Devi Heating Systems - Useful Information

In Slab: Special insulated electric heating cables (Deviflex™ cables) are embedded in the slab floor when the building is renovated / constructed. In slab heating is usually connected to an extended Off-Peak or Heating tariff. During the periods of the day or night when cheaper electricity is available, heat is automatically stored in the floor. The heated concrete then dissipates background warmth evenly throughout the room. A Devireg™ thermostat may be provided.

Cables in Screed or Devimat™ in an adhesive bed: A heating system in a screed bed will function in much the same way as in-slab heating, but it is more likely to be connected to a continuous 24 hour tariff. Zones with Devimats™ in a thin adhesive bed and Bathrooms are usually connected to a 24 hour tariff. A Devireg™ thermostat incorporating a time switch (Devireg™ 540) or a separate time switch may be provided. This enables heating to be operated only when it is required, such as mornings or evenings, because the warm up periods are considerably shorter.

Suitable Floor Coverings: The usual operating surface temperature of an uncovered Deviflex™ heated floor is between 25ºC and 27ºC. This is quite acceptable for most floor finishes. Typical floor coverings include: Carpets (with a rubber or felt underlay), Slate, Ceramic, Marble and Terracotta tiles, Vinyl, Cork, Parquet, Floating Timber Flooring.

Switching On and Off: Switching your Heating system on or off at the beginning or end of the heating season, or isolating the heating, is carried out at the Sub-Board or the Electricity Meter Box - Look for a switch labelled "Main Switch - Heating'. The switching methods are usually tailor made for each installation and therefore it is difficult to give further detailed advice. If you have any doubts on how to switch your system on or off please contact your Installer, Electrical Contractor or Local Electricity Supply Authority.

Devireg™ Thermostats: Each heated zone will have an individual thermostat. There are a number of different thermostats to chose from and for your system design you will be asked to specify your preferred thermostat (see our thermostat product listing). If the thermostats installed measure floor temperature only they may be installed in a cupboard, pantry or vanity. If they measure both floor and air temperatures they must be wall mounted in a draught free area. If you have a storage heating system, i.e. your heating is installed either in slab or into a thick screed, the thermostats provide automatic control.

Since there are no moving parts or surfaces hot enough to deteriorate under normal use, one of the best features of DEVI's Radiant Heating Systems is the lack of maintenance! Your heating system is designed to give many years or reliable service and should be maintenance free, provided the cables within the floors are not damaged by penetrating the floor's surface. Floors should never be penetrated without first checking with your Heating Installer. Any remedial work to your heating system should only be carried out by a suitably trained and qualified person.

Running Costs are affected by the tariff to which the system is connected and how you use your heating system. They will be determined by room temperatures selected, outside weather conditions, how well your home is insulated, how much ventilation you have etc. Please note, you should be more comfortable at lower air temperatures with DEVI Radiant Heating Systems than conventional heating systems. Remember for every 1ºC higher the setting, approximately 10-15% will be added to your running costs.

In a new home the drying out of moisture within walls and floors may add significantly to your running costs in the first season.

High room thermostat settings will increase running costs - so keep your settings as low as comfortable. Do Not overheat your room!
Your home should be insulated to the recommended local standards. For example at least 75mm of insulation in the ceiling space and cavity insulation in external cavity walls.
Ensure that the windows and doors are effectively draught proofed.
Windows and doors left open unnecessarily are throwing heat and money away.
Glass areas allow significant heat loss, therefore drawing the curtains makes a significant difference.
Do not obstruct your floor/air thermostats.

Remember running costs are very much in your hands.

Each Local Electricity Supply Authority has different tariffs available. The hours when the electricity in cheaper vary depending on the area you are in and which tariff you are on. If you have any questions as to which tariff you are on, or think it would be advantageous to change to a different one please contact your Local Electricity Supply Authority.

We at DEVI offer over 25 years experience in the design, supply and installation of radiant heating systems for Australian conditions. For further information on the best heating solution for your installation or an obligation free system design and quote please contact DEVI or your local representative .