Automated Snow Melting for a 1,280 Sq. Ft. Paver Driveway in Eagle River, WI

Faced with the challenge of heavy Wisconsin snow and the constant maintenance of a large driveway, the homeowner in Eagle River sought a permanent, hands-free solution. The installation of a WarmlyYours electric snow melting system beneath their beautiful paver driveway provided the ultimate answer. This system offers radiant comfort by automatically melting snow and ice on contact, boosting the home's value, and providing unmatched winter efficiency by eliminating the need for shoveling or chemical de-icers.

Project Details

Location: Eagle River, WI, USA
Heated Space Type: Driveway (Full Coverage)
Square Footage: 1,280 sq. ft.
Power Specs: 64,012 Watts, 240 Volts, 267 Amps
Surface/Flooring: Pavers
System: Electric Snow Melt Mat (Snow Melt PowerMat)
Cost Per Hour (Operating): $7.50

Conquering Winter with Radiant Driveway Heating
The severe winters in Eagle River, Wisconsin, meant relentless snow and ice management for this large, 1,280 sq. ft. driveway. The LPI customer required a solution that was not only effective but also low-maintenance and discreet enough to be installed under their chosen paver surface.

WarmlyYours designed a high-wattage, electric radiant floor heating system using the robust Snow Melt PowerMat to provide full coverage. The installation involved preparing the sub-base, laying the heating mats, and embedding them securely within the bedding layer before the final pavers were set. This process ensured the mats were optimally positioned for efficient heat transfer to the surface.

The core of the system is the Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control, which, paired with an aerial-mounted sensor, automatically detects both temperature and precipitation. This "set-it-and-forget-it" functionality ensures that the driveway is kept clear of snow and ice without the homeowner ever having to lift a shovel, providing safety, ultimate convenience, and energy-efficient heating by only activating when needed. The result is a permanently clear, luxurious, and safe entrance to the home, adding significant value and comfort.

Feature Products:
Snow Melt PowerMat 240V: (16 Units) These durable, pre-sized mats feature high-quality heating cable spaced for optimal heat output, ensuring rapid snow melting. They simplify installation over a large area like this driveway.
Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control - 100-277VAC (SCA-DUAL): The intelligent control unit uses sensors to monitor both temperature and moisture. It automatically activates the system only when melting conditions are present, ensuring energy-efficient heating.
Large & Small Relay Panels (RLY-12PL / RLY-4PL): Since the system is powerful (over 64kW), multiple relay panels were required to safely manage and distribute the high amperage (267 Amps) load from the control unit to the heating mats, as is standard for major commercial or large residential projects.
Sensor Snow Melt Aerial-Mounted (AIR-SS): This outdoor sensor works in conjunction with the Advanced Control to detect precipitation and air temperature, providing the data needed for fully automated snow-melting operation.
Snow Melt Plaque (NEC Requirement) (SMP):A safety plaque required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to be installed near the service panel, providing essential information about the snow melting system.

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Quotes

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1.How much does it cost to run a heated paver driveway in a cold climate like Eagle River, WI?

The operating cost for this 1,280 sq. ft. system is approximately $7.50 per hour when actively melting snow. The total cost for the season will depend entirely on local snowfall and how often the system runs. By using a smart control with an aerial sensor, the system runs only when needed, which provides energy-efficient heating and prevents unnecessary usage, keeping seasonal costs lower than continuous operation.

2.Can electric radiant floor heating replace the need for shoveling my large driveway?

Yes. The WarmlyYours Snow Melt PowerMat system is designed to provide full snow and ice clearance. Once installed under a surface like pavers, concrete, or asphalt, the system's radiant floor heating capabilities eliminate the need for manual shoveling, plowing, or salt/chemical de-icers, providing a fully automated, hands-free solution for even large spaces.

3.What type of flooring works best with a radiant driveway heating system?

Electric radiant systems, like the Snow Melt PowerMat, work effectively under virtually all standard driveway surfaces. In this project, pavers were used, which are an excellent choice. The mats are laid directly beneath the paver bedding, ensuring fast and efficient heat transfer. Concrete and asphalt are also common and highly compatible surfaces for electric floor heating systems.

4.Is electric radiant driveway heating energy efficient?

Yes, modern electric radiant snow melting systems are highly energy efficient. The use of smart, weather-sensing controls (like the Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control) ensures that the system is only activated when it detects both freezing temperatures and precipitation. This optimized run-time, combined with the quick-response heating of the mats, maximizes the system's effectiveness while minimizing electricity consumption.