For homeowners with long driveways, Pennsylvania winters present a constant battle against snow and ice. This project for Alida Bakker Castorano in Elverson showcases how a WarmlyYours electric snow melting system transformed a massive 3,060 sq. ft. driveway into a consistently safe and accessible path. The automated system provides peace of mind and convenience, eliminating the need for manual shoveling or corrosive de-icing chemicals.
Project Details
- Location: Elverson, Pennsylvania
- Heated Space Type: Driveway (Tire Track Design)
- Total Driveway Area: 3,060 sq. ft.
- Heated Area: 2,720 sq. ft.
- Electrical Specs: 136,198 Watts, 240 Volts, 567 Amps
- Operating Cost: Approximately $24.52 per hour during operation.
- Products Used:
- Snow Melt PowerMats
- Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control (SCP-120)
- Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor (AIR-SS)
- Large Relay Panels (RLY-12PL)
The Story: A Smart Solution for a Long Driveway
Managing a long, winding driveway during a snowy Elverson winter was a significant challenge for the homeowner. The risks of ice, the physical strain of shoveling, and the potential damage from snowplows and chemical salts made a reliable, automated solution a top priority. The goal was to ensure safe, easy access to the property, regardless of the weather.
The solution was a powerful WarmlyYours electric snow melting system embedded directly into the new asphalt. To maximize efficiency and manage costs for such a large area, a "tire track" design was implemented. This smart approach focuses heating power on the two 2-foot-wide strips where vehicle tires travel, clearing a perfect path without the expense of heating the entire 3,060 sq. ft. surface. During installation, the durable Snow Melt PowerMats were laid out before the final layer of asphalt was poured, protecting the system and ensuring optimal heat transfer.
The result is a fully automated and worry-free system. The premium controller, paired with an aerial-mounted sensor, intelligently detects both low temperatures and the presence of moisture. It activates the system only when snow or ice is imminent and shuts off once the driveway is clear, ensuring maximum efficiency. The homeowner now enjoys the ultimate winter convenience: a consistently clear and safe driveway without ever lifting a shovel.
Featured Products in This Project
- Snow Melt PowerMats: These durable mats are designed specifically for embedding in new asphalt or concrete. They roll out easily for simple installation and provide powerful, even heat to keep surfaces free of snow and ice.
- Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control (SCP-120): This is the brain of the system. This advanced, automatic controller ensures energy-efficient operation by activating the system only when temperature and moisture conditions call for it.
- Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor (AIR-SS): Working in tandem with the controller, this sensor provides the most accurate activation by detecting both temperature and moisture from a pole or other structure, ensuring the system runs only when needed.
- Large Relay Panels (RLY-12PL): For a large-scale project with high amperage requirements like this one, relay panels are essential for safely managing the electrical load and ensuring reliable performance.
