This project in Cary, Illinois, successfully addressed the winter challenge of snow and ice accumulation on a homeowner's entryway by installing an automated electric snow melting system. By embedding durable heating cables beneath the existing paver walkway, stairs, and landing, WarmlyYours created a permanently clear, ice-free path. The solution provides exceptional comfort and safety, while an energy-efficient control system ensures that the upgrade adds value and peace of mind all winter long without excessive operational cost.
Project Details
- Location: Cary, Illinois
- Heated Space Type: Walkway, Stairs, and Landing
- Square Footage: 212 sq. ft.
- Electrical Specs:
- Voltage: 240V
- Wattage: 10,000W
- Amps: 42A
- Flooring/Surface: Paver
- Operating Cost Per Hour: $1.59
- Based on an average residential electricity rate of 14.44¢ per kWh in Cary, IL.
- Quick Breakdown: 1.59 per hour approx 12.72 per day (assuming 8 hrs of run time) approx 381.60 per month assuming 20 snow days, 8 hrs per day
Eliminating Winter Walkway Woes
This Cary, IL, homeowner sought a permanent, automated solution to the yearly burden of shoveling and salting their primary entryway, which included a walkway, stairs, and a small landing. Snow and ice on this high-traffic area posed a significant safety hazard and required constant maintenance in the harsh Illinois winters.
The project involved integrating the electric radiant heating cables directly under the pavers. This application of electric floor heating (specifically, snow melting) is highly effective as the cables are completely hidden, preserving the aesthetic of the beautiful paver finish. The installation used three different lengths of WarmlyYours Snow Melt Cable to perfectly fit the unique contours of the space, totaling $212 sq. ft. of full coverage.
A key element of this upgrade was the smart, energy-efficient control system. The homeowner can now rely on the advanced SCA-DUAL snow and ice melt control, paired with an aerial-mounted sensor, to monitor both moisture and air temperature. The system only activates when snow is actually falling and the temperature is low enough, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing operating cost. This automated approach provides a maintenance-free entryway, offering unparalleled winter safety, comfort, and peace of mind. The total material and installation cost for the complete system was $2,009.41, a cost-effective, long-term investment in home value and safety.
Featured Product
- Snow Melt Cables (240V): Three different lengths of durable, outdoor-rated electric heating cable were used to customize the coverage for the walkway, stairs, and landing. These cables provide 50W per square foot of heating output to rapidly melt snow and ice.
- SCA-DUAL Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control: The "brain" of the system. This advanced control is paired with a sensor to automatically turn the system on only when both moisture and freezing temperatures are detected, ensuring energy-efficient heating and fully automated operation.
- Snow Melt Aerial-Mounted Sensor: A crucial component for efficiency, detecting both precipitation and air temperature to activate the system precisely when needed.
- Medium Relay Panel & Outdoor Junction Box: Essential accessories for managing the system's power load and ensuring safe, reliable performance within the outdoor environment.
- Snow Melt Plaque: An NEC (National Electrical Code) requirement to indicate a snow melting system is installed.
