How to Choose the Right Snow Melting Control for Heated Driveways and More

Hello. Thank you so much for joining us for today's webinar. My name is Lynn, and I'm a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. Today, I'm joined by one of our technical service team members. Can you introduce yourself, Anatoly?

Hello, my name is Anatoly, and I'm with WarmlyYours tech support and product team. I'm happy to talk with you all today. Awesome. We will be discussing how to choose the right snow melting control for your snow melting system. Anatoly, as a member of our tech and product teams, is incredibly knowledgeable about all of our different control options. We will delve into the various options available to you. If you have any questions at any point, feel free to ask in the sidebar or in the question module at the bottom of the screen. If we don't see your question right away, we will definitely address it by the end of the presentation.

As mentioned, we will cover our snow melting systems and discuss the different controls we offer for outdoor heating, along with the various sensors. We will explore the differences in depth. To start, snow melting systems are becoming increasingly popular and can be installed in various types of pavement, including asphalt, concrete, and pavers. We often see these systems used in driveways, walkways, heated benches, and patios. Essentially, these systems are embedded in the pavement and evenly heat the surface as snow falls, preventing it from freezing and allowing it to melt and evaporate.

We offer both manual systems, which you can turn on and off yourself, and automated systems that operate with the right control and sensor, turning on and off without any hassle. Before planning your system, the first step is to assess your electrical requirements and availability. Anatoly, can you explain how one would go about this?

Yes, absolutely. The snow melting systems we discuss are electric systems that use electricity to generate heat. The planning stage for these projects is critical because they consume power depending on the project's size. It's essential to ensure that the electrical planning is done correctly. For example, if you have a 200 amp service at your house, but 100 to 120 amps are already in use for other electrical loads, you may only have 80 to 60 amps available. It's crucial to share this information with us so that when we design and plan your project, we can take it into account and proceed in the right direction.

Additionally, whenever we provide you with a quote, it includes an electrical and installation plan. These plans give your electrician the necessary information to make proper calculations and determine the system's size. Always share these electrical plans with your electrician, ensuring that all parties are up to date on the system's specifications.

Another service we offer is pre-project planning meetings. While we may not delve into that today, I wanted to mention it. Anatoly, you often participate in these meetings. They are free and help ensure that everyone—contractors, electricians, and others—are on the same page and that all questions are answered before starting the project.

Yes, snow melting projects are a step up from traditional electric floor heating projects. I conduct many pre-project planning meetings, which are quick yet informative, covering what's needed and how to prepare. We never want a customer to receive preliminary calculations and think they cannot proceed with the project due to electricity limitations. There are multiple ways to get the system up and running with different controls and coverage options. We will discuss those later, so stay with us.

This drawing is quite helpful. Can you walk us through what we are looking at here, Anatoly?

Certainly! This drawing, referred to as a system map or typical line diagram, outlines all the components involved. It's beneficial not only for electricians but also for homeowners or contractors planning a project. The left side, highlighted in orange, represents the inside components, including the breaker panel and relay panel. Keep in mind that the relay panels we provide are rated NEMA 1, meaning they should only be mounted indoors. The controller is another component that will be mounted inside, while one controller should be mounted outside.

The heating cables or mats will be installed outside. The junction box (J-box) is optional, as your heating cables and mats will have a 20-foot cold lead pre-attached. If the distance from the heating cable to the relay panel is about 20 feet, you can run that existing lead directly to the relay panel without needing a J-box. If the distance is longer, your electrician will make the necessary extension from the J-box to the relay panel. Lastly, the lower right corner shows an aerial mounted sensor and a high-temperature limit sensor, which are essential for the system's proper operation.

I appreciate this picture as well. I remember when I was interviewed years ago, I had to make sense of this drawing. Back then, I could understand it, but now I have a much clearer grasp of what I'm looking at. Regarding the J-box, you provided some detail earlier. This is what it will look like, and it can appear quite cluttered with all the cables coming out. Its purpose is to consolidate those cables, making it easier to run them from the heated area back to the house. All splices and extensions need to be made here, and it should be accessible, so avoid burying it.

When selecting a spot for the control, you mentioned indoor and outdoor controls. Can you elaborate on what to look for?

Sure! Most of our controls are designed to be mounted indoors, with some rated only for indoor use. There are one or two controllers that can be mounted outdoors, but those are typically for large industrial applications where maintenance personnel need access to them from the outside. For typical residential applications, you want the controller indoors for easy access to check its status, manually override it, or adjust settings without going outside.

