Safety and Convenience in Any Weather: A Radiant Snow Melting Solution in Bartlett, IL

The Jain Society Temple of Chicago in Bartlett, IL, faced the significant challenge of keeping its large 3,413 sq. ft. driveway and walkways clear and safe during harsh winter snows. WarmlyYours partnered with installer Jose Chavez & Associates to design and implement a robust electric snow melting system. This powerful radiant heat solution provides automated, on-demand safety and convenience, ensuring the temple remains accessible to all visitors without the need for constant plowing or corrosive de-icing chemicals.

Project Details

Location: Bartlett, IL
Heated Space Type: Driveway (New Asphalt)
Square Footage: 3,413 sq. ft.
Watts, Volts, Amps: 157.5 kW (157,500W), 240V, 657A
Operating Cost: Approx. $22.73 per hour (while actively melting)
Products Used: WarmlyYours Snow Melt PowerMats, Premium Control (SCP-120), Aerial and Pavement Sensors, Large Relay Panels

A Safe & Welcoming Path

For a large community space like the Jain Society Temple, ensuring safe access for members and visitors during the severe Illinois winters is a top priority. Relying on manual snow removal or third-party plowing services for such a massive 3,413 sq. ft. area is costly, labor-intensive, and can be unreliable during heavy storms. Furthermore, the use of harsh de-icing salts and chemicals can damage new asphalt and harm the surrounding landscaping.

The temple required a "set-it-and-forget-it" solution. The installation team, Jose Chavez & Associates, worked with WarmlyYours to engineer a powerful snow melting system. The project involved laying 35 high-wattage Snow Melt PowerMats on the sub-base before the new asphalt was poured. Due to the immense electrical load of over 650 amps, the system was designed with six large relay panels and five in-ground junction boxes to safely distribute power.

The true value of this installation lies in its automation. The system is controlled by a Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control paired with both an aerial-mounted sensor (to detect falling snow) and an in-pavement sensor (to detect ground-level moisture and temperature). This smart combination ensures the radiant heat system only activates when it is both cold and wet, maximizing energy efficiency. The result is a safe, clear, and welcoming driveway all winter long, with zero effort, labor, or maintenance required from the temple staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run a heated driveway in Illinois?

The cost depends on the size and local electricity rates. This large 3,413 sq. ft. commercial project costs about $22.73 per hour while active. A smaller, typical 500 sq. ft. residential driveway in the same area might cost only $3.00 - $3.50 per hour of operation.

2. Can you install a snow melting system under asphalt?

Yes. WarmlyYours Snow Melt Mats and Cables are specifically rated for installation under new asphalt. The system is installed on the sub-base, and the asphalt is then poured and typically hand-rolled or spread carefully over the heating elements.

3. Is an electric snow melting system energy efficient?

While these systems use significant power when on, modern heated driveways are highly efficient because they only run when needed. By using automatic sensors that detect both temperature and moisture, the system activates only during a snow event, preventing energy waste.

4. How does an automatic heated driveway work?

An automatic system uses a controller and sensors. An in-ground sensor detects moisture and temperature at the pavement level, while an aerial sensor can detect falling snow. When the sensors detect freezing temperatures and precipitation, they signal the controller to energize the heating elements until the surface is clear and dry.

Quotes

These quotes are linked to this showcase and include the products used in this project or recommended for a similar-sized project.