This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They're one of the better rep companies that are willing to work with us on an individual basis and don't seem to have an agenda that we need to be concerned about. Our experienced specialists will meet all your needs relating to electric, natural gas and oil heating in Montreal and Laval. EP Sales wont tell you, "we're on it" and then ignore you. Its really nice having the in-floor heat and we really enjoy it. Two types of boilers to ensure your comfort. You may be surprised to know that electric boilers are ideal for certain applications regardless of operational costs. Then there's the problem of cycling. He comes in, goes over things with us and keeps us informed and up-to-date on everything.. Electric radiant, which uses zigzagging loops of resistance wire, is generally retrofitted to a single room, such as a bathroom or kitchen. Hopefully this takes care of the problem. Im not very computer literate so I probably rely on the personal service support I get from reps and distributors more so than other contractors. First, gas and electric rates vary greatly depending on where you live. By submitting your email, you agree to our. Whether your application is for radiant tubing, hot-water baseboard, dual heat or multiple applications, our Electro Boiler line can meet your hydronic heating needs. If so, electric is usually the best choice. Air blows out of the registers at a well-baked 120 degrees, rises to the top of the room where it quickly sheds heat, then drops back down as it cools. Two common issues in initial boiler set-up are getting the proper mixture of air and gas (often due to improper venting). The air in the room becomes uncomfortably stratified: Your head can be bathed in warmth while your toes lie in the frozen zone. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. They produce only what is needed to heat a space to the desired temperature. EP Sales has an inside team that takes care of things as well. They have a knowledgeable staff, they are willing to travel with our sales people, hold training sessions and work with us on issues we might be having and sales promotions. I really like how they continue to bring new ideas to the table..they are our eyes and ears in their markets and we adapt to their needs when the opportunity makes good business sense. All rights reserved. Ultimately, that means added installation costs for buyers. On the other hand, electric boilers do not need to be vented (no combustion), saving space and significantly lowering the install cost of the heating system. Cold Climate? (New builds where the tubes are buried in concrete slab tend to be the least expensive). Here are some other points to ponder: Now no one is claiming that nothing ever goes wrong with electric boilers, but they dont require a strict maintenance schedule and most issues/problems can be identified with a voltage meter. These boilers, along with a radiant heating system, are one of the most popular heating systems for residential applications. Limited space is a common issue when installing an add-on boiler heating system in an existing home. That's very important., There have been several instances where EP Sales has helped us on - mainly technical stuff. If this is you, gas may be the smartest choice. Consider Electric Duct Heaters for Supplemental Heat. Minnesota We're fortunate that EP Sales has a great rep in here in Fargo, ND. Hot-water radiant costs more to install than other types of heating systemsfrom $6 to $15 per square foot depending on the method, whether you're starting from scratch or retrofitting, and where you live. The best heating system a house can have is the one you don't realize is there. One thing is certain: By choosing hydronic heating, you will enjoy a very effective system! With boilers ranging from 1 kW to 300 kW (3,400-1,023,900 Btu/h) we can meet most commercial applications. That's a big plus for us. Htg. They are willing to take the time to train our staff and are good at showing us the differences in their products compared to other competitive products. I call several times a month and theyre very willing to help out. The flexible tubes can be installed in a variety of ways: on top of the subfloor in grooved panels or snap-in grids; clipped into aluminum strips on the underside of the floor; or embedded in poured concrete. Update to the Greentek Line of Commercial HRVs and ERVs, EP Sales Now Stocking Greentek IAQ Products. All Rights Reserved. Youll need an electrician to connect the wiring to the panel, but the rest of the installation is no more difficult than laying tile. Contrast that with what happens in a conventional forced-air heating system, the kind found in most American homes. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps guide you through two types of heated floors in terms of cost, installation, and energy efficiency to select the right one for your house. The warm air still rises, but it does so evenly over the entire floor, so the coolest air stays up at the ceiling. Those jarring ups and downs are absent with radiant floors, which may reach 85 degrees, tops, on a frigid day. | Site Designed by Axis Web Design, For more information call 1 800-451-7593 | FAX 802-626-8045, Site Map | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy. The catch lurks in your utility bill: the 6 to 10 watts per square foot the system uses per hour makes it prohibitively expensive to heat a whole house. Enjoy the read! Small heating zones or areas like bathrooms, foyers, home offices, and kitchens are challenging for gas boilers. We see him quite often. EP Sales maintains a large inventory of Thermolec and Greentek products and parts to service the needs of our customers. The main differences involve the components used and the functionality of their boilers. All Rights Reserved. Once the system is in place, you can cover it with most types of finish flooring, including hardwood and tile. Contact us for a free at-home evaluation! But a radiant heat system has more than just aesthetics going for it. Gary