Project Details
- Location: Methuen, MA
- Heated Space Type: Outdoor Walkway/Paver Surface
- Heated Square Footage: 120 sq. ft.
- Watts, Volts, Amps: 6,000 Watts, 240 Volts, 25 Amps
- Operating Cost Per Hour: $1.50 per hour (Based on an estimated $0.25/kWh local electricity rate)
- Per Day Breakdown: ~ $12.00 per day (Estimated for 8 hours of continuous operation during a snow event)
- Per Month Breakdown: ~ $120.00 per month (Estimated for 10 snow events/month, 8 hours per event)
- Products Used: Snow Melt PowerMat, Value Snow and Ice Melt Control, Small Relay Panel, Snow Melt Plaque
Project Information
The central problem for the Methuen homeowner was the liability and labor associated with keeping a heavily trafficked paver walkway clear of snow and ice. Manual shoveling was time-consuming and physically demanding, and the repeated use of salt and chemical de-icers could lead to the premature degradation of the paver material over time. The homeowner sought a permanent, automated, and discreet solution that would activate on its own and keep the aesthetic of the beautiful paver walkway intact.
The installation was straightforward using the Snow Melt PowerMats. Because the mats are pre-sized (2 x 30 ft.) and simply roll out, the process was efficient and quick for the contractor. The mats were laid directly on the sub-surface, and the new pavers were installed on top, completely hiding the heating elements. Crucially, the system was connected to the Value Snow and Ice Melt Control.
The outcome is a zero-effort, worry-free walkway. The smart control uses a moisture and temperature sensor to detect precipitation and freezing temperatures, automatically activating the system only when needed. This guarantees a dry, clear walkway, eliminating slip-and-fall risks and preserving the pavers by avoiding chemical treatments. The radiant heating system solved a key safety and maintenance problem, turning a high-risk area into a secure, all-weather asset.
Featured Product
WarmlyYours Snow Melt PowerMat The Snow Melt PowerMat is a robust, pre-sized, rollable mat designed to simplify the installation of snow melting systems beneath concrete, asphalt, or pavers. It provides a fixed wattage output (60 watts/sq. ft.) to ensure rapid and effective snow clearing for high-demand outdoor areas.
WarmlyYours Value Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCV-DUAL) This fully automated control unit detects both moisture and temperature, activating the snow melting system only when conditions require it. The control is key to energy-efficient operation by minimizing unnecessary runtime, allowing for hands-off, fully automated winter safety.
WarmlyYours Small Relay Panel (RLY-4PL-CC) Used to safely manage the total amperage load of the snow melting system, this panel connects the high-wattage mats to the power supply and control. It ensures the system can operate safely and reliably under its full 25-amp power requirement.
WarmlyYours Snow Melt Plaque (NEC Requirement) (SMP) This durable cast brass marker is a National Electric Code (NEC) 426-13 compliant safety accessory. It is installed visibly in the walkway surface to clearly indicate the presence of buried electrical snow-melting elements, protecting the system from damage during future construction or maintenance.