Always plan to mount the controller indoors, as shown in the picture. The control is the device on the right with a display, while the four boxes to the left are the relay panels. Don't be alarmed by the amount of equipment; this illustration represents a large application with multiple zones. In a typical driveway or walkway heating scenario, you would require much less equipment.

The only unique controller is our value controller, which we will discuss in detail later. This controller combines a sensor and controller, with the sensor located outdoors to detect snow.

Speaking of the relay panels, can you explain what we see here?

This is our sizing guide. You don't need to memorize it or figure out the details; it's simply a reference for electricians to double-check things. We size the relay panels for you, calculating how many mats or cables you need and what size relay panels are required. For example, if you have four 120-volt cables, you would want a small relay panel with four connections. Conversely, if you have twelve 120-volt cables, you would need a large relay panel with twelve connections. This guide is just for informational purposes, as we handle the sizing for you to make your system economical and easy to wire.

We always ensure that all electrical and building codes are followed. It's essential to consult with your electrician and local code authority to verify that everything complies with regulations in your area.

Now, let's look at the controls for snow melting. The first decision you'll need to make is whether you want the system to be automatic or manual. All of our automatic controls detect temperature and moisture, allowing the system to start warming when it begins to snow. It won't turn on when it's 50 degrees and raining or when it's 20 degrees without snow. The system is designed to recognize when snow is falling and activate accordingly, ensuring it warms up at the onset of snowfall rather than after accumulation.

We will break down the differences between automatic and manual controllers, discussing the pros and cons of each. First, let's look at our zone breaker.

The zone breaker touchscreen multi-zone is our most recent addition to the snow melting controls lineup. This advanced controller is typically used in specific circumstances. If you have limited electricity available at your breaker panel but need to cover a larger area without sacrificing coverage, the zone breaker controller is ideal. It can split a large area into two, three, or four zones, allowing you to run only one section at a time.

For example, if your system requires 150 amps but you only have 50 amps available, the zone breaker will run one-third of your system for an hour, then the second third for an hour, and finally the last third for an hour. It will continue this cycle until all the snow is melted while utilizing only the available power. While this controller is a bit complex, it's essential for specific snow melting projects.

Next, we will discuss our premium control, another automated option. Can you explain what we are looking at here?

Certainly! The premium control is fully automatic, meaning it requires no interaction from the user. It detects snow and temperature or precipitation and operates the system autonomously. When comparing controllers, I will highlight the unique features of each. The premium controller has two main advantages: it can handle an over-temperature (OT) or high-temperature limit sensor, preventing the slab from reaching excessive temperatures, and it supports up to six sensors. This makes it suitable for light commercial or industrial projects requiring more than two sensors, particularly for heating asphalt.

Now, let's move on to the advanced snow melt control.

The advanced snow melt control is our best seller, as it strikes a perfect balance for typical residential projects. It can handle up to two sensors, allowing for the connection of both aerial and slab sensors. This controller also allows for manual overrides and adjustments to after-run times, making it ideal for 80 to 90 percent of the projects we handle. Unless there are unusual electricity requirements, the advanced snow melting control will likely be your go-to option.

Next, we have the economy control, which comes from a different manufacturer. This controller features a push dial for selecting and reviewing settings and system status on a small screen. It can handle up to three sensors and is suitable for applications like driveway snow melting and roof and gutter de-icing, allowing for dual-zone applications. While it operates fully automatically, the selection of the controller will depend on the specific application.

Lastly, we have our value control, which is a bit different from the others. This controller is designed to be mounted outdoors, correct?

Yes, that's right! The value control combines a sensor and controller in one unit, with the sensing grid located on top. This setup allows for direct outdoor mounting, ensuring the sensor can detect snow. The value control is popular for small to medium projects, particularly those rated at 16 amps or lower, as it can connect directly without needing a relay panel, making it a cost-effective solution.

Now, let's shift our focus to manual sensors. This is our timer control, which is quite straightforward. You set the time, and it will turn off automatically when the time elapses. Can you explain its use?

Certainly! While timer controls are simple, they are not the ideal choice. Automatic controls are always preferable, as they operate the system only when needed. Timer controls should only be used when a dedicated person can turn them on and off at the appropriate times. They are suitable for surfaces that need heating regardless of precipitation. An interesting application I've encountered is in hotel hot top areas, where water splashes can quickly freeze, necessitating manual control to keep the surface heated.

Many people assume timer controls are cheaper and less intimidating, but they can lead to higher costs in the long run due to inefficient operation. If you're considering a manual control but are unsure if it's the best option, please reach out to us. We're happy to help you navigate your choices.

