Energy Management Control Systems

Myth: Self Regulating Heat Cable turns itself on and off – This is NOT true.

Fact: Self Regulating Heat Cable regulates the heat output based on the outdoor temperature. Optimizing its performance in extreme temperatures.

Does self-regulating heat cable need a thermostat?

We recommend that a controller or thermostat be used with a heating system. Most homes have a switch built-in on their heat cable system so they can manually turn it on and off. This may consist of a lighted switch or a standard toggle switch that looks like everything else in your home. Time after time we hear of homeowners stressing to turn their heat cable on before a storm comes or to not forget to turn it off when it’s not running anymore. This is the problem with using manual systems. We’ve even seen homeowners with cable left on through the heat of the Summer. This can cost a lot of money. A controller can alleviate most of these manual system problems.

You’ll enjoy maximum control of your system when we install one of our roof and gutter de-icing controls. We have various types that are often a great solution to automate your system and create convenience to fit any budget.

Custom heat cable controllers

Every home is unique and most systems have different needs. Controlling that system may require a custom controller. We design and build controllers everyday. Most of our controllers consist of: a thermostat activation device, ground-fault equipment protection, LED indicator lights, and many other advanced options to accommodate your heat cable system needs – some with Smartswitch capabilities.

We know you will appreciate how easy our custom controllers are to operate!

What's the difference between Heat Cable, Heat Tape, and Heat Trace?

Honestly, there is not really a difference between these. The term “heat tape” is widely used, it is basically a ‘slang’ term, but it is really just another word for heat cable. Another common term that is used more when referring to pipe freeze protection is “heat trace”, also just another name for heat cable. We install Drexan heat cable. It is flexible enough for pipe trace along with roof and gutter application; it is flat or oblong in shape to contour along pipelines for maximum results. We specialize in roof and gutter installation. There are really only two types of heating cable. Constant Wattage Cable and Self-Regulating Heat Cable. They both serve a purpose for specific applications and they both have different heat output.