Driveway Heating Systems Videos
Check out these videos to learn more about our snow melting systems and installation processes.
Heated Driveway
When the days are shorter and the mornings are colder, the last thing you want to do is get out of bed early to shovel snow from your driveway. With a heated driveway from WarmlyYours, endless shoveling is a thing of the past, even in the harshest of climates.
Our snow melting systems install under asphalt, concrete, or pavers to automatically clear snow and ice when paired with a smart control. Choose full‑coverage for a clear surface from edge to edge or economical tire‑track layouts to keep your driveway passable.
From retrofit projects to new builds, we provide design support and controls that fit your climate and budget—so you can step into winter mornings with confidence.
What is a Heated Driveway?
Our driveway heating systems are available as either heated driveway mats or cables, which can be installed in asphalt, concrete, or under pavers in mortar. They're ideal for both residential use and commercial applications, and for any size or shape of heated driveway.
A complete driveway heating system will typically include at least the heating elements (snow melting mats or cables) and a control to sense things like air temperature or moisture on the pavement, but may also require additional components like a relay panel or an identification plaque to mark the location of the heated driveway mats.
On this Page:
How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost?
A heated driveway typically costs between $2,500 and $20,000 for the complete system, depending on driveway size, coverage type (full vs. tire tracks), and surface material. Controls add $600–$3,800 depending on the level of automation you choose.
| Driveway Size | Full Coverage | Tire Tracks | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10ʹ × 20ʹ) | ~$2,500 | ~$1,850 | $629–$3,799 |
| Standard (20ʹ × 20ʹ) | ~$4,750 | ~$2,360 | $629–$3,799 |
| Large (30ʹ × 20ʹ) | ~$7,000+ | ~$3,500+ | $629–$3,799 |
For a detailed breakdown by material, installation method, and operating costs, see our complete heated driveway cost guide.
Coverage Options for a Heated Driveway, Full Coverage vs. Tire Tracks
Full coverage is certainly a functional and attractive option, as it means your entire heated driveway will be clear of snow and ice. If you're concerned about the operating cost or the energy demand for full coverage, make sure to consider zoned heating. By using our multi-zone controller for your heated driveway system, you break your project into "zones" which are heated one at a time. The entire surface will still be cleared but you'll cut down significantly on heated driveway costs like the operating cost.
One popular alternative to full coverage is to simply heat tire tracks. This economical option helps users cut down on the cost of a heated driveway in terms of both installation and operation, while still providing great functionality in a functional heated driveway.
This coverage system works by installing two sets of heating elements, typically 2 feet wide and the length of the heated driveway, which will keep the driveway passable, even in the heaviest of snow falls.
How Much Does it Cost to Operate a Heated Driveway?
Operating costs depend on your driveway size, coverage type, and local electricity rates. A typical 6‑hour snowfall event costs $3–$20 to melt — far less than a single visit from a snow removal service. Use our calculator to estimate your cost, or read our detailed guide on heated driveway operating costs.
Operating Cost Calculator for Snow Melting
Calculate driveway heating costs based on size, coverage type, and local energy rates.
ft.
ft.
¢/kWh
Estimated Cost
$3.25
per hour
$19.50
for 6 hours
"A snow melting system is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it solution. No more shoveling, no more slipping—just safe, clear walkways and driveways whenever you need them!"
— Rae Radiant
| Operating cost by driveway size and coverage | 20ʹ wide by 20ʹ long Typical two cars driveway |
20ʹ wide by 20ʹ long Typical two cars driveway |
10ʹ wide by 20ʹ long Single car driveway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full | 2 pairs of Tire Tracks (2ʹ wide) | 1 pair of Tire Tracks (2ʹ wide) |
| Heated surface | 400 sq.ft. | 160 sq.ft. | 80 sq.ft. |
| Total kilowatt per hour (kWh) | 20 kWh | 8 kWh | 4 kWh |
| Rate per kWh | $0.16 | $0.16 | $0.16 |
| Runtime hours | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Total runtime cost | $19.20 | $7.68 | $3.84 |
Heating Solutions for Asphalt, Concrete, or Pavers
Choose from mats for fast installation or cables for maximum flexibility. Not sure which? See our guide on mats vs. cables.
