Homeowners in cold regions know that winter months are the time for shoveling and plowing snow, hoping that your steps don’t get icy, and worse – potentially risking a slip in the dark.
It’s possible to put an end to the worry of winter weather with a snow-melting system. Whether you are a homeowner occupied by elderly family members who no longer wish to brave their slippery steps or walkway, or simply one looking for simplicity and convenience, this system offers an easy solution without having to wait for springtime to roll around.
In this blog post, we’ll look into what makes up a modern snow-melting system, as well as some key benefits during the winter season!
Check out this article for the best snowmelt system installation professionals in your area.
What is a snow-melting system, and what are its benefits?
A snow-melting system is an engineering solution designed to protect property and pedestrians by melting snow and ice as it accumulates. Utilizing heated surfaces, the system efficiently melts away the hazards caused by winter temperatures and precipitation, such as slippery walkways, dangerous entry points, and icy roofs. Some benefits include:
- No more shoveling and snowplowing!
- Quick snow removal. When it’s on, the snow melts as soon as it touches your driveway.
- A reliable way to eliminate slipping hazards on your property.
- You won’t need to purchase and use harsh chemical salts.
- More time to do what you want to do during the winter.
How does a snowmelt system work, and how much power does it use?
Source: warmlyyours.com
A snow-melting system is a great solution if you have to regularly plow and shovel driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor surfaces. It works by using electricity to power hydronic heating devices installed underneath the pavement. These small devices send hot water through metal pipes that are laid under your driveway or sidewalk in order to melt any snow that falls, especially during snow and ice storms.
The amount of power a snowmelt system uses will depend on the size of the area being heated, but it is generally quite low, making it an energy-efficient way to keep areas free from unsafe ice and snow. It can be programmed to turn on when temperatures drop below freezing and shut off when not needed, meaning you don’t have to worry about an extravagant energy bill.
Types of snow melting systems and how to choose one for your home
Gas or Electric snow melting system
Source: watts.ca
An electric-heated driveway uses a series of buried coils to heat the surface area of a driveway. These coils are connected to an electrical energy source, and when the electricity is turned on, it flows through the coils and gives off heat that melts snow and ice on the driveway’s surface.
To ensure maximum efficiency, it’s important to properly insulate any electrical connections, as well as ensure that your buried coils aren’t physically damaged or exposed to the elements. With maintenance, proper installation and electrical insulation, an electric-heated driveway can be a great winter solution.
Gas-powered systems are similar to electric snowmelt systems, except they use the burning of gasoline to create heat it instead of electricity.
Hydronic snow melting system
Source: watts.com
A hydronic snow melting system utilizes hot water heat to melt the snow and ice on a surface. This can be done through various methods, such as running hot water tubes beneath concrete that have been embedded with heating elements.
These typically use snow melt controls to monitor temperatures, ensuring that the surrounding environment is warm enough to keep the concrete surface free of snow and ice. Often, there are also sensors located around the area that will detect when conditions are ideal for melting to occur-at this point, the hot water runs until all of the ice and snow has been melted away.
A hydronic melting system is incredibly efficient and effective in providing an area free from hazardous icy buildup!
What maintenance is required for a snowmelt system?
It is important to perform regular maintenance on such a system, particularly given its frequent use in cold climates. Different types of driveway heating systems may require specific maintenance, but it typically involves doing a routine inspection of your system before the snow comes.
You, or a professional technician, will check the system valves, pumps, and heating elements for signs of wear or damage. Finally, it is important to clean out any debris or deposits that may build up in the pipes, sensors or other components, as this can interfere with operation.
Make sure to also follow any specific instructions or recommendations a technician gives you for your snow melting system. Also be sure to read our blog post on some of the most common heating systems problems that can occur.
Conclusion – What is a snow melting system?
Now that you know how a snow melting system works and the different types of systems available, you can make an informed decision about which system is best for your needs.
Once you’ve decided on the right system for your property, or if you need help choosing, be sure to call a local professional to help you to install the perfect system for your home.
