Mastering Electric Snow Melt Systems: Planning, Installation & Operation

Hello and welcome to today's webinar, or actually this month's webinar. Thank you for joining. It's entitled "Mastering Electric Snow Melt Systems: Planning, Installation and Operation." I am your host, Scott, from WarmlyYours. Joining me is Anatoly, also from WarmlyYours. Thank you so much for being here, Anatoly. I'm going to move my screen around just a little bit to ensure that I can see the chat screen and get the Q&A open. So just bear with me as I set that up.

Thank you again for joining. I will go ahead and get started. If you have any questions, feel free to ask at any time by entering them in the chat. We will do our best to answer all your questions, and if we don't get to it right away, we will address it at some point during the webinar. The overview for today includes an introduction to electric snow melting, initial planning steps, installation, controls, and operation. We will also have time for a Q&A session.

Let’s begin with the introduction to electric snow melting. This product is compatible with concrete, asphalt, or mortar and sand under pavers. It is best installed in new projects but can also be retrofitted. The heat from the cable radiates to the surrounding surface, effectively melting snow as it falls. Electric snow melting systems are more efficient than hydronic systems because the temperature at the beginning of the cable is the same as at the end, unlike hydronic systems where the water comes in hot and exits cold. Additionally, electric systems do not require pumps or valves, reducing maintenance needs. They also have lower operating costs compared to hiring someone to shovel your driveway or using a machine for snow removal. The primary advantage is that this system melts snow, converting it to water, which then evaporates, leaving a clear surface without embedded snow or black ice.

Now, let's discuss how to effectively plan for this product. What is the goal here? Anatoly, could you share the questions we typically ask and why they are important?

Absolutely, Scott. A good starting point is to clarify the goals of the project. We often ask questions like, "What is your main objective?" Are we aiming to enhance safety, improve access, or provide convenience? Understanding the application helps us prioritize the heating areas that need coverage. For instance, is it just the entrance, the stairs, or the entire driveway? This information allows us to create efficient layouts and select the appropriate control systems. If the customer requires a fully automatic system and is present frequently, we would recommend an automatic control. Conversely, for a remote location that only needs to be activated on demand, a Wi-Fi control might be more suitable.

Another critical question is about the surface you are heating. Why do we ask this?

Knowing the surface type is essential for several reasons. It helps us determine the most applicable product. For example, if the surface is asphalt, we would recommend using mats and a specific controller with a temperature sensor designed for asphalt projects. If the surface is concrete, we need to know about any expansion joints, as the heating element should never cross these joints. This information is crucial for designing a proper layout that facilitates installation.

What about the differences in controllers for asphalt versus concrete?

When working with asphalt, we use a special controller equipped with a high-temperature limit sensor. This sensor monitors the temperature of the asphalt while the system operates. If the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, the system can pause to prevent the asphalt from melting or deforming. In contrast, concrete can withstand much higher temperatures without risk of damage, so we do not require the same temperature monitoring for concrete installations.

Next, we need to determine how much area you plan to heat. Many newcomers to this technology often express the desire to heat every square inch of their driveway. However, we help them understand that full coverage may not be necessary and that they might not have enough power to heat the entire area.

We ask about the area to inform the customer that partial coverage or a tire track format can be effective. Additionally, budget constraints and electrical availability may influence the design. For example, heating only tire tracks can reduce amperage by about 70%. If heating the entire driveway requires 100 amps, a tire track system might only need around 30 amps. This significant difference in power requirements can impact installation and operational costs.

Why do we emphasize the need for accurate dimensions?

Accurate dimensions are vital for several reasons. First, heating systems cannot be cut to length. You cannot simply buy a mat that is too long and cut off the excess. Second, we provide a complimentary layout and electrical plan based on the exact dimensions, which helps us select the right product and design an efficient layout. This, in turn, minimizes installation time and reduces the need for extensive electrician work.

It's also important to note that overlapping mats or cables is not permissible. Overlapping can damage the heating element, and cutting cables too short can lead to overheating due to increased resistance. Additionally, climate plays a significant role in determining the requirements for a snow melting system. For instance, a system in Miami Beach will have different specifications than one in the Rocky Mountains.

Why does climate matter?

Climate is crucial because different regions have varying snowfall amounts and temperatures. For example, a project in Colorado may require a higher wattage system, typically around 50 watts per square foot, based on historical data and ASHRAE standards. If a project is located in an area that typically receives about 38 watts per square foot, we will design the system accordingly, ensuring the cable spacing is appropriate for effective snow melting.

ASHRAE provides guidelines based on long-term snowfall averages, not just recent years. While some years may experience heavier snowfall, our designs are based on historical averages to ensure the system can handle typical conditions.

How does a customer get started with a snow melting project?

Getting started is relatively straightforward. We can work from a simple hand-drawn sketch as long as it includes dimensions and the shape of the area. This information allows us to create a detailed CAD drawing and a heating map layout. If you have architectural plans, landscaping plans, or even Google Maps with dimensions, that information is also useful. Once we have the highlighted area, we can prepare a ready-to-install layout and electrical plan, typically within 24 hours.