Sorvig, President St. Hilaire Supply, St. Hilaire, MN, John Hopp, Product Manager Express Central, Wadena, MN, Renato Trentin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Thermolec, Ralph Leirmo, Heating Manager First Supply, Eau Claire, WI. You'll need a good heating contractor to put a system together. Bottom line, maintenance costs for gas boilers shouldnt be minimized because theyre significant and therefore must be taken into consideration in the overall operational costs of the product. Parts availability and tech support are priceless to us and EP Sales and RHI do a great job on both., Whenever I call my EP Sales rep (Kevin), he takes care of me. Today, plastic PEX tubing has replaced metal as the favored means of feeding hydronic heat into floors, making radiant heat systems more affordable than ever. Aside, from lower install cost, electric boilers dont require annual maintenance which is highly recommended by all manufacturers of high-efficiency gas boilers. In a hydronic heating system, the heat produced by electricity, natural gas or oil is transported by water to radiators that distribute it to different parts of a house. They have good people working for them.their outstanding sales performance over the last eighteen years speaks for itself. How to Install an Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, What Does Propane Tank Installation Cost? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); "EP Sales is a quality rep agency with great product knowledge and customer support. Unlike copper, this inert plastic won't corrode and can be installed in long runs with just a couple of fittings, reducing the chance of leaks. I'm very satisfied. Few companies match their dedication to their product lines. Its widely known throughout the US that gas boilers cost less to operate than electric boilers. However, there are applications where operation costs alone should not be the only factor in the boiler selection process. Hot-water hydronic systemsthe most popular and cost effective way to heat an entire housecirculate water from a boiler or water heater through loops of 1/2-inch polyethylene tubing. Whether youre looking for a heavy-duty weed eater or just something to get basic jobs done, weve reviewed some of the best weed eaters on the market. What Are the Benefits of Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating? South Dakota If I have an issue, he takes care of it., EP Sales has been very attentive to our needs, questions and/or concerns. and Appliance, Crookston, MN, Norm Arbogash, Heating Manager AVFCO, Rhinelander, WI, Chris Prochar, Owner D&E Heating, Hinckley, MN, Don Anderson, President RHI Supply, Fargo, ND, Jim Cambell, Heating Manager Ferguson, Duluth, MN. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best weed killers on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you. Its warmth comes from a loop of thin electric wire laid directly under the finish floor. They research the products well before they actually take them on. Carpet, however, can be tricky, especially if it has thick padding underneath. In that category, radiant always wins, feet down. But if the price tag puts you off, consider this: Once it's up and running, a radiant heat system can be up to 30 percent more energy efficient than forced-air heating, depending on how well insulated a house is. To get to the answer, its important to ask yourself a couple of questions: But these two questions arent the only things to consider before you make your decision. He knows his products, takes the time to educate us and hes always just a phone call away. Electric boilers can heat floors and rooms effectively without the drafts associated with forced air furnaces and heat pumps. We have a guide that compares all of your options based on those prices. It's also a highly efficient way to heat a house, increasing comfort as it reduces energy costs. This isnt the case with most other electric boilers that often require two technicians just to get the unit through the door and into the home. Radiant heat dates to ancient times, when the Romans warmed rooms by running the flues for slave-tended, wood-burning fires under elevated marble floors, keeping toes and togas nice and toasty. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. "It's like putting a sweater over a radiator.". Thermolec electric boilers take up less space and are significantly lighter than other brands of electric boilers. Few companies match their dedication to bringing their product lines to their prospective customers, and even fewer companies match their level of "in-house" knowledge and service support. The 5 Best Solar Generators (2022 Review). Eliminates forever the discomfort of cold floors as it slashes energy bills. In fact, he's one of the best reps around. In general, expect to pay 50 percent more for a hydronic radiant flooring system than for conventional forced-air heat. Trademarks of AM Royalties Limited Partnership used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Confort Expert Inc. With our new, exclusive, up to 12-month, no interest financing program! An effective herbicide can get rid of a variety of weeds that have invaded your lawn. But when the pipes eventually corroded, most homeowners abandoned radiant rather than jackhammer their floors. But plunge pools fill the middle ground, give a splash of fun, and offer relaxation in smaller yards. Many centuries later, in this country, Frank Lloyd Wright buried copper pipes in the concrete floors of his Usonian homes and warmed them with hot water. They service the things they sell and take good care of us. Many people ask us if electricity is an affordable way to heat their homes, shops, and garages. This really depends on the cost per kwh vs. other fuel options in your area. Copyright 2002 - 2017, Robert J. Starr. In most commercial applications, installations can involve one or more of our boilers. In a radiant setup, the warmth is supplied by hot-water tubes or electric wires buried underneath the floor. Call us for assistance at 800-451-7593! Iowa Our sales rep, Jason, has been great to work with. The boiler then re-heats the liquid, which is again sent back to the radiators. And with a no-fail track record in Europe going back more than 35 years, it's also made them more reliable. No radiators clanking in the night. Heated water is pumped from a boiler through a loop of flexible tubing embedded in the floor. For room additions where homeowners want radiant floor heat, installing an add-on gas boiler in an existing home can be a monumental task for HVAC technicians. Just an even blanket of heat, right where you want it. