Heated Driveway Cost
| Size | Average Cost |
| 1 car- 12′ x 24′ | $3,400 – $8,000 |
| 2 car- 24′ x 24′ | $6,900 – $16,000 |
| 3 car- 36′ x 24′ | $10,000 – $24,000 |
| DIY heated driveway mat- 2′ x 20′ | $16,000 a piece |
How much does it cost to heat a concrete driveway?
View Pros A heated concrete driveway costs $13 to $28 per square foot or $6,500 to $17,000 total on average for a 2-car driveway. This price does not include removing an existing driveway. In comparison, a standard concrete driveway costs $4 to $8 per square foot without heating.
Is a solar heated driveway worth the cost?
As is the case with any solar power system, a solar heated driveway can be costly to install. On top of the radiant heating system, demo, heat controls and the actual driveway, you’ll also have to install the solar panels and battery system.
How much does it cost to run a radiant driveway?
Radiant driveway heating systems cost $9,600 to $22,400 on average, depending if it's electric or hydronic. The operating cost to run a heated driveway is $120 to $600 annually. DIY snow melting driveway mats cost $1,600. A radiant electric or hydronic system is installed beneath the new driveway's surface to melt snow.
Is a heated driveway system right for You?
Heated driveway systems are becoming more prevalent in colder climates; no longer are they reserved for high-end neighborhoods. They can save countless hours of shoveling snow or the hassle and cost of hiring someone to do it for you.
Do heated driveways use a lot of electricity?
Depending on electrical costs where you live and how much snow you get, it can cost $120 to $600 per winter season to heat a 1,000-square-foot driveway. The national average is $0.08 per kilowatt per hour. That translates to about $1.60 an hour per snowstorm. Some radiant heat systems are energy efficient.
Are heated driveways worth the cost?
While heated driveways will help you save on snow removal and damage often caused by salt and ice melting products, they are pricey to install. Expect to pay $16,000 or more to install a heating system for an average-size driveway if the existing driveway needs to be removed to install the system.
How much power does a heated driveway take?
Electric Power Requirements "To heat a 1,000-square-foot driveway at 36 watts per square foot, 156 amps of electricity (36,000 watts divided by 230 volts) would be required," says Rodney Blackburn of Warm Floor Center, an installer of electric heating cables, primarily for the residential market.
How long does a heated driveway last?
15 to 20 yearsWhen installed correctly, a heated driveway will give you 15 to 20 years, or more, of dependable service, but like any mechanical element, it won't last forever.
When should I turn my heated driveway on?
It is also typically best to install a heated driveway in the summertime, but as long as you are 30 days or more from winter, the newly poured pavement should have enough time to properly set.
Can you heat an existing driveway?
Yes, you can retrofit existing driveways to become heated driveways. The option of having heated driveways installed is not limited to new driveway construction. Some companies specializing in heated driveways will retrofit an existing driveway with the tubing or wires required for a snow-melting system.
Does ice melt damage asphalt?
This ice melt is safe for asphalt and concrete. It has calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium chloride.
What is a heated driveway called?
Hydronic heated driveways consist of PVC tubing that zigzags underneath your pavement. A heated water-antifreeze mixture is circulated through the tubing, warming concrete/asphalt and freeing your pavement of snow and ice.
Can you heat a gravel driveway?
Gravel and Dirt – NO Heating gravel or dirt driveways or walks is substantially less effective as the heating element is not embedded in any material to conduct the heat. Sand beds, concrete, and asphalt all assist the cables in distributing heat for an effective melt.
What material is best for a heated driveway?
The simplest and most common applications for radiant snow melting systems are brick or stone pavers and concrete. Snow melting systems are also installed in asphalt. The methods for installing radiant heat in asphalt call for more care to avoid damaging the heat cable.
What do you need for a heated driveway?
0:112:23Installing a Heated Driveway | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo any rain water needs to be collected by this trench drain.MoreSo any rain water needs to be collected by this trench drain.
Who invented heated driveway?
Using the powers of nature to fight the snow, the Parikh family developed a geothermal snowmelt system that warms water to about 100 degrees using solar collectors and geothermal pumps. That water is piped underneath the driveway and walkways. The Parikhs use the sun and the ground to heat and cool the house as well.
How much does a heated driveway cost in Canada?
