In a region known for heavy snowfall, this homeowner in Merrill, Wisconsin, sought a permanent, hands-free solution to clear their 100-foot-long driveway. The challenge was maintaining clear tire tracks in new asphalt without the constant effort of shoveling or using corrosive salts. WarmlyYours solved this with a high-efficiency electric radiant snow melting system, providing reliable, automated snow and ice removal that enhances the home’s value and ensures a safe, accessible path throughout the brutal Wisconsin winter.
Project Details
- Location: Merrill, Wisconsin41
- Heated Space Type: Driveway (Tire Tracks)
- Heated Square Footage: 450 sq. ft. (Tire Track Coverage)
- Flooring/Surface: New Asphalt
- Watts: 20,001 W (Approx. 44.5 W/sq. ft.)
- Volts: 240V
- Amps: 84 A
- Installer: In The Lite Electric LLC
- Operating Cost Per Hour (Est.): $2.70
- Per Day (8 hours run-time): $21.60
- Per Month (10 days of 8-hour run-time): $216.00
Seamless Installation Beneath New Asphalt
Dealing with a 100-foot-long driveway in a heavy-snow climate like Merrill, WI, made winter maintenance a significant chore for the homeowner. With plans to lay new asphalt, they saw the perfect opportunity to integrate a permanent snow melting solution. The goal was to eliminate back-breaking shoveling and protect the new asphalt from the damaging effects of rock salt and chemical deicers.
The homeowner opted for a targeted heating approach, known as the "tire track" method, focusing the radiant heat solely on the two strips where their vehicle tires would travel. This is a highly efficient design for long driveways, as it uses less power than heating the entire area.
WarmlyYours provided a custom SmartPlan detailing the layout for six 2' x 50' Snow Melt Mats. The contractor, In The Lite Electric LLC, easily embedded the durable, high-output mats directly into the new asphalt pour, positioning them perfectly for the tire tracks. The system is managed by the Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control (SCP-120), which features an aerial sensor to automatically turn the system on only when precipitation is detected and the temperature is below 38. This automated, energy-efficient control ensures the driveway is always clear and safe, giving the homeowner ultimate peace of mind and luxury access all winter long.5
Featured Products
Snow Melt Mats : Durable, high-performance radiant heating mats with twin-conductor heating cable, pre-spaced for 50 W/sq. ft. output. Embedded directly in the asphalt, they provide fast, even snow and ice melting.
Snow and Ice Melting Control Premium (SCP-120) : This sophisticated control panel features a NEMA 3R enclosure, integrates with sensors, and includes an adjustable hold-on timer to run the system only as long as needed, maximizing energy savings.
Snow Melt Aerial Sensor (AIR-SS) : Senses both temperature and precipitation, automatically activating the snow melting system only when snow or ice is present below $38^{\circ}\text{F}$, ensuring automated, energy-efficient operation.
Medium Relay Panel (RLY-8PL) : A quiet, load-switching panel with 8 poles (four 2-pole pairs) used to safely handle the system's high amperage load (84 A) by routing the power to the heating mats.
Snow Melt Plaque (NEC Requirement) (SMP) : A durable, cast brass plaque embedded in the asphalt to clearly mark the presence of embedded electric snow melting equipment, compliant with NEC 426.13 regulations.
