Download Countertop Heating Technology

4-15-13
Countertop Heating Technology
By Heated Stone Products
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How is the product offered?
Three different patented (pending) heaters options are being presented by Heated Stone
Products and its dealers.
1. Integrated heaters built within the granite countertop. These are for newinstallations and is the premium offering where no visible signs of the heater are
present. The heater is embedded in the underside of the granite countertop and is
completely flush on the underside, providing a very minimal cosmetic appearance
impact.
The integral heated countertops are completely customizable to the installation.
Customers work with their granite countertop dealer to identify specifically where
they want the heating zones – typically within the first 12” of the edge of the
counter where persons are often making contact. The heaters can be integrated in
islands, overhangs, desks, bathroom counters, and any application where granite is
being considered.
2. Customized heaters added to the underside of existing granite top installations.
FeelsWarm heaters are very thin (under 30 thousandths of an inch thick) and are
permanently attached to the underside of the granite top. The heater shape and
size is configured to the customer’s existing counters, whether overhanging or
resting on framework. An authorized dealer will work with the customer to specify
where the desired heating zones are to be located and will install the heater using a
specialized bonding process to ensure that the heater remains permanently affixed
to the underside of the heater. The installer will also coordinate the wiring and the
installations of the controls.
3. FeelsWarm pre-sized stick-on heaters for heating specific spots of the counter.
These heaters are ideal for customers that desire smaller, specific areas to be
heated, like at a receptionist desk or at a commonly used counter area. These
heaters can be installed by the customer or by an authorized dealer. The sizes
offered are:
11 X 24
11 X 36
11 X 48
11 X 60
17 X 30
Each individual heater has its own heating controls and power supply.
4-15-13
A control set is required for each installation and there are two options available.
1. Full feature control package. This control set includes an easy-to-use programmer
to allow customers set the time of day on a weekly basis for when the heater is to
automatically turn on/off. The heater can be manually turned on/off also. This
programmer conserves energy and optimizes heater use. The programmer is
supplied in an install-ready electrical box for mounting in a room wall or in the
cabinet and a standard faceplate can be attached to match other electrical switches
in the room.
A temperature control dial, typically mounted inside a cabinet, enables customers to
vary the temperature to his/her preferred level. Usually, the temperature is set at
installation and does not need adjusting thereafter. The heater is permanently
designed to limit its ‘top end’ temperature so that the counter can never get hot to
the touch.
A power transformer is included to supply the 12-24 volts to the heater (access to
110V power is required).
2. Temperature-only control. This approach includes only a temperature setting
control (along with the power transformer) and is typically used when customers
desire to leave the heater on for extended periods of time. The temperature control
has the ability to turn the heater on/off.
Additionally, customers may operate the heater without any controls as each heater is
supplied with its own power transformer. Turning the device on is completed by simply
plugging and unplugging the power supply.
Input power of 120V is required and it is recommended that licensed electrician
complete the installation. Typical current draw is 3-8 amps depending upon the size so
that existing home circuits can operate suitably without running a separate line to the
heater. Installations, such as those in the kitchen and bath, should comply with all
codes and laws including GFIC lines.
How do I purchase the products?
FeelsWarm heating products are available only through select authorized dealers who sell and
install custom counter tops for residential and commercial applications. Of these authorized
dealers, a smaller number are licensed to produce the integrated heaters (granite countertops
with the heater built into the stone for new installations).
Interested parties can see the authorized dealer listing for their geographic area by going to
www.heatedstoneproducts.com or www.feelswarm.com.
4-15-13
Other than the pre-sized stick-on heaters, each FeelsWarm heating solution is custom-designed
for the specific application – whether it is a new design or an existing layout. By contacting your
local authorized dealer, a representative will come to the home or business and discuss the
exact details of the project, including documenting specific heating locations, analyzing input
power requirements, discussing control options, and recording the specific layout and design so
that the custom heater can be created to exactly fit the countertop. The local dealer will also
arrange an installation date and will coordinate all aspects to make it easy for the customer.