A heated driveway system will cost about $10/sqft though this will vary on coverage. Using a tire-track design can be very effective. For example, a 20x30 driveway heated edge to edge will likely run about $5,000 + controls.
Does ice melt damage asphalt?
This ice melt is safe for asphalt and concrete. It has calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium chloride.
How much do heated driveways cost Toronto?
How Much Does Driveway Heating Cost? On average annual cost of operating driveway heating system in Toronto falls between 12 and 25 cents per square foot. This means you would spend between $120 and $250 every winter to melt snow on a driveway that is 1,000 square foot in size.
Can you heat a gravel driveway?
Gravel and Dirt – NO Heating gravel or dirt driveways or walks is substantially less effective as the heating element is not embedded in any material to conduct the heat. Sand beds, concrete, and asphalt all assist the cables in distributing heat for an effective melt.
How much does it cost to heat a driveway?
While the cost of a heated driveway can start as low as $1,300 and will typically top out at $7,500, the national average heated driveway cost is $3,900. Although costs rarely dip below the bottom of the typical range, they can certainly go higher for longer or oddly shaped driveways. In general, expect to pay between $12 and $21 per square foot for heated driveways, including materials and installation. Installing a heated driveway will often cost two to three times as much as a regular driveway.
How much does a driveway heating system cost?
Driveway heating systems can cost from $12 to $21 per square foot , including materials and installation. Longer, wider driveways with greater square footage will cost more than smaller, one-car driveways. Driveways with curves or irregular shapes will also cost more than straight driveways.
How does a hydronic system work?
A hydronic system utilizes a dedicated boiler system to pump heated water and antifreeze through a closed-loop PEX tubing grid embedded in or inserted beneath the driveway to melt snow. Hydronic radiant heat systems are more powerful than electric ones, but because they require an indoor mechanical room to house the components, they are usually more expensive than electric systems. Operating costs can be lower because the system can run on multiple forms of fuel, such as propane, natural gas, electricity, wood, or oil. However, a hydronic system typically costs 30 to 50 percent more than an electric system and may require installing a new boiler unit or water heater for an added cost.
How does electric work on a driveway?
An electric system features a grid of electric cables installed below the driveway surface that, when turned on, use radiant heat to melt snow. They are typically easier and less expensive to install and run (depending on local utility rates) and can be retrofitted in an existing driveway. Electric systems also heat up quickly. However, if a winter storm knocks out the power grid or some other interruption to the electrical supply line, the system won’t work. The system may also require an upgrade to your home’s electric panel, which can add costs. Electric coil systems operate silently and are customizable. They can be configured in a variety of forms and patterns to suit curved driveways.
What is hydronic heating?
An electric system relies on electricity to heat coils beneath the driveway surface to melt snow. A hydronic system uses boiling water flowing through embedded pipes to heat the driveway. A hydronic system costs 30 to 50 percent more than an electric system and may also require the installation of a new boiler unit or water heater at additional cost.
How long does a driveway heater last?
They can also add to the fair market value of your home, depending on where you live and the age of the system, since the average life of a driveway heating system is 15 to 20 years.
Why do you need a heated driveway?
By melting snow and ice on your driveway and sidewalks, heated driveway systems ensure a measure of insurance against slip-and-fall injuries. Vehicles won’t slide off icy driveways or struggle to gain traction in heavy snow, making driving safer and easier. By removing the need to shovel, homeowners avoid the physical risks from overexertion, such as sprains, muscle strain, lacerations, and even heart attack.
How much does it cost to install a snowmelting system?
For example, if the total square footage of your driveway were 1,000 feet, your up-front cost to have a snow-melting system installed under the whole driveway would be $10,000 to $15,000. Again, though, that assumes that the installer can start from scratch.
What is the least efficient snow removal system?
Manually operated control schemes (or “on/off” systems) are the least efficient for snow removal, although they do a pretty good job of melting ice. These systems rely on you to say to yourself, " Gee, I heard it's going to snow—I'd better turn the system on! "
What Runs a Radiant Snow-Melting System?
A boiler heats the water in most built-in snow-melting systems and pumps circulate it through the tubing. This is a form of radiant heating, which is well-known for indoor use, but this happens to be an example of its use outdoors. The whole process is regulated by controls, so that heat won't be wasted. Control schemes vary in sophistication. At the low end are manually operated "on/off" controls, while the more sophisticated control schemes are automated.
Why is it important to have a hot surface waiting for snowflakes?
