Say Goodbye to Cold Floors

On October 30, 2024, in news, by Michael
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When it comes to underfloor heating, Warmup leads the way with innovative solutions that balance efficiency, ease of installation, and sophisticated design. With products like the StickMat, DCM-Pro, Electric Foil Heater, and 6iE Smart WiFi Thermostat, Warmup provides versatile heating options to fit any room type and flooring style.

Warmup StickMat: Ideal for Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Entryways

The Warmup StickMat system is designed for tiled or stone floors, making it a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways where these materials are often used. This system combines simplicity and efficiency, using ultra-thin heating wires attached to a fiberglass mesh. Its self-adhesive backing keeps the mat securely in place during installation, cutting down on setup time.

Why Choose the StickMat?

  • Quick, straightforward installation with self-adhesive backing
  • Even, consistent heating across tile and stone surfaces
  • Perfect for areas where floor height needs to stay minimal

With its thin profile and compatibility with tiles and stone, the StickMat adds warmth without raising the floor height noticeably, making it a great solution for retrofits and new builds alike.

Warmup DCM-Pro: High Traffic Rooms Like Living Rooms and Hallways

For rooms where floor durability is key—like living rooms, hallways, and large bathrooms—the Warmup DCM-Pro system offers both robust heating and long-term floor protection. Its unique decoupling membrane isolates the heating cables from the subfloor, helping to prevent cracks in tile and stone caused by subfloor movement. This waterproof membrane also makes the DCM-Pro a great choice for bathrooms and other wet areas.

Why Choose the DCM-Pro?

  • Decoupling membrane protects tile and grout from cracks
  • Customizable cable spacing for precise heat output control
  • Ideal for high-traffic and temperature-varying rooms or areas prone to floor movement

The DCM-Pro’s design enhances durability and ensures smooth, consistent warmth, making it the go-to for spaces that need long-lasting, resilient flooring.

Warmup Electric Foil Heater: Comfort for Living Rooms, Bedrooms, and Offices

Designed for use under floating floors, such as laminate, engineered wood, and carpet, the Warmup Electric Foil Heater is a versatile and ultra-thin heating option. It’s ideal for spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and offices where floating floors are common. This foil heater is simple to install, requiring no adhesives or special tools, making it an excellent choice for retrofit projects.

Why Choose the Electric Foil Heater?

  • Roll-out installation with no adhesive or self-leveling compounds needed
  • Low-profile design minimizes impact on floor height
  • Compatible with various floating floors, including laminate and carpet

The Electric Foil Heater is an effective solution for achieving comfortable, uniform heat in rooms where soft or floating floors are preferred. Plus, it provides consistent warmth without affecting floor height, perfect for creating cozy, inviting living spaces.

Warmup 6iE Smart WiFi Thermostat: Total Control and Energy Savings

The Warmup 6iE Smart WiFi Thermostat takes your underfloor heating to the next level with intelligent control features and sleek design. It offers remote access via WiFi, so you can adjust your heating from anywhere with the MyWarmup app. The 6iE also includes Geo-Fencing technology, which automatically turns heating on or off based on your location, ensuring your home is warm when you arrive and energy-efficient when you’re away.

Why Choose the 6iE Thermostat?

  • Smart adaptive heating learns your schedule for optimal efficiency
  • Geo-Fencing technology adjusts heating based on your location
  • Real-time energy usage insights help monitor and control heating costs

With compatibility for both electric and hydronic systems, as well as voice assistant integration, the 6iE provides a convenient, hands-free experience that’s as energy-efficient as it is user-friendly.

Why Choose Warmup for Underfloor Heating?

Warmup’s innovative underfloor heating solutions make it easy to find the right system for every room in your home, from high-traffic areas to quiet retreats. Each product is designed with a focus on comfort, durability, and energy savings, while the 6iE thermostat puts control right at your fingertips. Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, upgrading a bedroom, or adding warmth to a living room, Warmup products offer the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge technology.

 

The Ultimate Dryer Venting Solution: Combining InOvate and MagVent Products for Safety and Efficiency

On October 22, 2024, in news, by Michael
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Dryer venting is a critical aspect of any home’s laundry setup, but it’s often overlooked. Proper dryer venting is not only essential for the efficiency of your dryer but also for the safety of your home. Clogged or inefficient dryer vents can increase drying times, waste energy, and pose a serious fire hazard. Fortunately, companies like InOvate and MagVent have developed innovative products that make dryer venting easier, safer, and more efficient.