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. For all your heating needs in Laval and Montreal, contact Confort Expert! ", When EP Sales picks a line they delve into it and make sure they know and understand it. Thermolec electric boilers come with modulating heat generation and are capable of producing low and precise Btu levels. For homes that already have a heating system, adding another room or perhaps a four-season porch will require heat in order to use the space year-round in cold climates. In some areas, each can be up to five times more expensive, so it pays to know the energy costs in the area where you live. For an alternative to the cost and complication of a hydronic system, theres electric radiant heat. He is the only salesman from a rep company willing to call me directly; otherwise, I have to go through my wholesalers which takes extra time I dont have. North Dakota A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. EP Sales is a good rep agency to deal with. It was a total surprise. Thanks so much for your help with all of this! "EP Sales found a niche in the market where electric co-ops offer dual energy rates. Adding a room or want warm floors in bathrooms or other often occupied spaces? EP Sales did an amazing job back then and continue to do a great job for us today. In fact, electric boiler brands can differ significantly in size, weight, function, and the amount of space they require. Kevin supports us by calling on contractors in the markets we serve and does a lot of extra things on our behalf. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. "It's truly invisible," he says. Though the air temperature remains relatively constant, you stay comfortable because the surrounding surfaces aren't stealing warmth from your body. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. However, energy cost is not the only consideration. They actually do help us resolve the problem.. This article will help you make an informed decision. Denny Skjonsby owner-Northern Pines P & H. Craig Larson, Sales and Service Tech. Heat exchangers in gas boilers are susceptible to water conditions and combustion by-products which can shorten the life of a boiler or cause it to break down unless annual maintenance is performed. We offer a basic introduction on the advantages of this heating system. So, you want to heat your home or office and are wondering which option is best when comparing electric boilers vs. gas boilers? That's the appeal of radiant floor heating, says This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, who has long been a fan. Radon Mitigation Systems: Is Your Home Safe? No boiler, no water, no 1/2-inch-thick tubing to alter the floors height. These systems offer the comfort of radiant heat and the cost savings and safety offered by using our electric boilers. An electric boiler tends to be less expensive than gas boilers of comparable size and model. Thermolec also incorporates the most advanced technology in their boilers which provides full modulation heating in all their boiler models. Heated floors are energy efficient and provide the ultimate in comfort. If the floor isnt carpeted, floors can be cold and extremely uncomfortable in the heating season. Multiple heating zones: Makes it easy to fine-tune the amount of heat being delivered to different rooms. A few postwar subdivisions, including Levittown, followed suit. Whats the Best Steam Humidifier for Your Application? Our electric boilers are considered Standard of the Industry for the past 20+ years. And you'll still need a separate air-conditioning system for cooling. No dust-spewing ductwork to run up your allergists' bills. And there's no comparison when it comes to comfort. They are a great example of what all rep agencies should strive for.". Although the upfront cost of the unit will be more affordable when the unit is electric, you also must take into account the cost to run it. Radiant Floor Heating Installation Manuals, Installing Controls for Radiantec Heating Systems, Installing Pex Tubing for Concrete Slab Underfloor Heating, Solar Domestic Water Heater Installation Manual, Solar Domestic Water Heater Owners Manual. Thermolec electric boilers lightweight, compact design offers the perfect solution. They found out that we previously manufactured products for this niche and worked with us to incorporate changes necessary for use in the northern part of the US. Slowly raises and lowers the amount of hot water flowing through the tubing in response to changing outside temperatures. They are definitely at the top of rep agencies as far as doing what we expect and representing the products they have. At Confort Expert, we offer a wide range of efficient and durable hydronic heating systems. If we have any problems they work with us to make sure things get resolved. At Confort Expert, we offer electric and natural gas boilers. I know that if I call them for something it's just a short time later (often within the same day), that someone from EP Sales will call back and make sure we're taken care of. Gas boilers are more complicated by design and are much more likely to have performance issues. Dear Dave, They're one of the few reps willing to go the extra mile. "You turn on the furnace, it quickly takes you to 68 or 70, and then shuts off," says Richard. Thats because their minimum Btu outputs are excessive for such areas. You may find it helpful to connect with a professional who specializes in boilers or visit the following website to learn