A Clear Path Home: An Efficient Heated Driveway in Spokane, WA

This project by Condron Homes in Spokane, WA, showcases the ultimate winter convenience: an automated snow melting system. Faced with the challenge of harsh inland winters, the goal was to provide a safe, ice-free driveway for a new home. WarmlyYours solved this by designing an efficient "tire tracks" system with powerful electric snow melt mats, adding significant safety, value, and automated comfort to the property.

Project Details

Location: Spokane, WA
Heated Space Type: Driveway (under new asphalt)
Coverage: 320 sq. ft. (Tire Tracks Layout)
System Power: 16,000 Watts
Voltage: 240V
Amps: 66 A
Operating Cost: $2.19 per hour (when active)
Installer: Condron Homes
Products Used: Snow Melt Mats, Premium Control, Aerial Sensor, Relay Panel

Clearing the Way in Snowy Spokane

For home builders in regions like Spokane, Washington, heavy snow and ice are a primary concern for new homeowners. A steep or long driveway can become a significant safety hazard and a daily chore. Condron Homes wanted to offer a modern, reliable solution that eliminated the need for shoveling, plowing, or harsh de-icing chemicals on their new asphalt driveway.

The solution was an expertly designed in-floor heating system from WarmlyYours. Instead of heating the entire driveway, a "tire tracks" layout was chosen for maximum efficiency. This design uses four 2' x 40' Snow Melt Mats to heat a total of 320 sq. ft., providing two clear paths for vehicles. The mats were secured to the sub-base before the new asphalt was laid, ensuring they were safely embedded for optimal heat transfer.

The outcome is a powerful and intelligent radiant snowmelting system. At 16,000 watts, the system has more than enough power to melt snow and ice even during heavy storms. It's connected to a Premium Snow and Ice Melting Control and an aerial sensor, which automatically detect both low temperatures and moisture. This ensures the system only activates when it's needed, providing automated safety and peace of mind all winter long.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Operating cost depends entirely on the system's size (total wattage) and your local electricity rate. This 16,000-watt system in Spokane, WA, costs about $2.19 per hour to operate. Smaller systems will cost less, while larger ones will cost more.

2. Is electric radiant heating for driveways energy efficient?

Yes. While it's a high-wattage system designed for melting, it's used efficiently. Unlike indoor floor warming, a snow melting system only runs for short periods during and after a storm. By using an automatic sensor, this electric floor heating system only uses power precisely when needed, which is far more efficient than idling a car to warm it or paying for seasonal plow services.

3. What type of surface works with snow melting systems?

These versatile systems are designed to be installed under most common driveway materials. They are perfect for embedding in new asphalt (like this project), new concrete pours, or in a sand or mortar bed under pavers.

4. Can snow melting systems really clear a driveway in a place like Spokane?

Absolutely. WarmlyYours snow melting systems are engineered for harsh climates. This system provides 50 watts per square foot of heating power, which is the industry standard for heavy snowfall areas. It is designed to create a clear, safe, and passable surface, even during significant winter weather.