Let’s explore the unique features and benefits of InOvate and MagVent products, and see how combining them can create the ultimate dryer venting solution for your home.

InOvate’s Game-Changing Dryer Venting Products

InOvate Technologies has developed several industry-leading products designed to improve the performance, safety, and aesthetics of dryer vent systems. Here’s a closer look at three of their most popular products: the Dryerbox, DryerFlex, and The Premium Wall Vent.

1. Dryerbox: Maximize Space and Protect Your Ductwork

One of the most common issues with dryer installations is the limited space between the dryer and the wall, which can cause the dryer duct to get crushed or kinked, restricting airflow. The Dryerbox solves this problem by creating a recessed area in your wall for the dryer vent connection. This allows you to push the dryer closer to the wall without damaging the ductwork.

Benefits:

  • Protects ductwork from being crushed.
  • Increases available space in your laundry room.
  • Enhances airflow, improving dryer efficiency and reducing lint buildup.
  • Available in different configurations to fit your installation needs.

2. DryerFlex: Flexibility Without Compromising Safety

DryerFlex is a flexible, fire-resistant dryer vent duct that combines the convenience of flexibility with the safety and performance of rigid metal ductwork. Unlike traditional foil or plastic dryer ducts, DryerFlex won’t collapse or tear, and its smooth interior walls ensure optimal airflow.

Benefits:

  • Easy to install in tight spaces.
  • Fire-resistant materials enhance safety.
  • Flexible yet rigid, so it won’t get crushed like conventional ducts.
  • Smooth interior reduces lint buildup and maintains strong airflow.

3. The Premium Wall Vent: Durable, Efficient Exterior Venting

The Premium Wall Vent from InOvate is designed for the exterior of your home, offering a sleek, low-profile look combined with maximum durability and performance. Made from heavy-duty powder-coated aluminum, this vent resists harsh weather conditions and prevents pests from entering the vent system.

Benefits:

  • Low-profile, aesthetically pleasing design.
  • Efficient airflow reduces backpressure on your dryer.
  • Superior durability and resistance to weather and wear.
  • Built-in damper to keep pests out and improve efficiency when the dryer is not in use.

MagVent’s Innovative Magnetic Connections for Dryer Vents

MagVent is another leader in the dryer venting industry, known for its magnetic dryer vent connectors. These connectors make it easy to install, maintain, and clean dryer vents by providing a simple yet secure magnetic connection between the dryer and the ductwork. Here’s an overview of their most popular products: the MV-90, MV-Flex, and MV-180.

1. MV-90: Perfect for Tight Spaces

The MV-90 is ideal for dryer installations where the dryer needs to be placed close to the wall. It features a 90-degree connection that minimizes the amount of space needed behind the dryer while still allowing optimal airflow.

Benefits:

  • Perfect for tight spaces where clearance is limited.
  • Enhances dryer efficiency by minimizing airflow restrictions.
  • Magnetic coupling makes installation and maintenance easy.
  • Secure, airtight connection reduces the risk of leaks and lint buildup.

2. MV-Flex: The Flexible Connection You Need

The MV-Flex offers more flexibility for installations where the dryer is offset from the wall vent. It uses the same magnetic coupling system as the MV-90, but with a flexible transition duct to accommodate dryers positioned at different angles.

Benefits:

  • Magnetic connection for quick and easy attachment.
  • Fire-resistant materials ensure safety.
  • Allows for flexible dryer positioning without compromising venting performance.
  • Maintains optimal airflow even with non-linear setups.

3. MV-180: Straight Venting Made Easy

The MV-180 is perfect for straight, in-line venting setups. If your dryer and wall vent are aligned, this product allows for a straight connection that maximizes airflow and minimizes lint buildup.

Benefits:

  • Simple, in-line connection for straight venting.
  • Magnetic attachment ensures a secure and easy-to-maintain connection.
  • Ideal for long, straight vent paths that require minimal adjustments.