more about Thermolec boilers for the US market at www.epsalesinc.com. Proulx Rfg. Hydronic radiant-heat controls and parts: Uponor CorporationApple Valley, MN800-321-4739uponor.us, Thermosoft International Corp.Vernon Hills, IL800-308-8057thermosoft.com, Warmly YoursLake Zurich, IL800-875-5258warmlyyours.com, Speedheat USWoodstock, Georgia888-WARM FLOORhttps://www.speedheating.com/, SunTouchSpringfield, MO888-432-8932suntouch.com800-660-7187, Larry DrakeRadiant Panel AssociationLoveland, CO800-660-7187radiantpanelassociation.org. - LICENCE RBQ : 2756-4988-08. Unlike gas boilers, which require venting and additional gas piping, combustion devices require outside air for combustion and also need to exhaust dangerous by-products (carbon monoxide) outside the home. Electric boilers shine when warm floors are desired in specific areas of an existing home. Radiantec carries a line of electric boilers manufactured in the USA by Electro Industries. (2022 Guide), 9 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Care Tips. *, Electrical Panels and Home Automation Systems. Nebraska Tour This Renovated 220-Year-Old Farmhouse, With a wraparound porch and oversize windows that frame the views, an updated rear addition embraces its pastoral settingand readies a well-loved, almost 220-year-old farmhouse for another century of family life. Hydronic heating (with hot water): electric or gas boiler? Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. EP Sales does a very good job taking care of us as a customer, from making sure we're informed, to actually developing business for us. The water then leaves the radiators and returns, cooled, to what is called a boiler (or a kettle). Knowing their market and backing it up with excellent technical expertise makes our job here at the factory a lot easier. Its impossible to give hard numbers on the energy and fuel costs, as gas and propane rates vary across the country. Thanks so much for your help. In most cases, the water circulation is ensured by a pump system; in other cases, the process is done naturally, by gravity. They're willing to help when we need them and they're willing to go where and when we need them.. But how should you choose between an electric and a natural gas boiler? The result is a phenomenon he calls "the cold 70," which is what you feel right after the hot air stops pumping from the registers. They are willing to train us and our dealer customers. EP Sales doesnt leave things go for a day - I always hear back from them right away. Are you installing an entire heating system? No vents whooshing like a jet preparing for takeoff. At Confort Expert, we trust the best brands to ensure your comfort: Thermo 2000, Lockinvar, Granby Industries and Buderus. For more information call 1 800-451-7593 | FAX 802-626-8045 | PO Box 1111, Lyndonville, VT 05851 | Site Map | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy, Copyright 2002 - 2017, Robert J. Starr. As the invisible waves of thermal radiation rise from below, they warm up any objects they strike, which radiate that captured heat in turn. Its best for spot heating, such as taking the chill off a tiled bathroom or stone countertop. $6 to $15 a square foot for installation. In general, electricity in most areas of the US costs more to run than gas does. Just because electric boilers, in general, are smaller, lighter and less expensive than gas boilers doesnt mean that every electric boiler brand can make the same claim. Would you like to learn more about the difference between electric boilers brands and electric vs. gas boilers so you can identify which one is right for you? Obviously, electricity rates do as well, so its hard to say which unit is the more expensive form of heating. Upper Peninsula of Michigan. EP Sales communicates well as a team and their product knowledge and service is very good., We do business with EP Sales for a number of reasons. Specially treated polyethylene carries the hot water for hydronic systems. Different wiring problems in the field that we've had for various reasons, not always caused by a product they represent. Home > Blog > Hydronic heating (with hot water): electric or gas boiler? Lets take a look at which heat source comes out on top in many applications so youll know whether electric or gas models make the most sense. There are two basic types of radiant floor heating that supply this gentle, even warmth: hot water or electricity. An energy efficient home heating system that turns entire floors into radiators, warming living spaces without uncomfortable hot or cold air pockets. Contact us for a at-home quote* Learn More, Confort Expert 2021 All rights reserved. We purchase multiple products from them and are likely to buy more in the future. Our EP Sales rep, Kevin, is one of the top sales reps we deal with. No one manufacturer supplies all the components for hydronic radiant heating. In Quebec, everyone should be able to rely on an efficient heating system. "If the floor is too well insulated, radiant heating really doesn't make sense," Richard says. To save on installation costs, the smaller size and lighter weight of the Thermolec boilers means that only one technician needs to be sent to a job site to install the boiler. This day and age I wasnt expecting anything. Wisconsin I couldnt believe you called me back and helped me out. Wading in the water in a backyard meant having a massive swimming pool or settling for a scant hot tub. Additional information would enable you to have a better understanding of the options available so you can identify the right boiler for your application. With electric radiant, it's easy to find turnkey systems. They waste energy by overheating rather than producing the awesome comfort typically associated with a radiant floor heating system. The number will depend upon zoning and Btu/h heating requirements. For instance, Thermolec uses stainless steel ASME certified tanks which are more durable and lighter than carbon steel or cast-iron tanks. EP Sales is easy to deal with as well., "Cant say enough about the EP Sales rep, Kevinhes great.