| Feature | Snow Melt PowerMat | Snow Melt OmniMat | Snow Melt Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Heavy snowfall 60+ inches/year |
Moderate snowfall 30–60 inches/year |
Custom layouts Irregular shapes, curves |
| Heat output | ~50 W/sq.ft. | ~39 W/sq.ft. | 12 W/lin.ft. (~50 W/sq.ft. at 3″ spacing) |
| Cable spacing | 3″ (pre‑spaced) | 4″ (pre‑spaced) | 3″ or 4″ (adjustable) |
| Install speed | Fast (cut‑and‑turn) | Fast (cut‑and‑turn) | Moderate (manual layout) |
| Surfaces | Asphalt, concrete, pavers/stone | ||
| Cost per sq.ft. | ~$15–$25 | ~$12–$20 | ~$10–$18 |
| Warranty | 10-year limited warranty | ||
You'll also need a snow melting control to automate your system — options range from basic manual controls to WiFi‑enabled sensors that activate automatically based on weather conditions.
Snow Melting Systems
Maximum Heat Density for Heavy Snowfall (3" spacing)
-
Maximum Heat Output: Approximately 50-watts per sq. ft with 3" cable spacing for fastest snow melting
-
Best for Heavy Snowfall: Recommended for regions with 60+ inches of annual snowfall or when rapid melting is critical
-
Even Heating: Pre-attached heating elements in a serpentine pattern with consistent 3" spacing ensures uniform coverage
-
Fast and Easy Installation: Cut-and-turn design makes installation faster than cables while providing maximum heat density
-
Installation Support: Free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty
Optimal Performance & Energy Balance (4" spacing)
-
Balanced Heat Output: Approximately 39-watts per sq. ft with 4" cable spacing for optimal performance and efficiency
-
Best for Moderate Snowfall: Recommended for regions with 30-60 inches of annual snowfall—our most popular choice
-
Even Heating: Pre-attached heating elements in a serpentine pattern with consistent 4" spacing ensures uniform coverage
-
Fast and Easy Installation: Cut-and-turn design makes installation faster than cables while balancing cost and performance
-
Installation Support: Free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty
Maximum Flexibility at a Minimal Cost
-
High Heat Output: This embeddable electric heating cable provides 12-watts of heat per linear foot (nearly 50-watts per sq. ft.)
-
Embeddable in Concrete, Asphalt, or in Mortar Under Pavers: Installing a cable-based snow melting system within a new driveway, walkway, or patio means you can enjoy snow/ice free outdoor surfaces all year
-
Cost-Effective and Flexible: Snow melting cables are an less expensive (but more time consuming) alternative to snow melting mats and they provide maximum flexibility to cover round driveways, cornered patios, or outdoor stairs
-
Wide Variety of Voltages: We offer snow melting cables in 120, 208, 240, and 277 voltages and in a range of different lengths
-
Installation Support: WarmlyYours offers free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty
How to Install a Heated Driveway
Installation method depends on your surface material — each requires a different approach for embedding the heating elements. We provide free custom installation plans (SmartPlans™) and offer both new asphalt and retrofit design guides to walk you through the process. For a step-by-step overview, see our guide on how to plan for a snow melting system.
Driveway Heating Systems Documents
-
PDF -
PDF -
PDF -
PDF -
PDF -
PDF -
PDF
-
5 min
Stephanie
Jun 21, 2018
-
4 min
Stephanie
Apr 11, 2018
-
4 min
Victoria
Oct 16, 2017
-
4 min
Victoria
Oct 05, 2017
-
4 min
Stephanie
Jul 20, 2017
-
3 min
Victoria
Mar 23, 2017
