Heated Driveway Benefits

Radiant driveway heating systems offer several benefits. The systems are easy to customize and install, and can be used to heat almost any type of medium in any type of application. One of the industry's premier radiant heating cables, ClearZone, is designed to be installed in a variety of demanding applications such as concrete pours and under pavers, and even the extreme heat of hot asphalt installations. Professional designers can create a system that is tailored to your budget while effectively meeting your snow melting demands.

You have many options when it comes to heating a driveway or other outdoor areas, so feel free to contact a radiant heat expert to see what custom snowmelt system can be designed for you. Warmzone experts are happy to consult with you and help you determine the system that best suits your snow melting needs as well as your budget. In addition to the quality features of the ClearZone snow melting system, it is important to note that Warmzone also includes complete system design layout and technical support with each system.

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  Heated concrete driveway in operation.

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  Heated driveway after a large snowstorm.

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  Heated tire tracks in driveway.

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  Radiant heated sidewalk with stone pavers.

The Benefits of Installing a Radiant Heated Driveway Snow Melting System

MAINTENANCE FREE - Warmzone electric radiant heat systems require no maintenance because they are fairly simple and have NO moving parts. (They only consist of the heating element embedded in the driveway, a snow sensor and a contactor panel.) This also makes the electric driveway heating systems reliable and easy to install. With Warmzone heated driveways, there’s no need for yearly checkups or routine repairs. As you shop around for a driveway heating system, be sure to ask about the system components and if any maintenance is required (as with hydronic snow melting systems). However, hydronic systems may also offer certain benefits, such has lower operational costs - depending on the local utility rates - and these systems are also available from Warmzone.

FULLY AUTOMATED - Once the ClearZone electric snow melting system is installed, you won't need to worry about it again. The system is fully automated, activating only when needed. The automated system features a highly advanced snow sensor (aerial-mount or pavement-mount), contactor panel, and a small marker plate that is installed in the driveway surface (as required by the NEC). The snow sensor is designed to detect temperature as well as precipitation. If the temperature is below the adjustable set point (usually set at 39° Fahrenheit) and precipitation is detected, the sensor signals the master controller and power is sent to the heat cable to quickly heat the area. The snow melting system operates only when needed, activating just before a storm hits and then shutting off a short time afterwards (to dry the pavement). The ClearZone snow melting system is a proven, energy-efficient, industry-leading system. In addition to the system's automated capabilities, the activation device also features an override function for times when you want to turn it on in cases where a snowdrift may have blown onto the driveway or ice formed in a shady area.

AFFORDABLE, EASY INSTALLATION - Electric radiant snow melting systems have a distinct advantage over hydronic systems when it comes to the installation. Instead of running a closed loop of flexible PEX tubing like hydronic systems, the electric snowmelt systems utilize resistance heat cable that is available on spools or pre-spaced in mats. The mats can be unrolled for quick, easy installation. A snow sensor and contactor panel are also installed to complete the automated system. To reduce installation costs, much of the heat cable installation can be done by the homeowner; however, to maintain a valid warranty, a qualified electrician must connect all the wiring.

ENERGY EFFICIENT - Because radiant snow melting systems are fully automated they keep sidewalks and driveways clear of snow and ice around the clock. Not only does this eliminate the need to shovel the area, but it also dramatically reduces the possibility of personal injury due to slipping on dangerous ice and snow. This feature makes Warmzone radiant heat systems particularly attractive to business owners.

EASY ON THE ENVIRONMENT - Because radiant heated driveways feature clean (and silent) operation, there's no need to use harsh snow melting chemicals and salt that kills the grass bordering the driveway and damages other nearby plants and bushes.

ENHANCED CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY - Warmzone's well-designed electric radiant heat systems are extremely efficient. Approximately 99% of the energy used by ClearZone snow melting systems is directed to the snow melting, so there is virtually no wasted energy. Installing a radiant snow melting system not only keeps your property clear of ice and snow, but helps to protect you from personal injury lawsuits from people slipping on icy steps, walkways, or driveways.

LOW OPERATING COSTS / MINIMAL OPERATING TIME - Generally speaking, one can melt snow on a 300-square-foot area for around $1.50 per continuous hour of operation (with a kilowatt rate of .12¢ per hour). Usually, the time to melt snow off a driveway (per storm) is just a few hours. Of course, utility prices vary, depending on the location. Because of the high efficiency of electric snowmelt systems, the job is accomplished quickly. It is not uncommon for the run time of top systems to be about 30% less than other, less reputable radiant snow melting systems.

A WISE INVESTMENT - Adding a heated driveway or a radiant floor heating system to a home is an excellent investment that can raise the value of your property. Radiant snow melting systems are long term snow melting solutions that eliminate the need for plowing and the use of snowmelt chemicals, making these energy efficient systems increasingly popular, not to mention the potential to significantly raise the resale value of your home.