Snow Melting Systems
Our snow melting systems work by incorporating embedded heating elements into an outdoor surface to not only melt any accumulating snow and ice but the system can also be ran after the snow stops to help evaporate the leftover water. A snow melting system not only makes your life much easier in the wintertime, it also helps protect you and your loved ones. And while that peace of mind is certainly priceless, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn just how affordable our snow melting systems actually are! With our snow melting systems, you can stay warm and cozy inside while the system does all of the work. Learn how snow melting systems can work for driveways, patios, walkways and paths, accessibility ramps, or even stairs.
Why Install Snow Melting?
No More Shoveling
Finally put away the rock-salt and shovels and start enjoying winter again.
No Harmful Chemicals
Do away with chemical melting agents, which will be easier on your pets and your vehicles.
Peace of Mind
Melts the ice and snow, providing a safe passageway for you and your family, as well as guests to your home.
Easy to Install
No pipes, boilers, tubing, tanks or noisy pumps to install.
Affordable
Most systems are inexpensive to run and require no regular maintenance.
Safe
CSA certified for outdoor use in the US and Canada.
How Much Does It Cost to Run Snow Melting Systems?
Typical Operating Costs (Per Hour and Per Snow Event)
Per Hour
$0.12–$0.60
Per Snow Event
$0.72–$3.60
Snow melting systems are highly efficient and typically cost just $0.12–$0.60 per hour. For a typical 6-hour snow event, that works out to about $0.72–$3.60 per storm. The system only runs when needed—during snow events—making it much more cost-effective than traditional snow removal methods like plowing services or chemical deicers.
What Factors Affect Operating Cost?
Several key factors determine how much your snow melting system will cost to run:
- Heated area size — heating a small walkway costs far less than heating a large driveway.
- Coverage type — full coverage vs. tire tracks significantly impacts energy usage and costs.
- Snow event duration — typical 6-hour operation vs. extended storms affects total costs.
- Electricity rates — local kWh pricing (average $0.1626 per kWh) directly impacts costs.
Why Snow Melting Systems Are More Efficient Than Traditional Methods
Snow melting systems only operate when needed—during actual snow events—unlike plow services that charge per visit or chemical deicers that need repeated application. The system melts snow as it falls and evaporates leftover water, providing continuous protection without the ongoing costs of manual snow removal. Plus, you'll never have to worry about shoveling or slipping on ice again. Read more about snow melting operating costs.
Operating Cost Calculator for Snow Melting
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Average snowfall is 6 hours. Includes 3 hours post-snowfall to fully evaporate melted snow.
"A snow melting system is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it solution. No more shoveling, no more slipping—just safe, clear walkways and driveways whenever you need them!"
— Rae RadiantHeating Solutions for Asphalt, Concrete & Pavers
We offer a selection of snow melting systems that heat driveways, patios, walkways, or stairs and can be installed in asphalt, concrete, or under pavers in mortar. Our snow melting systems are available in two formats: mat and cable. The mats are designed to deliver 50 watts of heat per square foot and allow for quick and easy installation. The cable system allows for maximum flexibility and generates 12 watts per linear foot. Our systems are available with a selection of different controls, each with different specifications to sense things like air temperature or moisture on the pavement.
Cut-and-Turn Format for Easy Installation
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High Heat Output: This embeddable electric heating mat provides nearly 50-watts per sq. ft
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Embeddable in Concrete, Asphalt, or in Mortar Under Pavers: When you install a mat-based snow melting system within a new driveway, walkway, or patio, you can make sure your outdoor surface will be free of ice and snow all year
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Even Heating: Snow melting mats come with the heating elements pre-attached to a mesh in a serpentine pattern with consistent spacing which ensures even heating
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Fast and Easy Installation: Snow melting mats are faster and easier to install than snow melting cables but a bit more expensive
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Installation Support: WarmlyYours offers free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty
Maximum Flexibility at a Minimal Cost
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High Heat Output: This embeddable electric heating cable provides 12-watts of heat per linear foot (nearly 50-watts per sq. ft.)
