If
you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact
us.
Can I heat my entire homes with under-floor heating? Electric heating is a viable solution for many home
heating applications. The
low installed
cost of electric versus hydronic, (hot water), systems
makes this heating less expensive to install. When compared to
baseboard heating, it is also up to 40% less expensive to operate.
[Back to top]
How
much does it cost to operate under-floor warming in a bathroom?
An 80 square foot bathroom, may require only 50 square feet
of floor warming. When used to warm the floors for comfort it
should only cost between $1.25 to $ 1.50, per square foot of
warmed area per year. This was estimated using a $0.07 per
kilowatt energy charge and a timer to operate the floor
approximately 82 hours per week, over a year.
[Back to top]
I've
heard that there is a lot of maintenance involved with under-floor
heating systems. How much is that going to cost me?
Be prepared to spend no time or money to maintain
your electrical floor warming system.
Unlike water systems (hydronic), there are no pumps, solenoid
valves, sophisticated controls, tubes, heat exchangers or boilers
to monitor. Nothing to leak, on
furniture or antiques, lubricate, or worry about and no expensive
technicians to hire.
[Back to top]
Do
I have to hire professionals to install an under-floor system in
my house?
The Alcatel electric floor warming is system is easy to
install by any handyman. If you can lay tile or any type of
flooring, and by following our easy directions, you can do
it. Electrical connections should always be performed by a
qualified electrician. Full wiring diagrams, installation
instructions and warranty information are included with every
order.
[Back to top]
What
is the difference between cable and Millimat? How do I
decide which one to use?
Millimats are primarily used in renovation projects, where
the height of adjacent floors should be considered. Its thin
design adds virtually nothing to the finished floor height.
Cable is a less expensive way to go and should be
considered when you are warming large areas, or in new
construction / renovation. Cable will add at least 1/8"
to your finished floor height.
[Back to top]
My
bathtub is always cold, why can't I use this under my tub to keep
it warm?
Shoeless homes has products that can operate in areas such
as under a tub. Ask one of our technical advisors for information.
[Back to top]
Isn't
it dangerous to have an electric floor in the bathroom?
ALL electrical items in a bathroom or kitchen must
be installed on a GFCI, (ground fault circuit interrupter) to meet
Canada's electrical code. Warm floors dry faster, thus
promoting safety in the bathroom.
[Back to top]
How
much does it cost to install this system in my kitchen?
Send us a layout with full dimensions of all permanent
items in your room. We will fax back a quotation and layout by the
next working day.
[Back to top]
My
solarium is cold because it is an add-on to the house. How
can I fix it?
Millimat or cables can be installed under almost any type
of flooring. This will add warmth to the floor as well as provide
radiant heat to the entire room.
[Back to top]
I
don't like to waste energy, do I have to have the floor system on
all of the time?
We recommend a timer in all floor warming applications.
This gives you control over energy consumption and thus the energy
costs. No
need to warm a floor for comfort when you're not home.
[Back to top]
I'm
not very handy, do you do installations?
Shoeless Homes is not a contractor. Any reasonably
competent do-it-yourselfer, contractor or renovator can properly
and safely install our products. We include comprehensive
instructions with every order and phone support, if needed,
on our toll free phone lines.
[Back to top]
Is
this flooring safe if you have children?
Alcatel flooring systems are certified safe to install by
Canadian Standards Association (CSA). They have passed rigorous
tests to ensure they are safe and will perform for years to come.
Every Alcatel product is shipped with 100% quality control.
Alcatel is an ISO 9001 company.
[Back to top]
How
can I be sure I am ordering enough Millimat for my room?
We would be pleased to provide a free room layout to ensure
you have purchased an adequate amount of Millimat or cable to
cover the area you want to warm or heat.
[Back to top]
How
will I know the best way to lay the Millimat or cable?
Our comprehensive instructions are easy to follow and
personal assistance is available on our toll free help line. We
will also provide a personalized floor layout. Simply fax (toll
free), or e-mail your floor plan to us.
[Back to top]
Do
you cut the Millimat to fit it into small spaces?
Mat sizes are available in a range from 8.6 square
feet to 84 square feet. After estimating the required mat size it
is easy to arrange the mat to suit virtually any space or
configuration. Alcatel cables can be provided to do as
little as 5 sq. ft.
[Back to top]
What
happens if the system fails five-years from now?
Alcatel products come with a full non-prorated 10 year
warranty. Should there be a problem it can be located and repaired
in the floor, quickly and easily.
[Back to top]
I
have interlocking stones at my entranceway. Is the heat from
the cable strong enough to penetrate the stones and keep the snow
and ice away?
Alcatel cables can be sized to suit any snow melt or ice control
requirement, whether it is a sidewalk, emergency route, driveway
or wheelchair ramp. It can be installed under interlock pavers, asphalt
, concrete or soil. Automatic ice and snow control systems are
available and can be programmed to prevent snow and ice
accumulation even when you are not at home!
[Back to top]
I
just want to heat 10 sq. ft. in front of a sink, can I just
install a mat there?
We do offer mats of
different sizes to warm any space, however, warming only a small
space in your room may be false economy. Should you have a
gathering of friends in your home, they will all want to stand in
the warm area, and should you wish to sell your home one day, the
prospective purchaser may be uncomfortable with having such a tiny
area warmed, in a large room. The cost of purchasing mat or cable
to do the entire space, is really not prohibitive, when you
consider the comfort gained by warming the entire walking area.
[Back to top]
Do
I need a thermostat?
Installing a thermostat is an
essential part of the system. This ensures that your floor or room
maintains your personal comfort setting. Floor sensing
thermostats are used for floor warming applications. You may also
consider a timer for energy conservation. Combination
floor/Air sensing thermostats are used for heating.
Thermostats
with one-touch temperature setback are available from
ShoelessHomes.
[Back to top]
If
you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact
us.
ShoelessHomes.com
info@shoelesshomes.com
515 Milner Avenue, Unit # 3, Toronto Ontario, M1B 2K4
Phone: 416-335-8570
Fax: 416-335-8071
Toll Free Phone: 888-575-5567
Toll Free Fax: 877-335-3166
