Electric Underfloor Heating is No Longer a Luxury
Over the past decades, electric underfloor heating was always seen as a luxury in the United States with only a niche minority of users. As standard natural gas heating systems were cheap and abundant, there was understandably no need to invest in electric underfloor heating systems. However, with dwindling nonrenewable resources (i.e. coal, natural gas, and petroleum) and the consistent deterioration of the planet's health came a push towards sustainable and energy-efficient alternatives.
In 2004, British brothers Stuart and Alistair Bell launched Thermonet, one of the most iconic and revolutionary mesh-based electric underfloor heating systems to date. Energy-efficient, ergonomic, and easy to install, Thermonet was very much ahead of contemporary innovation.
This simple mesh system hides a treasure-trove of distinct features and mechanisms. First and foremost, Thermonet's underfloor heating element weaved along the length of the cable to ensure persistent and efficient heating throughout the floor's area. Additionally, the heating cable's unique TwistedTwinTM construction mitigated the stresses of constant heating and cooling cycles to ensure lasting durability. Furthermore, the parallel positioning of the cable's twisted multi-strand conductors neutralized electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which interfere with WiFi and cellular signals as well as increase the probability of cancers like childhood leukemia. Surrounding this intricate mechanism is a signature thick yellow military-grade Elastomer coat that protects the cable from weathering and other undue external influences.
One thing to note is that Thermonet's innovation is not exclusive to performance. Most notably, this state-of-the-art cable is then fixed onto a multi-purpose blue adhesive heating mesh in a griddle-like fashion to ensure even heat distribution. This mesh not only sticks snugly to sub-flooring for simplified installation, but faces wire-side down such that the heating cable is protected from any undue stresses linked to installation by a hard-wearing layer of mesh. To top it all off, Thermonet's innovative "Layflat" extrusion technology ensures minimal (⅜ in./3.5 mm) height buildup to assist with streamlined installation. As a result, this ultra-thin layer of heating mesh can be easily concealed within a tile's adhesive layer. With all else said, Thermonet harnesses the spirit of innovation to improve both performance and simplicity.
Five years later in 2009, the European Union would congregate to launch the 2009 European Eco design Directive, which established Eco-friendly standards for all energy-related products. In fact, Thermonet's high-performance design surpassed the novel 2009 Lot20 Compliance standards for energy-efficient heating systems. Thanks to these persistent Eco-design initiatives, interest in electric underfloor heating gradually gained traction through widespread public support. With this surge in momentum came the opportunity for Thermonet to probe more cost-effective and energy-efficient electric in-floor heating solutions.
Nowadays as electric underfloor heating consistently expands with the aid of government subsidies and Eco-friendly initiatives, the relentless forces of innovation behind Thermonet work tirelessly to deliver the most effective, energy-efficient and affordable electric underfloor heating solutions.