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Embeddable in Concrete, Asphalt, or in Mortar Under Pavers: Installing a cable-based snow melting system within a new driveway, walkway, or patio means you can enjoy snow/ice free outdoor surfaces all year
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Cost-Effective and Flexible: Snow melting cables are an less expensive (but more time consuming) alternative to snow melting mats and they provide maximum flexibility to cover round driveways, cornered patios, or outdoor stairs
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Wide Variety of Voltages: We offer snow melting cables in 120, 208, 240, and 277 voltages and in a range of different lengths
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Installation Support: WarmlyYours offers free SmartPlan™ installation plans, 24/7 phone support, and a 10-year limited warranty
Snow Melting System Control Options
Once you've decided what type of heating system, you'll need to choose a control for your snow melting system. WarmlyYours offer a selection of controls, ranging from a basic manual control to our premium option that provides the ultimate in convenience and hands-off operation. We even offer an affordable and user-friendly WiFi control that can be configured so that the heating system can be controlled remotely or can be energized based on real-time weather events.
Shop Controls
Outdoor Heating Products & Accessories
Snow Melting System Design Guides
Find System Plans by Application Type
Explore curated plans for popular applications, or jump straight into the one that best fits your project to discover recommended Snow Melting solutions.
Get Your Own Plan
Send us your sketch and receive a free SmartPlan with a custom installation layout and itemized quote.
Featured Snow Melting Projects
Check out these customer-submitted projects to see real world examples of how a snow melting system is installed in a variety of different areas.
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Walkway Hudson, MAEffortless Winter Access: A Powerful Snow Melting Solution for a Paver Walkway in Hudson, MA
$1.20/hr operating cost -
Walkway Evanston, IL
Luxury Safety: Automated Snow Melt Walkway and Stairs in Evanston, IL
$1.04/hr operating cost -
Driveway Chicago, ILAutomated Winter Control: A Radiant Snow Melt System for a Chicago Driveway
$1.45/hr operating cost
Documents & Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Showing 6 of 12 questions
Yes, you can install snow melting on an existing driveway through a retrofit application, though it's more complex than new construction.Retrofit installation options:
- Asphalt: Remove top layer, install cables/mats, repave—typically 1–2 weeks
- Concrete: Remove and replace concrete with heating system embedded—typically 2–4 weeks
- Pavers: Remove pavers, install cables in sand base, reinstall pavers—typically 3–5 days
Retrofit considerations:
- Higher labor costs than new construction
- Temporary disruption to driveway access
- Professional installation required (not DIY-friendly)
- Permits may be needed (check local codes)
Best retrofit option: Pavers offer the fastest, most cost-effective retrofit solution. View our complete Retrofit Application Guide to explore all retrofit options for your existing driveway. Our experts can assess feasibility and provide custom recommendations. Request a free SmartPlan with retrofit options tailored to your project.
Absolutely! Snow melting is perfect for walkways, patios, and outdoor stairs. In fact, these are among the most popular applications because they provide maximum safety benefits.Walkways & Paths:
- Eliminates slip-and-fall hazards
- Improves accessibility for elderly/disabled residents
- Cost: $10–$20/sq.ft. installed
- View Walkway Design Guide
Outdoor Stairs:
- Critical safety upgrade (stairs are slip hazards)
- Prevents ice buildup on steps
- Cost: $15–$25/sq.ft. installed
- View Stair Design Guide
Patios:
- Extends outdoor entertaining season
- Melts snow for safe access
- Cost: $10–$22/sq.ft. installed
- View Patio Design Guide
Real-world example: A Hudson, MA homeowner installed snow melting on a paver walkway for $1.20/hour operating cost—providing safe winter access for wheelchair users. View the project.
