For this residential project in Elmhurst, Illinois, the homeowner needed a reliable, high-performance solution to combat heavy Midwestern snow and ice on their driveway. The challenge was finding a permanent, hands-off system to keep the new concrete clear, eliminating the need for strenuous shoveling and damaging chemicals. WarmlyYours provided a robust, energy-efficient snow melting solution by installing the Snow Melt PowerMat, focusing on the tire tracks for maximum coverage and value, ensuring a safe and clear path all winter long.
Project Details
- Location: Elmhurst, IL
- Heated Space Type: Driveway (Outdoor Snow Melting)
- Heated Coverage: 600 sq. ft. (Targeted Tire Tracks)
- Watts: 30,054 W (Total System)
- Volts: 240 V
- Amps: 125 A (Total System)
- Operating Cost Per Hour (Est.): $4.37
- Quick Breakdown (based on Elmhurst, IL average residential electricity rate of 14.54/kWh):
- Per Hour: $4.37
- Per Day (8 hours run-time): $34.96
- Products Used: WarmlyYours Snow Melt PowerMat 240V, Outdoor Snow Melting Junction Box (Large & Small)
Radiant Snow Melting for a New Concrete Driveway in Elmhurst
The Chicago area is known for harsh, unpredictable winters, and the new concrete driveway at this Elmhurst home presented a perfect opportunity to install a permanent, maintenance-free solution before the next snowfall. The primary concern for the homeowner was safety and convenience—they wanted to eliminate the back-breaking work of shoveling and the potential liability of a slick, icy driveway.
WarmlyYours's approach was to provide powerful, targeted coverage by installing six 2' x 50' Snow Melt PowerMats within the tire tracks of the new concrete. This design ensures the most critical sections of the driveway are clear, offering both an energy-efficient and cost-effective method to achieve a completely functional surface. The electric radiant floor heating mats were laid directly onto the subgrade reinforcement before the concrete was poured, ensuring the heating elements are optimally positioned for maximum snow melting efficiency.
The result is a highly effective, high-powered snow melting system that activates automatically via a separate control (not detailed in specs but required for automation), melting up to 3 inches of snow per hour. This energy efficient heating system not only saves the homeowner time and effort but also protects the newly poured concrete from corrosion caused by salt and other ice-melting chemicals, adding significant value and luxury to the property.
Featured Products
WarmlyYours Snow Melt PowerMat 240V (WHMA-240-0250): The PowerMat is a high-output, twin-conductor heating cable pre-spaced on an easy-to-install mesh, designed for embedding directly in new concrete, asphalt, or under pavers. It delivers nearly 50 watts per square foot for rapid and reliable snow and ice elimination. The 240V mats used in this project are the ideal solution for larger outdoor applications like driveways, providing robust radiant floor heating performance.
Outdoor Snow Melting Junction Box (SM-JBOX-IG-L & SM-JBOX-IG-S): These corrosion-resistant, in-ground junction boxes are essential for connecting the cold leads from the Snow Melt Mats to the system's power source and control. They ensure a safe, watertight electrical connection, critical for the longevity and reliability of any outdoor in-floor heating system.
SCA-DUAL Automatic Snow Melting Control (SCA-DUAL): This dual-purpose control operates the entire snow melting system. It automatically activates the system when temperatures are below a set point and moisture (snow/ice) is detected, ensuring the driveway remains clear without manual intervention.
Snow Melt Sensor Panel (SMP): The SMP is an essential component that houses the electrical relays and provides the power switching necessary to handle the high amperage of a large system like this 30,054-watt installation.
Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor (AIR-SS): This sensor is mounted above the ground (on a roof eave or pole) to detect snowfall. It works in conjunction with the SCA-DUAL to signal the presence of precipitation, initiating the melting process efficiently.
12-Pole Relay Panel (RLY 12 PL): Given the high current (125 Amps) and the number of circuits required for this large system, the 12-pole relay panel is used to safely manage and distribute the electrical load from the control unit to the multiple heating mats.
