Facing the challenge of a massive 1,230-square-foot driveway during harsh New Jersey winters, this homeowner sought a permanent, hands-off solution for safety and accessibility. WarmlyYours delivered with a powerful snow melting system that eliminates the back-breaking work of shoveling and the recurring expense of plow services. This installation showcases how radiant heat adds significant safety, convenience, and value to a home.
Project Details
- Location: Mahwah, New Jersey
- Heated Space: Driveway
- Square Footage: 1,230 sq. ft.
- Watts, Volts, Amps: 55500W, 240V, 231A
- Operating Cost: $11.10 per hour (based on an average rate of $0.20/kWh)
- Flooring: Asphalt
- Products Used:
- Snow Melt PowerMats
- Power Modulator Electrical Boxes (SCPM-CO-120-3)
- Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor
- Relay Panels
The Story: A Custom Layout for Maximum Efficiency
For homeowners in the Northeast, keeping a large, sloped driveway clear of snow and ice is a relentless winter chore. The owner of this Mahwah residence wanted a robust, automated alternative to constant shoveling and salting. The primary goal was to ensure the driveway was always safe for vehicles, particularly in the high-traffic parking area near the garage and along the long path to the street.
The installer, Albright Electric, collaborated with WarmlyYours to engineer a highly effective, dual-coverage layout. To balance performance with energy efficiency, the system was designed with full coverage for the large parking pad by the garage. For the extensive driveway leading down to the road, an economical "tire track" layout was installed. This custom design guarantees clear, heated paths for vehicle tires, providing safe entry and exit without the cost of heating the entire surface.
The result is a powerful, fully automated snow melting system. An aerial sensor detects both temperature and moisture, activating the system to begin warming the asphalt before the first snowflake can accumulate. The homeowner now enjoys a safe, clear driveway all winter, without any of the typical manual labor or stress.
Featured Products
This large-scale, automated system was built using a combination of durable and intelligent WarmlyYours products:
- Snow Melt PowerMats: These rugged electric heating mats are engineered for easy installation under asphalt, concrete, or pavers. They deliver a powerful 50 watts per square foot to melt snow and ice quickly and efficiently.
- Power Modulator Electrical Box: For a system of this magnitude, managing the electrical load is critical. The Power Modulator works with a master control and relay panels to efficiently distribute power to the various heating zones, ensuring reliable performance across the entire 1,230 sq. ft. area.
- Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor (AIR-SS-2): This intelligent sensor is the trigger for the entire system. It automatically detects both freezing temperatures and moisture, activating the controls to turn the system on at the first sign of winter weather, preventing any buildup of snow or ice.
