The comfort of radiant floor heating is not new. The wire mesh heating system utilizes the standard reinforcement grids in concrete floors as a low density heating element. As a result, the installation costs compare favorably with other compatible methods of heating, but there are no heating cables to break or deteriorate.
The thermal capacity of the concrete floor, and the ground beneath the floor, form a large heat reservoir. This reservoir will supply a continuing source of heat if the electrical power is disconnected for periods of time. The reservoir is so effective that when the electrical energy is interrupted, the temperature will only be reduced my 1/2 of a degree per hour, when the outside temperature is zero. This enables the heating system to effectively utilize the "off peak" rates offered by many of the utility companies. When connected to a peak load demand controller, the wire mesh heating system provides one of the lowest operating costs available.
The main element of the wire mesh heating system is a heavy duty transformer which electrically energizes the structural reinforcing grids. The resistive characteristics of the were mesh convert the electrical energy into a radiant heat source which provides comfortable, draftless, low intensity heat, exactly where you want it.
The temperature controls normally consist of slab thermostats to control the maximum surface temperature of the concrete and room thermostats to control the comfort.
The main applications of wire mesh heating are:
There are many advanatages by using a wire mesh heating system :