Why Combining InOvate and MagVent Products is a Game-Changer

By integrating InOvate and MagVent products, you create a highly efficient, space-saving, and safe dryer venting system that’s easy to install, maintain, and clean. Here’s how they complement each other:

  • Space-Saving & Safe Installation: The Dryerbox creates space behind your dryer, allowing you to push it closer to the wall without crushing the vent. Pair it with MagVent’s MV-90 magnetic coupling for a secure connection that’s simple to install and requires minimal space.
  • Optimal Airflow & Flexibility: The combination of DryerFlex and MagVent’s MV-Flex ensures that your dryer venting system has the flexibility to accommodate tight or awkward spaces, while still maintaining optimal airflow to improve dryer efficiency and reduce the risk of lint buildup.
  • Durable, High-Performance Exterior Venting: With The Premium Wall Vent and MagVent’s magnetic connections, you create a direct, durable, and efficient path for venting air out of your home, minimizing airflow resistance and preventing backdrafts, pests, or debris from entering your system.
  • Easy Maintenance: Both DryerFlex and MagVent’s magnetic systems make it easy to disconnect and clean your dryer vent, which is critical for maintaining dryer performance and safety. Regular maintenance prevents lint buildup, a leading cause of dryer fires.

The Perfect Dryer Venting Solution

For homeowners looking to upgrade their dryer venting system, the combination of InOvate and MagVent products offers unmatched safety, efficiency, and ease of use. Whether you’re building a new home or improving your existing laundry setup, integrating these products will ensure that your dryer operates at peak performance while minimizing the risks of lint buildup and fire hazards.

By prioritizing proper installation, durable materials, and easy maintenance, InOvate and MagVent provide a long-lasting solution that keeps your home safe and your dryer running efficiently.

 

Instant Hot Water, Anytime

On October 2, 2024, in cool products, news, by Michael
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Waiting for hot water is something we’ve all experienced. You turn on the faucet or shower, and it takes forever for hot water to arrive. In the meantime, gallons of perfectly good water are going straight down the drain. It’s an issue most homeowners face, but AquaMotion has engineered a solution to eliminate this problem with their hot water recirculation pumps. These systems not only save water but also add convenience and comfort to your daily life.

How Does a Hot Water Recirculation Pump Work?

A typical home plumbing system leaves cold water sitting in the hot water pipes when the faucet isn’t being used. As a result, it can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes for hot water to reach the tap or shower, depending on the distance from the water heater. AquaMotion’s recirculation pumps address this problem by keeping hot water circulating through your pipes so it’s instantly available at any fixture.

Key Components:

  1. Recirculation Pump: This is the heart of the system. AquaMotion offers pumps that can be installed either at the water heater or directly under the sink at the farthest fixture.
  2. Bypass Valve: Installed at the furthest faucet, this valve returns cooled water back to the heater to keep hot water circulating. It closes when the water temperature reaches the desired level, conserving energy.
  3. Control Systems: You can choose from various control options to ensure your pump only runs when needed, maximizing energy savings. These include timers, temperature sensors, or on-demand activation with a button or remote.

Types of Hot Water Recirculation Systems

AquaMotion offers different types of recirculation systems to fit your plumbing configuration and needs:

AMH2K water line diagram

Full Recirculation System:

In homes that have a dedicated hot water return line, a full recirculation system is ideal. The pump continuously circulates hot water through the supply line, while cooled water is sent back to the heater via the return line.

AMH3K water line diagram

Crossover System:

For homes without a dedicated return line, the AquaMotion crossover system is a great solution. The pump uses your cold water line as a return pathway, pushing cooled water back to the water heater when not in use. The bypass valve ensures cold water doesn’t come out of your hot water tap during the process.

The Benefits of Installing AquaMotion

  • Instant Hot Water

The most obvious benefit is that you’ll have instant hot water at every tap and shower. No more waiting for the water to heat up, which saves time and reduces frustration, especially in larger homes where fixtures are far from the water heater.

  • Water Conservation

On average, a household can waste 12-15 thousand gallons of water each year waiting for hot water. AquaMotion’s recirculation systems eliminate this waste by ensuring hot water is always readily available. You’ll save water and reduce your environmental footprint.

  • Energy Efficiency

While the pump keeps hot water circulating, AquaMotion provides control options that prevent continuous operation, ensuring that energy is not wasted. Timers, temperature sensors, and on-demand buttons allow you to customize when and how the system runs, maximizing efficiency and minimizing energy costs.

