What’s the worst part of winter in Indianapolis? Probably shoveling snow from your driveway. It’s hard work in freezing temperatures, and it takes forever, but it has to be done. Or does it? You could always invest in a snow melt system, to keep your driveway snow and ice-free.
Types of Snow Melt Systems
A snow melt system is like radiant floor heating, installed underneath your driveway or patio. It has sensors that can tell when the driveway is getting too cold, or snow is building up, and activates the heating system to melt the snow and keep the driveway clear.
There are two types of snow melt system. An electric system uses heated cables to warm the area. It’s easy to install and doesn’t require much maintenance. The downside is energy consumption. It’s low wattage, but depending on the size of your driveway, it can still raise your heating bill a bit.
However, if you want to save energy, you can install a hydronic system, which functions similarly to a geothermal heat pump. Instead of cables, tubes are installed, through which heated liquid is circulated. The heated liquid also melts the snow, using less energy than the electrical system.
Benefits of Snow Melt Systems
Besides the obvious perk of not having to shovel your driveway anymore, there are several benefits to having a snow melt system installed. For one thing, that heavy snow buildup can crack your driveway. And melting it with salt and other chemicals can also cause damage. But a heating system melts the snow safely, eliminating that damage, and allowing your driveway to last much longer.
Additionally, getting rid of ice reduces the likelihood of slipping and falling, meaning a safer home with fewer injuries. Not to mention the fact that having a system to melt your snow automatically will increase your property value. If you sell your home, potential buyers will pay more knowing they don’t have to shovel the driveway.
To learn more about snow melt systems, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing today. We proudly serve the HVAC needs of Indianapolis.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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