Shovel-Free Safety: A Commercial Heated Walkway in New Lenox, IL

This commercial project for JM Industries in New Lenox, Illinois, aimed to solve the constant challenge of hazardous snow and ice buildup on a primary walkway. By installing a 293 sq. ft. electric snow melting system from WarmlyYours, the property now ensures safe, clear, and convenient access all winter long, eliminating the need for manual shoveling or corrosive chemical salts.

Project Details

Location: New Lenox, Illinois
Heated Space Type: Outdoor Paver Walkway
Square Footage: 293 sq. ft.
Watts, Volts, Amps: 14250W, 240V, 62A
Operating Cost: Approx. $2.06 per hour (when active)
Products Used: Snow Melt PowerMats, Premium Control, Aerial Sensor, Relay Panel

A Clear Path to Safety and Convenience

For businesses in Illinois, winter brings more than just cold; it brings the operational challenge of keeping pathways safe and accessible. JM Industries faced this issue with a long, 110-foot walkway, which was time-consuming and costly to keep clear of snow and ice using traditional methods like shoveling and chemical de-icers. These methods also risked damaging the new pavers.

The permanent solution was a WarmlyYours electric snow melting system embedded directly under the paver walkway. The installation involved laying out three 3' x 30' Snow Melt PowerMats to cover the 293 sq. ft. area. These mats were connected to a dedicated 240V circuit, managed by a Medium Relay Panel and an advanced SCP-120 Premium Control.

The system is now fully automated thanks to an Aerial-Mounted Snow Sensor. This smart sensor detects both low temperatures and moisture, activating the 14.25 kW system only when it's needed to prevent any snow or ice from accumulating. The result is a perpetually clear, safe walkway for employees and visitors, reduced maintenance labor, and prevention of damage to the beautiful paver surface caused by salts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Operating cost depends on the system size and local electricity rates. This 293 sq. ft. system in New Lenox, IL, costs about $2.06 per hour to operate when on. A smaller residential walkway would cost less.

2. Can an electric snow melting system be installed under pavers?

Yes, installing a snow melting system under pavers is a very common and effective application. The heating mats or cables are laid on the base material (like sand or gravel) before the pavers are set on top.

3. How does an automatic snow melting system work?

An automatic system uses a sensor (like the aerial sensor in this project) that detects both cold temperatures and moisture. When it snows, the sensor signals the control panel to turn the heating system on, melting the snow as it lands.

4. Is an electric snow melting system energy efficient?

While they are powerful, electric snow melting systems are efficient because they only run when needed, especially when paired with an automatic sensor. This "on-demand" use prevents energy waste and is more efficient than a system that runs on a simple timer.

Quotes

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