Just as important is preventing ice build-up on your driveway or nearby walking surfaces, since slipping on ice can cause serious injury.
What is the water system used to melt snow?
Heated water is pumped through the tubing. This is known as a "hydronic" snow-melting system. The water in heated driveway systems is mixed with an anti-freeze (glycol). Heat radiates up from the tubing to the surface of your driveway and melts away snow and ice while drains catch the liquid run-off thereby produced, channeling the water away from your driveway.
Can you get your car up a hill after a snow storm?
Probably, especially those with driveways on the side of a steep hill since it can be next to impossible for them to get their cars safely up or down such driveways just after a snowstorm. For those who have never heard of this snow-removal method, learn how it works and how much it costs. Heated driveways, also called "snow-melting systems," are ...
Does a radiant heat system work on a driveway?
While most radiant heated driveway systems run this way, not all do. An expert from Heatizon Systems wrote in to call attention to a type of system that's not based on heated water. His company deals in radiant units that are based, instead, on "low voltage electric radiant heat technology". The technology is different, but the end result is similar. You end up with a grid (of wires, in this case) beneath your driveway that heats up the driveway surface to combat snow and ice.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Heated Driveway?
Depending on the size of the driveway and the kind of snow melt system, heated driveway installation can take anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks. This also depends on whether you hired a contractor or if you’re doing this yourself.
Why do you need a heated driveway?
Heated driveways improve the value of a house and appeal to potential buyers. In areas where there is a lot of snow, heated driveway systems are a big selling feature.
How does electric driveway heating work?
Electric heated driveways melt snow by radiating heat upward from a grid of heating cables underneath the surface. Electric heating systems need shorter warm-up times and are less expensive to install and maintain; yet, depending on local utility rates, they may be more expensive to run.
How much does a snow melting mat cost?
Portable heated driveway mats cost $40 per square foot or $1,600 for a 2’x20′ mat that covers the tire track. Snow melting mats for driveways feature a non-slip surface, plug into a regular 120V outlet, and don’t usually require the construction of additional electrical circuits.
How much does it cost to install a snowmelt system in a paver driveway?
The cost of installing a snowmelt system in a paver driveway ranges from $19 to $50 per square foot.
How much does a 2 car driveway cost?
On average, a 2-car heated concrete driveway costs $13 to $28 per square foot or $6,500 to $17,000 overall. This estimate excludes the cost of eliminating an existing driveway. In comparison, a normal concrete driveway without heating costs $4 to $8 per square foot.
How much does it cost to retrofit a driveway?
Heat retrofitting an existing driveway may cost anywhere from $7 to $17 per square foot, depending on the road material and if the heat is applied to the entire driveway or only the wheel track sections. Due to the absence of insulation beneath, retrofitting may violate the warranty and increase operating expenses.
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Heated Driveway?
It depends on how big your driveway is, how often you use the system and what type you have, but on average a hot water heated driveway system costs around $200 – $500 per year to operate hear in NJ. That’s for an average sized 2 car driveway around 25′ long. Lately the winters have been pretty mild around here without much heavy snow but we do get a lot of black ice so a heated driveway still comes in handy.
What is electric driveway heating?
These radiant heat mats warm up the surface layer which melts snow or ice. The cables can be linked to one another to form a large circuit or wired individually to an electric power source, which, in most cases, is the house’s central power box. We recommend running the system on it’s own fuse.
How much does it cost to install a radiant water heater?
On average you can expect to pay around $12-$25 per square foot for a hot water radiant system. This includes all the PEX tubing under driveways surface and labor. Then you’ll have to install the water heater, pumps, thermostat / controls and sensors. Expect to pay another $4-$7k for an average sized 2 car driveway.
Why do driveways need heated?
Heated driveways prevent ice accumulation during winter. They eliminate the need to use rock salt or other deicers on the driveway and you won’t need to shovel snow again or pay someone else to do it for you. Snow shoveling often causes injury so why do it if you don’t have to.
How does a heated driveway work?
Heated driveways are warmed by a form of radiant floor heating meant for the outdoors. Tubes filled with hot water and an anti freeze solution or electric coils are installed under the driveway’s surface. When it gets cold enough, either hot water is pumped through the tubes or an electric current is sent into the coils which creates heat. That heat radiates upwards, warming the surface. Heated driveways have a single purpose and that’s snow and ice removal. If you live anywhere cold then you’ve probably spent countless hours each winter shoveling your driveway. Or paid someone else to do it for you. Well you won’t have to any more if you install a heated driveway.
