwork and ends up at the ceiling, rather than starting to warm up at your feet, where the warmth is more desirable.

Conventional radiators can only heat a small space at a time, creating really hot area around the device. With traditional baseboard heaters, the hot air flows up the wall creating a convective current, drawing the cold air down.

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Is the AHT FLAT RIBBON MAT more energy efficient?
To start off with, the AHT FLAT RIBBON MAT's unique design allows about 25-30% of the floor surface to be covered by the actual heating element. This is achieved by the heating ribbons being spaced closer together and the flat nature of the ribbons. Flat ribbons have a larger heating transfer surface and heat the space more evenly.

The Amorphous Metal allow is a relatively new and unique material that is mostly found in the form of thin ribbons (roughly 20 to 30 microns). The low mass of the heating element lets the heating element heat up faster and hold the temperature better than the conventional crystalline based alloy, therefore the mat operates at a much lower temperature, while still achieving standard surface temperatures.


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What is the difference between electrical and hydronic-based radiant floor heating systems?

There are 3 main differences between the two

1. Start-up investment.

Hydronic system is very costly. It consists of a lot of expensive equipment like tubes, pumps, boilers etc. The installation time and cost of such system is always a large project involving expensive labourers. In some cases a whole room has to be dedicated to hosting all the equipment. Our products on the other hand do not need a lot of expensive equipment and the installation is very simple.

2. Maintenance.

Hydronic based systems need to be maintained regularly. Most providers of such systems do the maintenance for a fee, otherwise they will void the warranty. Electric radiant floor systems do not require any maintenance.

3. Raised floor height.

Floors have to be raised at least 3 or more inches when using a hydronic system. Our products will not require over 0.5 inches of raised space.

4. Repair and Damages cost.

Hydronic system has a toxic liquid (glycol) circulating the system. It is the same basic material as a vehicle's antifreeze. In case of a breakage, glycol leaks and created major damage to the surroundings, creates a mess and a big expense to clean it up. Fixing a breakage is also very costly as in some cases it's very hard to find where the actual breakage occurred. Also, it is important to note that the pump and the furnace have to be replaced every 7-10 years as they get worn down by constant operation. Electrical radiant floor heating is less susceptible to breakages and easier to locate the place of the breakage.

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Gas is cheaper than electricity, is it cheaper to operate a hydronic system?

It is true only if you are making an hour by hour comparison. In actuality the hydronic based systems are running all the time. When operated outside in winter conditions, it will maintain a low temperature at all times, even when there is no snow, just to make sure the glycol and pipes do not freeze. The electrical systems can be turned off at any time when not in use. This is a very important factor, yearly consumption for hydronic based systems are significantly higher.


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What is the advantage of Roll 'n' WarmTM?

Roll 'n' WarmTM is a unique, innovative, ultra thin carbon heating film. It is specially designed to use under laminate and engineered hardwood. It's biggest advantage is that the film does not need to be embedded into a layer of cement. Roll 'n' WarmTM is installed between a layer of insulation and the flooring of your choice. The insulation acts as a heat and moisture barrier and eliminates heat loss under the film. The heating film has almost 60% of the area heated with an actual heating element and it is in a direct contact with the floor at all times, thus making it the most effective heating system.


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Will my wood floors get ruined by Roll 'n' WarmTM?

The heat transfer area of Roll 'n' WarmTM is one of the largest in the industry, making heating of the carbon film uniform and even-spread. That is why it does not need operate at the same high temperatures as the regular wire (28 Co vs 55Co). The excessive temperatures together with a poorly insulated structures could contribute to buckling of the hardwood. Roll 'n' WarmTM will not damage the floors, as long as it is operated at the proper manner (outlined in the product manual) and the flooring manufacturer's care instructions are followed.

Some also argue that, because floor temperatures are kept more uniform during all the seasons of the year, the expansion and contraction of the flooring is minimized and results in a more stable and long lasting floor.

The same is true for other floor coverings as well. Whether it's laminate, click-in-vinyl, or any type of laminated floor, the low temperatures unique to properly designed radiant heating systems keep floor temperatures well within manufacturer's specifications.

Please pay attention to areas where there is heavy furniture. We don't recommend putting heavy or furniture with no legs over radiant floor heated space. If the heat has no place to escape, it can create a localised increase in temperature and potentially lead to damage. Same goes about installation of the heat under cabinets, permanent shelving and other fixed furniture.

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Is snow melting system expensive to operate?

The snow melting is not much more expensive to operate than having a landscaping company come in and clear the snow. Only it does a much better job in getting rid of the snow. It also eliminates the need of putting harmful, corrosive chemicals that do more damage to the paving and the soil on your property than control the icing conditions.

As in other applications if the driveway is well insulated and the system is used smartly, the electrical consumption of the system will be very reasonable.

Outdoor AHT RibbonTM is a superior product when trying to get the maximum efficiency from the snow melting system. Instead of the industry standard 50 W/ft2, the Outdoor AHT RibbonTM operates at an amazing 35 W/ft2 (at optimal conditions with proper insulation). That is 30% less than most of the competition.

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How do I control the radiant heating systems?

There are different thermostats used for indoor radiant floor heating. Most popular thermostats supplied are of 3 varieties: simple "on and off" operation or a more sophisticated, programmable thermostat with 7 days programming options. Programmable thermostat gives the user a complete control over the times the system shall be on as well as the temperature variance during different times of the day. This will allow you to control your electricity bill as well as monitor the energy consumption.

Areas where radiant floor heat is the primary source of heat might require a thermostat with both floor and ambient sensors. These thermostats use both sensors and can control the room temperature using the floor heating.

In larger areas that exceed the capacity of one circuit breaker load, a power module relay is used to extend the controlled area beyond the area coverage of one stat. All indoor thermostats come with a floor sensor and a Class A GFCI.

Controls for the snow melting systems vary depending on the size of the project and the individual needs. Some of the controllers include thermostats, slap temperature sensor, air snow sensors, roof, gutters or in pavement sensors. Please contact one of our dedicated professionals for a free phone, or on-site consultation.

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Can I install the AHT FLAT RIBBON MATTM or the Roll 'n' WarmTM as a DYI project?

Both AHT FLAT RIBBON MATTM and the Roll 'n' WarmTM can be installed by a "do it yourselfer". Both products are very easy to install. Please make sure that you take your time to read through the installation manuals supplied with diligence and follow the instructions carefully. If there is something that might not be completely clear to you, please contact our technical support group at once.
Please not that all the electrical connections have to be made by a licensed electrician with accordance with the local laws and regulations. Warranty might be voided if the installation will not be performed in accordance with our instructions and recommendations.

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Is the electrical radiant floor heating safe?

Yes, the heating elements as well as all the thermostats go through rigorous testing both in the factory and at the laboratories before receiving certifications to be able to be sold to the general public.
All the controlling units have Class A GFCI, making it virtually impossible to receive electroshock.


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How do I know what sizes do I need for my project?

You are more than welcome to use our automatic planner. You can also check out the sizes available here or contact one of your design specialists and we will be happy to help you plan out your project.

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What is the warranty on Orion Eco Tech's products?

All the heating elements are covered by a limited ten (10) year product replacement warranty. Thermostats and snow melting controls have a two year limited warranty. The warranty is transferable to a new homeowner, unlike most other radiant companies. Orion Eco Tech warranties the product, not just the homeowner.