Yes, snow melting works on all three surface types, but installation methods differ:Asphalt:
- Heating cables/mats embedded in asphalt layer
- Best for new construction or overlay applications
- Cost: $8–$18/sq.ft. installed
- View Asphalt Design Guide
Concrete:
- Cables/mats embedded in concrete slab
- Ideal for new driveways or complete replacement
- Cost: $10–$25/sq.ft. installed
- View Concrete Design Guide
Pavers:
- Cables installed in sand base beneath pavers
- Best retrofit option for existing driveways
- Cost: $12–$22/sq.ft. installed
- View Paver Design Guide
Pro tip: Pavers offer the most flexibility for retrofitting existing driveways. All three options deliver the same reliable snow melting performance with proper installation.
Permit requirements vary by location, but most jurisdictions require permits for heated driveway installation.Typical permit requirements:
- Electrical permit (for power supply and controls)
- Building permit (for surface modification)
- Inspection (to verify code compliance)
Permit costs: Typically $100–$500 depending on your areaWhy permits matter:
- Safety compliance (electrical codes)
- Property records (increases home value documentation)
- Insurance (may require permits for coverage)
- Resale (permits protect future buyers)
WarmlyYours support: Our team helps navigate permit requirements. Contact us or call 800-875-5285 for guidance on local codes. Many installers handle permits as part of their service.
Snow melting systems use electric heating cables or mats embedded in outdoor surfaces to melt snow and ice as it falls.How it works step-by-step:
- Heating element activation: When snow/ice is detected, the control system activates heating cables or mats embedded in the surface
- Heat generation: Cables/mats generate 50 watts per square foot (mats) or 12 watts per linear foot (cables)
- Snow melting: Heat melts snow and ice on contact, preventing accumulation
- Water drainage: Melted water drains away naturally
- Automatic shutoff: System stops when snow event ends (smart controls)
Control options determine operation:
- Manual control: You turn system on/off manually
- Thermostat control: Activates when temperature drops below freezing
- Moisture sensor: Detects snow/ice and activates automatically
- WiFi control: Remote operation + automatic weather-based activation
Why it's effective:
- Proactive (melts snow as it falls, not after accumulation)
- Automatic (smart controls require no manual intervention)
- Efficient (only runs during snow events)
- Safe (eliminates shoveling and slip hazards)
System components:
- Heating cables or mats (embedded in surface)
- Thermostat/sensor (detects temperature/moisture)
- Control panel (manages operation)
- Power supply (240V or 120V, depending on system)
View installation videos to see snow melting systems in action.
WarmlyYours heated driveways last 30+ years, far outlasting traditional snow removal methods. Our heating cables and mats are UL/cUL certified and built with premium materials designed for decades of reliable performance.Lifespan by component:
- Heating cables/mats: 30+ years (embedded in concrete/asphalt)
- Controls: 15–20 years (replaceable if needed)
- Surface (asphalt/concrete): 15–25 years (standard lifespan)
Why WarmlyYours systems last so long:
- ETFE insulation (superior durability)
- Sealed connections (prevents moisture damage)
- Rigorous testing (UL/cUL certified)
- 26 years of expertise (proven reliability)
- 24/7 support (maintenance guidance)
With proper installation and care, your heated driveway will outlast multiple plow services and chemical deicing applications.
Installation timeline varies by surface type and project size:New Construction:
- Asphalt: 1–2 weeks (excavation, cable/mat placement, repaving)
- Concrete: 2–4 weeks (formwork, cable/mat placement, curing)
- Pavers: 3–5 days (base prep, cable placement, paver installation)
Retrofit (Existing Driveway):
- Asphalt: 1–2 weeks (removal, installation, repaving)
- Concrete: 2–4 weeks (removal, replacement, curing)
- Pavers: 3–5 days (removal, installation, reinstallation)
Factors affecting timeline:
- Project size (larger projects take longer)
- Weather conditions (concrete curing requires time)
- Contractor availability (experienced installers work faster)
- Permits (approval delays can extend timeline)
Professional installation recommended. Find a certified installer or request a free SmartPlan with installation timeline estimates.
