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Carpet Heaters Underlay tests

Carpet Heaters Underlay tests

Super fast heating cable.
Independent testing of the floor heating element from Coldbuster Floor Heating Australia reveals an initial heating rate of a lightning fast 2.5°C per minute!

Conducted by Bridgestone Underlay‘s manufacturing plant in Dandenong, Victoria, the 9-day test was done on top of the luxurious underlay, Airstep Australia in an open hallway with the key objective being to investigate if the underlay would fail under maximum temperature working conditions.

Conclusions from the Bridgestone ‘Airstep’ study of the Coldbuster carpet heater:

  • The heating element reached a maximum temperature of 44°C without thermostat temperature control
  • The steady state ‘maximum’ carpet surface temperature after 1 day varied between 31°C  and 33°C (hotter directly over the element)
  • The underlay and carpet showed no form of deterioration, i.e. no burn marks, scorching, bulging, delaminating or discolouration
  • The Coldbuster carpet heaters (all rated 160W/m²) are compatible with Airstep’s underlay, and consequently compatible with all foam grades of underlay, being similar to the Stepmax underlay used.

 

The surface temperature was measured for both extremes of thick and thin grade carpet, in order to make the test more relevant for the wide range of carpet products on the market. The heater was connected to the electrical supply without thermostat temperature control.

The heating cable reached 37°C in just 10 minutes from a ‘cold start’ of 13°C, with the temperature of both carpet surfaces reaching a comfortably warm 20°C. After two hours, the carpet temperature reached a steady state maximum of 30°C. The ambient air temperature remained mostly unchanged at around 15°C across all 9 days. There is a correlation between the ambient and heater element temperatures, confirming the benefits of thermostat temperature control.

Since the test was conducted in an open hallway, the ambient air temperature could not be expected to rise. At 250W the Coldbuster heater was the smallest model available, used for the purpose of testing the durability of the underlay, though this model is not of adequate size or output to achieve heating of the air for the area of the hallway. This is also reflected in the carpet surface temperature, with good insulation allowing the carpet surface to reach its maximum of 30°C much sooner.

Interestingly, the test also shows that the thickness of carpet used has no noticeable effect on either the warm-up time or maximum surface temperature achieved. Coldbuster suggests this would have more to do with a carpet’s insulation properties. A heavy, insulating object will slow down the warm-up time, and without thermostat temperature control, may cause overheating and consequently, discolouration of the carpet.

Click here to find out more about our carpet heaters or watch the installation video below!

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Key Factors Affecting the Running Costs of Electric Floor Heating from Coldbuster

There are many factors and assumptions that may influence the costs of running electric floor heating.

Please note that the factors and the assumptions that underpin this Running Cost Calculator mean that results should only be used as a rough guide, as conditions (some of which are listed below) can vary greatly.

The efficiency and cost of the electricity used for heating directly impact running costs. More efficient energy sources and favourable electricity tariffs reduce overall expenses. Electricity prices vary by provider and plan. Choosing an energy-efficient tariff and monitoring peak and off-peak rates can help minimise heating costs.

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your energy source is cost-effective and the electricity tariff is optimised for heating needs.

The total time the heating system is operational impacts energy consumption. Running the system only when necessary and using programmable thermostats to create heating schedules can optimise usage.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your heating is running only when necessary and optimised accordingly.

A duty cycle for electric underfloor heating represents the percentage of time the system is actively heating versus its total operational time. After the floor reaches its set temperature, the system cycles on and off to maintain it. The calculator factors this in and assumes a 50% duty cycle.

The temperature set on the thermostat directly affects energy usage. Lowering the thermostat temperature by just a few degrees can significantly reduce running costs without compromising comfort. Programmable and smart thermostats can optimise heating schedules, reducing energy use during non-peak times and enhancing overall efficiency. Setting the thermostat to an optimal temperature (e.g., 20-22°C) during occupied times and lowering it (or even better turning it off) when not in use can significantly affect running costs.

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that you are using one of Coldbuster’s smart programmable thermostats to manage heating schedules effectively and that the settings are optimised for both comfort and efficiency.

Proper insulation reduces heat loss, making the heating system more efficient. Effective insulation in your floors, walls and roofs will help maintain the desired temperature with less energy consumption. Better insulation helps retain heat within the room, minimising the energy required to maintain comfort.  

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your building has high-quality insulation materials installed in the walls, roof, and floor.

The type of floor substrate affects heat retention and energy efficiency. Concrete floors, for example, retain heat longer, while timber floors may require more energy to maintain warmth.
The assumption is that your floor substrate is conducive to efficient heating, with thermal insulation boards used where necessary to enhance heat retention.

Different floor coverings have varying thermal properties. Materials like tile and stone conduct heat efficiently, while carpets and wood may require higher energy to achieve the same comfort level.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your flooring material is chosen with consideration of its thermal conductivity and compatibility with the heating system.

Draughts from poorly sealed windows and doors, as well as other gaps, can lead to heat loss and increased energy consumption. The type and quality of windows and doors significantly impact heat loss and gain. Double-glazing and well-sealed frames reduce draughts and improve thermal efficiency.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your windows, doors, and other potential gaps are well-sealed to prevent drafts and heat loss.

The overall energy efficiency of a building, including factors like construction quality, age, design and energy ratings, all affect its thermal efficiency and hence impacts heating costs. Older buildings may have more heat loss compared to newer, energy-efficient constructions.

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your building is relatively modern or has been updated to meet contemporary energy efficiency standards.

The local climate influences heating needs. Colder outdoor temperatures increase the demand for indoor heating. Regions with milder winters require less heating and would therefore typically have lower running costs compared to areas with harsh winter and cold conditions.

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is based on average climatic conditions specific to the region in Australia where you are located and where the system is installed.

The efficiency of the underfloor heating system itself plays a crucial role. The efficiency determines how effectively it converts electrical energy into heat. Modern systems with advanced controls and high efficiency like Coldbuster use less energy to achieve the desired warmth.
The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your heating system is running efficiently at all times. 

The ability to control heating in different zones or rooms independently allows for more precise energy use, heating only the areas that need it.

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your heating system is designed with zoning capabilities for customised temperature control.

The design of the heating system, including the layout, spacing, and type of heating elements, affects heat distribution and overall efficiency. The size of the room in relation to the heater’s capacity is crucial. An appropriately sized heater ensures efficient heating without overworking the system.

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your heating system is designed and installed by experienced Coldbuster installation professionals or other suitably qualified professionals to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Consistent and predictable usage patterns help in planning and optimising energy consumption. Irregular or excessive use can lead to higher costs.

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your usage patterns are regular and not excessive.

Higher ceilings result in larger volumes of air to heat, which can increase energy consumption. Rooms with standard ceiling heights are more energy efficient.

The assumption in this running cost estimate model is that your ceiling heights are standard (2.4 to 2.7 meters) to maintain optimal energy efficiency and minimize excess energy use.