One point to mention regarding the timer and Wi-Fi control is what happens if it snows in the middle of the night. Are you going to set an alarm for 2:00 a.m. to turn it on? Most people would prefer not to wake up to a driveway covered in snow and then have to turn on the system. An automatic controller would detect the snow at 2:00 a.m. and operate the system, ensuring you wake up to a clear driveway.

Now, can you explain what the Wi-Fi control does?

The Wi-Fi control features a similar enclosure to other controls but replaces the traditional timer with a Wi-Fi switch. This allows you to connect the system to your home Wi-Fi, enabling remote control. For example, if you have a vacation home and don't need melting for every snow event, you can disable the system remotely. When you arrive at the location, you can manually turn it on through your smartphone app. Some customers combine this with an automatic controller to disable the system remotely while allowing it to operate automatically when they are on-site.

If you're unsure which controller to choose, please reach out to us. We can help you assess your specific circumstances and recommend the right controller.

Now, let's discuss the different types of sensors that work with these controls. These sensors are crucial for automating the system, as they determine when it needs to be on or off. Can you explain the types of sensors we have and their functions?

Certainly! We mainly focus on aerial sensors and slab-mounted sensors, which trigger the automation of the system. Additionally, we have OT sensors, or over-temperature sensors, which prevent the system from reaching excessively high temperatures by putting it on standby.

I appreciate these drawings that illustrate sensor placement and considerations. Can you walk us through that?

Absolutely! When installing snow sensors, it's essential to place them where snow will hit them. Avoid locations under overhangs or trees, and ensure they are not too far from the building. Manufacturers often provide documents with recommended sensor placements. The red dots in the pictures indicate preferred locations, and factors such as prevailing winds and obstructions should be considered when determining placement.

This is our aerial sensor, the AirSS2. Can you explain how it works?

The aerial sensor operates using a set point of 38 degrees and any precipitation to trigger the system. Many customers wonder why the set point is 38 degrees instead of a lower temperature. The reason is that 38 degrees is an industry-proven set point. If the air temperature is 37 or 36 degrees, the surface temperature could be much lower. The sensor is mounted in a preferred location to detect the first snowflakes, and when conditions are met, it activates the system. The sensing grid on top is heated to ensure that any precipitation, whether rain or snow, triggers the system.

Now, let's discuss the slab sensor, our other type of sensor. What can you tell us about it?

The slab sensor differs from the aerial sensor primarily in its mounting location. While both sensors look for precipitation and temperatures below 38 degrees, the slab sensor is mounted flush with the surface being melted. This can provide a more reliable detection method, especially in applications where wind-blown snow is a factor. The choice between an aerial or slab sensor depends on the specific application, whether residential or commercial.

We also have another slab sensor option that pairs with the economy snow and ice melting control we discussed earlier. Is there much difference between this and the other slab sensor?

Not really. The main difference is the manufacturer. The logic and operation remain the same, focusing on temperature and precipitation to trigger the system.

That concludes our presentation. If anyone has questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We received a question from Nick ahead of time, asking if this system can be run under flagstone steps and landings. The answer is yes; we often see paver and flagstone applications. The SCV dual, our value control, would likely be the best option for this scenario, as it is designed for outdoor mounting without the need for indoor components. If you have further questions or need detailed information or a quote, please reach out.

I don't see any other questions at the moment. If you think of anything while we wrap up, feel free to type it in. Our next webinar is scheduled for Thursday, August 10th, at 1:00 p.m. Central. We will be moving to Zoom for that session, so be sure to join us for tips on troubleshooting electric floor heating systems. We also offer daily training sessions, so feel free to join us for live videos hosted by me or Anatoly to learn more about our products.

WarmlyYours offers several services, including measuring, installation support, and troubleshooting for your heating systems. In July, we are offering 15% off our snow melting systems. While it may seem far from your mind, this is the perfect time to plan ahead for winter installations.

At the end of this presentation, we will send out a quick email asking for your feedback. We value your comments and suggestions, and we welcome compliments too! We want to ensure we cover topics that interest you, so please share any ideas for future webinars.

As we discussed today, we are here to answer your questions. If you want to ensure you're getting the right products and feel confident in your choices, please reach out to us via phone, email, or our website. Our website is a treasure trove of information, including blog posts, videos, and past webinars, so be sure to check it out at warmleyers.com.

Unless you have anything to add, Anatoly, that concludes our session for today. Thank you for joining us. My name is Lynn, and I'm here with...

Thank you, everyone. My name is Anatoly.

Until next time, stay warm and be radiant!