Heated driveway installation costs $8–$25 per square foot, depending on size, surface type, and system choice:
- Small driveway (500 sq.ft.): $4,000–$12,500
- Medium driveway (1,000 sq.ft.): $8,000–$25,000
- Large driveway (2,000 sq.ft.): $16,000–$50,000
Cost factors:
- Surface type: Asphalt is typically cheaper than concrete or pavers
- System type: Mats ($249+) vs. Cables ($229+) affect material costs
- Labor: Professional installation adds $2–$8 per sq.ft.
- Controls: Basic manual ($200–$400) to premium WiFi ($800–$1,500)
Get an accurate quote: Use our Instant Quote Builder or request a free SmartPlan with custom pricing for your project.
Operating costs are minimal: Snow melting systems typically cost just $0.12–$0.60 per hour to run, depending on system size and local electricity rates.For a typical 6-hour snow event: $0.72–$3.60 per stormAnnual cost estimate (assuming 10 snow events): $7.20–$36 per yearWhat affects operating cost:
- System size (larger driveways = higher hourly cost)
- Local electricity rates (varies by region)
- Coverage type (full coverage vs. tire-track only)
- Control type (smart controls optimize runtime)
Why it's affordable: Snow melting systems only run during actual snow events—unlike plow services that charge per visit or chemical deicers that need repeated application. Use our Operating Cost Calculator to estimate costs for your specific project.
Yes, a heated driveway is absolutely worth it. You'll never shovel again, eliminate slip-and-fall hazards, and protect your property from ice damage. Operating costs are surprisingly low—just $0.12–$0.60 per hour during snow events (typically $0.72–$3.60 per 6-hour storm). Compare that to repeated plow services ($50–$150 per visit) or chemical deicers, and a heated driveway pays for itself in 3–5 years. Beyond cost savings, you get peace of mind, improved safety, and increased home value. With 30+ year lifespan and 24/7 support, WarmlyYours heated driveways deliver exceptional ROI.
Snow melting systems require minimal maintenance—one of their biggest advantages over traditional snow removal.Annual maintenance checklist:
- Visual inspection (check for visible damage or corrosion)
- Control test (verify thermostat/sensor operation)
- Clearance check (ensure no debris blocks sensors)
- Professional inspection (optional, every 5 years)
What you DON'T need to do:
- ❌ Shovel or plow
- ❌ Apply chemical deicers
- ❌ Replace heating elements (30+ year lifespan)
- ❌ Drain or refill (electric systems only)
Troubleshooting common issues:
- System not turning on: Check thermostat settings and power supply
- Uneven heating: Verify sensor placement and cable spacing
- High operating costs: Review control settings and weather patterns
24/7 support available: WarmlyYours provides free installation support and maintenance guidance. Contact us anytime for questions.
Electric and hydronic are two different heating technologies for snow melting systems:Electric Snow Melting:
- How it works: Heating cables or mats embedded directly in the surface generate heat when powered
- Installation: Easier and faster—no boiler or mechanical room needed
- Cost: $8–$25 per square foot installed
- Operating cost: $0.12–$0.60 per hour (lower energy consumption)
- Maintenance: Minimal—no moving parts, pumps, or fluid to maintain
- Lifespan: 30+ years (longer than hydronic)
- Best for: Residential driveways, walkways, patios, and stairs
Hydronic Snow Melting:
- How it works: Hot water or glycol solution circulates through tubing embedded in the surface
- Installation: Complex—requires boiler system, pump, mechanical room, and fluid management
- Cost: $15–$40 per square foot installed (higher upfront investment)
- Operating cost: $0.20–$1.00 per hour (boiler fuel costs)
- Maintenance: Higher—requires boiler service, pump maintenance, and fluid checks
- Lifespan: 20–25 years (boiler and pump components wear out)
- Best for: Large commercial applications with existing boiler infrastructure
WarmlyYours recommendation: Electric is ideal for most homeowners—it's more affordable, easier to install, requires virtually no maintenance, and lasts longer. Hydronic systems are better suited for large commercial properties that already have boiler systems in place.