Safe, Clear Stairs All Winter: A Chicago Radiant Heat Showcase

Winter in Chicago means facing treacherous ice and snow on outdoor walkways. For homeowner Ardi Kazarian, this meant the stairs and landing were a constant safety concern. WarmlyYours solved this challenge by designing a powerful radiant snow melting system, which was installed within a new concrete pour. This 63 sq. ft. system provides on-demand safety and convenience, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals or strenuous shoveling while adding significant value and peace of mind.

Project Details

Location: Chicago, IL
Heated Space Type: Outdoor Stairs and Landing (6 stairs, 2 landings)
Square Footage: 63 sq. ft.
Watts, Volts, Amps: 3000 W, 240V, 12 A
Operating Cost Per Hour: ~$0.48 per hour of operation
Products Used:
- Snow Melt Cables
- Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control (SCA-DUAL)
- Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor (AIR-SS-2)
- Small Relay Panel
- Outdoor Junction Box

Heated Stairs and Landing

Chicago winters are notorious for heavy snowfall and dangerous ice accumulation. For this residential project, the homeowner needed a reliable solution to keep a 63-square-foot outdoor staircase and landing safe and accessible. The primary challenge was to eliminate the grueling task of shoveling and the environmental damage from de-icing salts, which can also degrade concrete over time.

The WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cable system was selected as the ideal solution. The 240V system, totaling 3000 watts, provides robust heating power to prevent any snow or ice from building up. The project involved a new concrete pour, allowing the heating cables to be embedded directly into the stairs and landings for maximum efficiency. This installation method ensures the radiant heat is distributed evenly, melting precipitation as it falls.

The outcome is a fully automated, safe passage for the homeowner, regardless of the weather. Paired with an advanced aerial-mounted sensor and control, the system activates automatically when it detects both cold temperatures and moisture, ensuring it only runs when needed. This provides the ultimate "set it and forget it" convenience and ensures the stairs are clear before anyone even steps outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run an outdoor Stairs in Chicago?

The operating cost depends on the system's size (wattage) and local electricity rates. This 63 sq. ft. system in Chicago, IL, costs about $0.48 per hour. An average interior radiant floor heating system is often even more affordable, costing just pennies per hour.

2. Is electric snow melting systems energy efficient?

Yes. Radiant heating systems are very energy efficient because they heat objects (like your concrete stairs or interior floors) directly, rather than heating the air. For snow melting, automatic sensors ensure the system only activates during a storm, preventing wasted energy.

3. What type of flooring or surface works with a snow melting system?

WarmlyYours snow melting systems are designed for embedding in concrete (as seen in this project), asphalt, or in mortar under pavers. For interior in-floor heating, systems are compatible with nearly all flooring types, including tile, stone, luxury vinyl, and engineered wood.

4. Can radiant Snow Melting replace my home's main heating system?

While some high-wattage electric floor heating systems can be used as the primary heat source for a room (like a basement or addition), they are most often used as a secondary source of comfort and luxury. An outdoor snow melting system is a dedicated safety system and not related to your home's interior heating.