Let’s take a look at a drawing of a heated area. The dimensions provided are crucial for our planning.

In this example, we see a tire track coverage layout. Instead of covering every square inch, we have designed a layout that includes four mats, indicated by circles, with triangles denoting the start points. The electrical specifications for each mat are also provided, helping the electrician calculate the appropriate breaker size. Additionally, we specify that the system requires a 20-foot cold lead, which is essential for proper installation.

The diagram also includes important information about breaker sizing and the need for GFE protection, which is crucial for outdoor heating systems.

Now, let’s discuss the installation process.

The systems are designed for typical surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or mortar under pavers. It is essential to follow the installation instructions provided in the manual included with each heating mat or cable. As previously mentioned, these products cannot be cut to length, so having a pre-planned layout is vital to avoid issues during installation.

Before, during, and after installation, it is crucial to inspect and test the system, especially using a megohmmeter, to ensure proper installation and functionality.

It’s also important to have the electrician involved early in the process. They should be present a day or two before installation to determine the locations of junction boxes and run conduits. This preparation is necessary to ensure that the heating elements are properly integrated into the project before the asphalt or concrete is poured.

Now, let’s discuss the choice between mats and cables.

Snow melting mats and cables are both effective heating elements. Mats are pre-spaced and designed for larger, rectangular areas, making installation quick and easy. In contrast, loose cables are ideal for odd-shaped areas or curved installations where mats may not fit. Both products are high-temperature rated and suitable for use on asphalt without risk of melting.

When installing asphalt, it is essential to start with a compacted gravel base, followed by a base coat of asphalt at least two inches thick. The snow melting mat should be installed on top of this base layer, followed by a finished layer of asphalt. This two-step installation process ensures that the heating system is properly embedded and protected.

For concrete installations, a single pour is typically preferred. However, it is crucial to ensure that the heating cable or mat is positioned correctly within the pour. Using rebar or wire mesh to support the heating elements will help ensure they remain in the correct position during the concrete pour.

When it comes to pavers, the installation process is similar. If using cable, an attachment grid can be utilized to secure the heating elements. Once installed, the cable must be fully embedded in mortar or sand to prevent overheating.

Heated stairs present unique challenges due to increased heat loss. It is essential to use cable for stair installations, as mats may not fit properly. The heating elements should be embedded securely, and care should be taken to avoid overhangs that could trap snow and ice.

Regarding longevity and maintenance, as long as the system is installed correctly and tested, it should last for many years, often outlasting the surface it is embedded in. Regular maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of cleaning the sensor before winter to ensure proper functionality.

Let’s discuss the controls and operation of the system.

We categorize controls into automatic and manual systems. For most residential and commercial applications, automatic controls are preferred. These systems operate based on sensor-driven activation, requiring no user input or maintenance. The sensors monitor precipitation and temperature, activating the system when snow is detected and running for a predetermined after-run time to ensure all snow is melted.

The zone breaker control is a useful solution for areas with limited electrical capacity. It allows for dividing a large area into multiple zones, running one section at a time to manage power loads effectively. While this method is effective, it will take longer to clear snow compared to a single-zone system.

Sensors play a crucial role in the system's operation. Aerial-mounted sensors detect precipitation and temperature from above ground, while slab-mounted sensors are installed flush with the surface. Proper placement of these sensors is essential to ensure they accurately detect snow and temperature conditions.

In terms of installation, the relay panel acts as the on/off switch for the system. It connects to the heating elements and the control panel, which sends signals to activate the system. It is important to keep high-voltage and low-voltage wires in separate conduits to prevent interference.

Finally, let’s discuss operating costs.

The operating costs of electric snow melting systems are generally lower than traditional snow removal methods. For example, a typical two-car garage driveway of about 400 square feet can be heated for approximately $3 per hour in areas with an average electricity cost of 15 cents per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, a tire track coverage may only cost around $1.24 per hour.

For a specific project, we provided a 240-volt system for an 840-square-foot area, with a heated area of 330 square feet. The total wattage was 15,000 watts, requiring approximately 62-63 amps. The operating cost per hour was calculated to be $2.25, making it a cost-effective solution compared to hiring snow removal services.

Now, do we have any questions?

I apologize for the technical difficulties earlier. We have a question from Russell about installing heating elements in large paved areas. For large areas, we recommend using mats and working in sections to facilitate installation without damaging previously laid sections.

Colin has also asked about transitioning rigid conduit from the driveway to the junction box. We have a video demonstrating this installation on our website, which shows how to properly stub the conduit into the surface.

As we wrap up, I want to remind you about our additional training sessions, which occur every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Our next webinar will focus on luxury vinyl flooring trends and radiant heating compatibility, scheduled for June 12th at 1:00 p.m.

This month, we are offering a promotion of 15% off snowmelt cables and mats, making it an excellent time to consider installation. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us via email or call our support line at 800-875-5285.

Thank you for joining us today, and a special thanks to Anatoly for sharing his insights. We hope to see you next month. Until then, stay warm and be radiant!