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Step Warmfloor
Radiant in-floor heating can be a great, added feature.
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Step Warmfloor
What lays beneath – the system cut to the perfection of a floorplan.
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Step Warmfloor
Install can be completed easily enough by do-it-yourselfers.
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Step Warmfloor
Tight spaces can also be accommodated.
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Step Warmfloor
Radiant in-floor heating provides added comfort when you need it.
Words by Steve Fennell
Utilizing smart tech, using current navigation systems, wiring the latest in LED lighting, and even opting for plush, residential-style appointments in your RV are all the rage among many enthusiasts and manufacturers.
While heating systems don’t have the bling of other cool features, there are innovative choices that are becoming more common in RVs. Space-saving along with practicality is king in any unit. While heating options from Truma or similar companies are compact, efficient and space-friendly, radiant in-floor heating systems are another new preference to provide further comfort on the road.
"Enthusiasts are living more extensively in their RVs and not just in the summer months," says Monica Irgens of Step WarmFloor, the manufacturer of its StepRV radiant in-floor heating system. "There is a whole new market in the RV industry, and with the millennials there are all new types of systems that are being added into RVs, including more specialized heating."
The StepRV is just one of the radiant low-voltage in-floor systems available. While it may not be as effective as a primary heat source, it all depends on the size of the unit, how many seasons or the climate you travel in and the activities you enjoy.
What makes radiant in-floor heating so unique is it can accommodate smaller spaces such as tile flooring in bathrooms or galleys. It can also be installed in the main living area, bedroom(s), even in driver or passenger seating. Think about it. Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up on a frost-ridden morning and have the added heat for a warm floor?
Although features, designs, and benefits may vary from system to system, Irgens explains that the StepRV operates simply on a 24V system (AC or DC), making it ideal to run at RV parks, from a generator or by solar and wind power. It can also conveniently run on a 12V system, but only ¼ of the maximum power is delivered.
Many radiant heating systems essentially serve the same purpose. Yet, the StepRV is unique and just one of the options to consider. Rather than using conventional heating cables, the StepRV consists of a thin, flexible and semi-conductive Nano poly carbon element, consisting of two parallel bus braids embedded in the elements. It measures just .127 cm (.05 in) thick just beneath the flooring and designed to effectively transfer heat throughout while minimizing energy use.
In fact, according to Irgens, the StepRV system cannot overheat and the design of the material is self-regulating, which means it automatically reduces or increases heat output according to temperature changes. Additionally, with no moving parts, there is little or no maintenance required. The system is also compatible to lie underneath a variety of flooring to include tile, stone, wood, laminate, even carpet.
While installation is definitely not an afternoon task, it can be completed easy enough by do-it-yourself'ers. The length of the elements can be cut to the requirements for your RV, allowing it to fit perfectly to select areas or your whole floorplan if needed.
“The simplicity of installation is one of the benefits,” says Irgens. “All RVers have to do is lay the StepRV on an insulated bare flooring, cut it to size, lay the floor covering, then connect it to a power source. While laminate or tile is ideal, it can be installed under carpeting. However, since carpet is an insulation, you’ll need to calculate for heat loss. We have seen people use it as a primary heat source as they can also put it in their mattress, seats or even the walls. It all depends on how well the RV is insulated and where RVers commonly travel to.”
As more RVers extend their time on the road in the spring, summer and the winter months for added adventure and activities, radiant in-floor heating can be a great, added feature, and one that can easily provide added comfort while on the road.
Why Consider Radiant In-Floor Heating for Your RV?
RVs come with a multitude of options and features for added benefits on the road. But having an in-floor heating system when enjoying the outdoors? Some may shrug at the thought. Others may go for a complete install. Depending on your RV lifestyle and the fact that many enthusiasts are now extending their RVing time into the cooler months (or where a destination has extreme temperature changes) to enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities, having the added warmth makes sense for even more comfort when you need it.
Here are a few added benefits:
- Lightweight with the added benefit of more heat and comfort.
- Energy Efficient
- Extra low-voltage
- An effective method of providing more heat to your RV
- Concealed design and space-saving
- Ideal for small spaces