What are the pros and cons of hydronic driveways?
Pros Of A Hydronic Driveway System. The main advantage of a hydronic system is the cost to operate it. No matter what fuel source you use to heat your water, propane, oil, or natural gas, it’s cheaper than an electric system to operate. A hot radiant heating system for your driveway really does work.
How much does a driveway coil cost?
The system we professional install which has an array of coils runs about $10 per square foot plus the electricians fees and the cost of the controls, sensors and thermostat. Again, this does not include the cost to demo the old driveway or installing the new driveway.
How much does 29 600 cost per hour?
29,600 divided by 1,000 = 29.6 kw per hour. (This is what the power company will charge you per one hour of operation.) The average utility rate is .12 cents, therefore: 29.6 x .12 = $3.55. The cost of operation would be $3.55 per hour.
What zone to melt snow in driveway?
As a storm first hits, zone 1 would power up and melt the snow in that area of the driveway. After zone 1, zone 2 would then activate to melt the snow in that area of the driveway. Click here for more detailed information about zoning your heated driveway.
How to calculate snow melting cost per hour?
Multiply the kilowatts by the kilowatt rate. This gives you the cost-per-hour of usage for the snow melting system.
How many watts per sq ft?
Multiply the square footage by the heat required (37 watts per sq. ft. for residential). This will give you a total for the watts per square footage required.
Do you need power to heat a driveway?
Are you looking to install a radiant heated driveway for your home or business? If so, one of the first questions you need to answer is whether you have the necessary power requirements. In most cases, having the power needed to run an efficient radiant snow melting system is not a problem. However, prior to any installation, customers must ensure that they do meet the power requirements for heating their driveways and or walks.
Can Warmzone calculate the square footage of a driveway?
If you’re unsure of the square footage of your driveway, no worries; Warmzone can calculate that for you too. In most areas, using a special state-of-the-art technology, Warmzone can measure the area of your driveway while talking on the phone with you. Our helpful staff will work closely with you to ensure that the square footage of the area is measured correctly and the power requirements are therefore calculated properly.
Does radiant heat work on concrete driveways?
And radiant heat can help to extend the life of concrete driveways and keeps them from being subjected to abrasive snow removal methods or harsh snowmelt chemicals or salt. Safety is particularly important for business owners who wish to avoid costly litigation due to personal injuries caused by slick ice. For more information on driveway heating systems, call Warmzone today at 888.488.9276.
How Much Will a Heated Driveway Cost?
The average cost of installing a heated driveway is around $3,850 (approximately $5,174 CAD), with most projects costing between $2,200 and $5,800 (approximately $2,956 - $7,795 CAD). A hydronic system will tend to cost more to install, around $4,000 to $5,000 (approximately $5,376 to $6,720 CAD), due to the extra expense of a boiler unit. These costs do not include the pouring of a new concrete/asphalt pavement nor the demolition of old pavement, which may also be necessary.
How Can a Heated Driveway Create Savings?
Heated driveways also save homeowners money in various ways, mitigating their costs. Here are some of the most important savings they create:
How much does a hydronic system cost?
A concrete hydronic system can vary greatly in price, from $2,000 to $14,000 (approximately $2,688 to $18,816 CAD), depending on how "high-end" you want to go with it.
How long does it take for snow mats to melt?
These heated mats consist of two layers of slip-resistant rubber with an intervening heating element, plug into an ordinary outlet using a moisture-resistant power cord, and can melt snow/ice in hours or minutes (depending on heat level and snow level).
How much does it cost to build a 12x50 driveway?
The cost of the pavement itself will vary greatly based on its width, length, material, but a "prototypical" 12 x 50 foot (4.5 x 15.2 m) asphalt driveway, inclusive of coil heating elements, may easily total over $8,000 (approximately $10,752 CAD). For long drives of a quarter mile or more, the cost can easily reach into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Is hydronic or electric cheaper?
Also note that hydronic systems are much cheaper to operate if more expensive to install, while electric coils are cheaper to install but add to your wintertime electric bill.
Is driveway heating a safety issue?
If you live in a high snowfall region and are in danger of being trapped in your home after a storm, some for of drive way heat ing is a safety rather than merely a convenience issue.
