Safe Steps, All Winter: Retrofitted Heated Stairs in Chicago, IL

A Chicago homeowner faced the annual challenge of keeping their outdoor stairs free from dangerous ice and snow. To ensure safety and eliminate the need for constant shoveling and corrosive salts, they turned to WarmlyYours for a reliable solution. By retrofitting their 62.75 sq. ft. concrete stairs with a powerful and efficient snow melting cable system, we provided automated, hassle-free protection against winter's worst, adding significant safety and value to their home.

Project Details

Location: Chicago, IL
Heated Space Type: Outdoor Stairs (Retrofit)
Square Footage: 62.75 sq. ft.
System Specs: 4,001 Watts, 240 Volts, 17 Amps
Operating Cost:
- Per Hour: $0.56
- Per 8-Hour Snow Event: Approximately $4.48
- Per Month (Est. 10 events): Approximately $44.80
Products Used: Snow Melt Cables, Advanced Snow and Ice Melt Control, Aerial-Mounted Sensor, Relay Panel, and Snow Melt Plaque.

The Story: A Permanent Solution to Icy Stairs

For homeowners in places like Chicago, winter means a constant battle with snow and ice, especially on outdoor stairs where slips and falls are a major concern. The owner of this property wanted a proactive, permanent solution that didn't rely on daily manual labor or the damaging effects of chemical deicers on their concrete. The challenge was to install an effective system on existing stairs without a complete demolition and rebuild.

The WarmlyYours team designed a custom solution using durable snow melting cables. The installation involved cutting shallow channels into the existing concrete, laying the high-performance cables, and then covering them with a new layer of concrete resurfacer. This retrofit approach was both efficient and cost-effective.

The system is fully automated thanks to an advanced control and an aerial-mounted sensor. The sensor detects temperature and moisture, activating the heating cables only when needed to melt snow and ice. The result is a consistently safe, clear staircase all winter long, providing the homeowner with peace of mind and eliminating a strenuous and hazardous chore.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run a heated stairs system in Chicago?

Based on this project and local utility rates, a 62.75 sq. ft. system costs about $0.36 per hour. Since the system only runs when it's snowing, the total monthly cost during winter is very manageable, often less than the cost of professional snow removal services.

2. Can you add a snow melting system to existing stairs?

Yes. As this project shows, you can retrofit heated cables into existing concrete or asphalt surfaces. The process involves cutting grooves for the cable and then applying a new overlay, making it a great upgrade for improving safety without a total replacement.

3. How does an automatic snow melting system know when to turn on?

The system uses a combination of an advanced controller and a moisture/temperature sensor. When the sensor detects moisture and the outdoor temperature is near freezing, it signals the controller to activate the heating cables, which warm the surface to melt any falling snow or sleet.

4. Is electric radiant heating for snow melting energy efficient?

Yes, it's highly efficient because it's targeted and automated. Unlike keeping a space heater running, this system only activates when the specific conditions for snow or ice are met. This "smart" activation prevents energy waste and ensures you only pay for the system when it's needed.