Share Your Story: Zoning Gives Customized Control for Heated Driveway

When Mark from Iowa built his new home, he knew he wanted snow melting under his concrete driveway, walkway, and porch. What he didn't know was how to manage the electrical load for four separate heated zones within his 200-amp service limit. The answer was the WarmlyYours ZoneBraker Touchscreen Multi-Zone Snow and Ice Melting Controller — and the results have been exactly what he hoped for. For a full breakdown of system costs, see our heated driveway cost guide.

The Challenge: Four Zones, Limited Amperage

Mark's project covered four distinct areas:

• Zone 1: Front porch and mailbox access path
• Zone 2: The shaded main driveway (used most frequently)
• Zone 3: The sunlit second half of the driveway
• Zone 4: An optional annex area

Running all four zones simultaneously would have exceeded his electrical service capacity. The ZoneBraker solved this by allowing each zone to operate independently with customizable run durations — so Mark can prioritize the areas he needs most without overloading his panel.

How the ZoneBraker Works

The ZoneBraker Touchscreen controller manages up to four independent snow melting zones from a single wall-mounted unit. Each zone can be programmed with its own run duration, activation schedule, and priority level. During a storm, the controller cycles through zones sequentially rather than running them all at once — dramatically reducing peak amperage draw.

For Mark, this meant Zone 2 (the shaded main driveway) runs first and longest, while Zone 4 (the optional annex) runs only when needed. The result is a fully automated system that works within his electrical constraints without sacrificing any coverage area.

Is a Multi-Zone System Right for You?

If your project covers multiple separate areas — or if your driveway is large enough that full simultaneous heating would strain your electrical panel — a ZoneBraker system is worth considering. It's also a smart choice when some areas (like a shaded north-facing driveway) need more heat than others (like a sun-exposed south-facing walkway).

For a full breakdown of how operating costs compare across regions and system sizes, see our monthly cost guide. Use our Instant Quote tool to get started, or call 800-875-5285 to speak with a specialist about your project.