After analyzing the application, the local dealer/installer will provide a quotation based upon the
specific requirements identified during the initial consultation.
What is the price of FeelsWarm heated countertops?
The specific price of the individual project will be determined by the authorized dealer.
However, consumers can expect an approximate installed price to be around $100 per square
foot of heater. It is very important to understand that this price is for just the area of the heater
and commonly, only a portion of the countertop is heated. A normal size island may have a
premium of around $1000 for adding the heating option.
How long does the countertop take to heat up?
The FeelsWarm heaters utilize “slow warm-up” technology and therefore customers can expect
a counter to reach its maximum temperature setting in approximately 90 minutes. Customers
will feel non-cool granite in less than 30 minutes. If a programmer is utilized with the heater, it
is common to set the heater to turn on an hour before waking up so that the countertop feels
warm at the predicted time of use.
In addition, if a temperature controller is used in conjunction with the heater, changes in
temperature setting will NOT be noticed immediately. Customers should anticipate that it will
take 20-30 minutes before a change can be felt.
How much does it cost to heat the countertop?
The overall wattage for each installation varies depending upon the heater area and therefore
the cost to operate the heater varies. However, remarkably, the cost to heat a countertop is
very low. Although the cost of electricity changes by location, the cost for each square foot of
heater is approximately 1/5th of a penny per hour. A heater of 6 square feet would consume
approximately the wattage of a 60W light bulb. Leaving a 60 watt light bulb on half the day,
every day will cost approximately 10 cents per day.
How long does it take to receive the unit once I order?
Customers purchasing integral heaters can expect that there would be no impact or delay in the
delivery of the granite countertop compared to a non-heated countertop.
4-15-13
Customers purchasing customized add-on heaters can expect that the local dealer will have the
customized heater in 2 weeks after the order is placed. Standard ‘stick-on’ heaters are expected
to be stocked at each dealer location for immediate purchase.
What electrical requirements are needed?
FeelsWarm heaters operate on 12-24 volts and are supplied with a voltage transformer similar
to a transformer for a laptop computer. This transformer must plug into standard house power
of 120V. The transformer power cord typically is hidden inside a cabinet where the heated
countertop is installed.
Are the heaters safe?
The technology capitalizes on low voltage power, which is the same type of power for outdoor
lighting and portable computers. Even with this low safe voltage, the heater system also has
redundant safety precautions consisting of a built-in overload fuse, the transformer output limit,
flame retardant material construction, and GFIC circuit protection.
For under-the-counter stick-on heaters, the heater is not imbedded into the granite and
therefore it is mounted on the under-counter surface of the granite slab. Heated Stone
Products addresses safety concerns for the stick-on model by integrating several safety features:
 The heaters are fabricated with a high abrasion-resistant material composite to prevent
puncture or wear.
 The heaters are bonded with a specially formulated adhesive for granite and stone to
ensure excellent adhesion.
 The product design includes an ultra-thin overall heater profile to deter accidental
catching or snagging on the heater edges.
 Each heater has a protecting perimeter fuse system to automatically disable the heater
if it is peeled off.
The stick-on heaters resist chair arms from scratching and damaging the heater while the high
strength heater attachment adhesive provides outstanding bond to the granite so that peeling
and de-lamination of the heater from the granite is highly unlikely.
How hot does the counter get?
The surface temperature of the granite countertop stabilizes around 25 degrees above the room
temperature. For a 70 degree room, the counter will rise to approximately 95 degrees. The
intent of the heater is to elevate the granite temperature so that it no longer feels cold to the
touch. The heater is not designed to be very warm or to get hot.
How do I adjust the temperature?
When the temperature control option is purchased, adjusting the temperature of the granite
countertop is easy. Simply dial/adjust the controller in minor amounts, waiting an hour or so to
determine its result. After a desired temperature is attained, further adjustments are typically
not needed.
Can the heated countertop be supplied in various stone types?
4-15-13
Yes, the patented heater technology can be integrated into multiple stone types. Customers can
select their stone in the usual fashion and then elect a heating option. Contact your authorized
dealer for details.