Project Details
- Location: Kildeer, IL
- Heated Space Type: Driveway (Tire Tracks)
- Square Footage: 338 sq. ft. (Heated Coverage: 300 sq. ft.)
- Watts: 15,018 W
- Volts: 240 V
- Amps: 62 A
- Operating Cost Per Hour: $1.59
- Per Day (8-hour run-time): ~$12.72
- Per Month (Assuming 10 days of use, 8 hours/day): ~$127.20
- Products Used: Snow Melt PowerMat, Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control, Medium Relay Panel, Snow Melt Plaque, Sensor Snow Melt Aerial-Mounted
Achieving Radiant Comfort
The extreme cold and heavy snowfalls common to the Chicagoland area made snow removal a recurring burden for this Kildeer homeowner. The goal was to install a highly effective and energy-efficient solution to automatically clear the primary tire tracks of the 338 sq. ft.driveway as a part of a new asphalt installation.
The installation was straightforward: the Snow Melt PowerMats were unrolled directly onto the sub-base, following the design plan to cover the tire paths, and then paved over with new asphalt. The Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control and aerial-mounted sensor provide a set-it-and-forget-it automation. Once precipitation is detected and the temperature drops below a set point, the system activates, guaranteeing that the driveway is clear before the homeowner even steps outside. This electric radiant snow melting system successfully eliminated the need for manual shoveling or costly plowing services, offering unprecedented convenience and a premium comfort upgrade.
Efficiency by Design: The Tire Track Solution
One of the most significant advantages of this project was the decision to use a Tire Track layout rather than full-width coverage. For many homeowners with long or wide driveways, heating every square inch of pavement isn't always necessary.
By installing the Snow Melt PowerMats in two parallel paths—aligned exactly where the vehicle’s tires travel—the homeowner achieved several key benefits:
- Reduced Initial Investment: By only heating the essential 300 sq. ft. of the 338 sq. ft. area, the homeowner saved on material costs.
- Lower Operating Costs: Heating less surface area means lower energy consumption without sacrificing the ability to get the car safely in and out of the garage.
- Targeted Performance: This "pathway" approach ensures that even in the heaviest Chicagoland snowfalls, there is always a clear, traction-rich route for vehicles to navigate.
Featured Products
- Snow Melt PowerMat 240V (WHMA-240-0250): A durable, high-capacity mat designed for embedment in asphalt, concrete, or mortar beds. These products deliver concentrated radiant heat to melt snow and ice quickly, ensuring the driveway is always safe and accessible. The WHMA-240-0250 is one of the key sizes used to cover the 100 q. ft. sections of this project.
- Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCA-DUAL) and Sensor Snow Melt Aerial-Mounted (AIR-SS): This intelligent control system uses the aerial-mounted sensor (AIR-SS) to accurately detect both moisture and temperature. This automation maximizes energy efficiency by only activating the system when conditions demand it, providing reliable, set-it-and-forget-it operation.
- Medium Relay Panel (RLY-8PL): This essential accessory safely manages the high current load (amps) required to power this large in-floor heating system, ensuring reliable operation of the multiple Snow Melt PowerMats.
- Snow Melt Plaque (SMP): A necessary component (NEC Requirement) that clearly identifies the system as a snow melting system, ensuring safety and compliance with electrical codes.