  • Easy Installation

AquaMotion’s pumps are designed for easy installation, especially their crossover systems which don’t require a dedicated return line. Many homeowners can install these systems themselves, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution.

  • Affordable Comfort

Compared to traditional hot water systems, AquaMotion recirculation kits are cost-effective. The initial investment can quickly be offset in one to three years by savings on water bills and energy consumption, not to mention the added comfort of having hot water available instantly.

Which AquaMotion System is Right for You?

AquaMotion offers a range of options to meet the unique needs of different homes:

Instant hot water recirculation flow chart
Tankless outdoor instant hot water recirculation kit flowchart
  • AMH1K: This series is for homes without a dedicated return line, designed to be installed near the hot water tank or water heater (tankless). Shop Now
  • AMH2K: This series is for homes with a dedicated return line, designed to be installed near the hot water tank or water heater (tankless). Shop Now
  • AMH3K: This series is for homes without a dedicated return line, designed to be installed under the sink that has an electrical outlet. Shop Now

A Simple Upgrade with Lasting Benefits

If you’re tired of waiting for hot water and want to save time, water, energy, and money, AquaMotion is the solution you’ve been looking for. Whether you choose a full recirculation system or a crossover solution, AquaMotion has a kit to meet your needs. With easy installation and immediate results, this upgrade will improve your daily routine and contribute to a more eco-friendly home. Make the switch today and experience the comfort and convenience of instant hot water!

 

Going Electric At Our Warehouse

On October 1, 2024, in filtration, IAQ, news, solar, warehouse, by neil
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We are always looking for ways to minimize our carbon and environmental footprint, and we found a big one at our warehouse in New York State.

Prior to purchasing the warehouse it was heated with furnaces fed by large propane storage tanks on the property. There was no cooling. Heating large spaces in a cold climate is very energy intensive. If we wanted to add cooling, our energy costs would be headed in the wrong direction.

Stage 1: Problem Analysis & Potential Solutions

Propane is one of the more expensive fuels out there, since it has to be delivered by truck. The goal was to use electricity and going down that path led us to heat pumps (hey we sell them !) and we did the math on making our own electricity. Solar panels are relatively inexpensive and have an excellent ROI (return on investment).

We adopted a multi stage plan to first reduce our carbon footprint and then make sure our costs were equal to less than the “fossil approach”.

Stage 2: Install Heat Pumps

Installing the air handlers.

Note the oversized filter box.

Completed heat pumps

It snows a lot in this part of the country, so we built snow covers.

Stage 3: Get a New Roof

It makes sense to get a new roof, when you’re installing 30 year lifetime solar panels. Thank You to the folks at S.D. Carruthers Roofing for doing a great job on the roof and adding an extra layer of high R-value polyisocyanurate insulation underneath.

Stage 4: Get Solar

Once we finalized our requirements and got approval from the utility, the 120 kW of solar panels went in.

Conclusions:

  • CO₂ avoided
    • Solar electric is about as “home grown” as it gets. Although one may argue about the embodied energy in producing the panels, there will be 20-30 years of no carbon from our warehouse operations. The box shows our first 8 months of CO₂ saved.
  • Indoor Air Quality
    • Warehouses suffer from dust from cardboard operations. Our own filter boxes were installed on each air handler to allow for good filtration (MERV13) and long intervals between filter changes (6 months)
  • Comfort
    • Heating performance with the heat pumps has been as good as the propane furnaces.
    • Since we added cooling (free with heat pumps), summer comfort has been much improved.
  • Cost Savings
    • Great ROI on the system.
    • Zero electrical costs for 6-8 months, with dramatically lower bills anticipated for winter

Acknowledgements

Genie Solar: Great job at offering options and providing guidance on incentives.

3rd Roc Solar: Great install and responsive to any issues.

USDA: Thank You very much for the REAP grant.

Peter Caldwell (Great Electrician)

Thomas Brunet (Consultant)

Technical Notes:

Demand Charges: Although we will make enough electricity from the solar panels for our needs, commercial electrical rates include something called demand charges. We have had to distribute our electrical usage over a 24 hour period to avoid much of this. In particular, we actually heat at night to avoid turning on all our heat pumps simultaneously.

More information: If you would like to explore your path to “energy indepence” please contact me at www.hvacquick.com (ask for Neil Smith)

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