In this day and age, we are looking for every opportunity to make our homes as comfortable as possible. A driveway heating system can be a great way to make your home more comfortable and save money on your energy bills. But there are a few things you need to consider before you install one. In this blog post, we will explore 5 factors you need to consider while budgeting for driveway heating systems.

How to budget for a driveway heating system?

Driveway Size

Asphalt driveways are typically anywhere from 12 to 20 feet wide, while concrete driveways are usually 18 to 24 feet wide. The size of your driveway will play a role in how much it costs to heat. A wider driveway will require more heating elements to cover the surface area, which will ultimately increase the cost.

Material of the driveway

One of the main factors that you need to consider while budgeting for driveway heating systems is the material of your driveway. Different materials have different heat conductivity levels, which means that they will require different amounts of power to heat up. For example, concrete is a very good conductor of heat, so it will require more power to heat up than asphalt.

Type of heating system used

There are several types of driveway heating systems available on the market. Some of the most popular options include:

Infrared radiant heaters: These emitters use infrared radiation to create heat, which is then absorbed by objects in their path. 

Electric radiant floor mats: These mats contain electrical coils that generate heat when energized. They can be used indoors or outdoors, and are often used in conjunction with another type of heating system to provide targeted warmth in specific areas.

Hot water/steam radiant tubing: This type of system utilizes hot water or steam circulating through underground tubing to provide heat. It is often used in commercial applications, as it requires a larger investment upfront but can provide long-term cost savings.

Method of drainage

When the snow begins to melt, it should ideally move away from the home and driveway to prevent the formation of black ice, which is extremely hazardous. However, if your home doesn’t have the right slope, you might require to dig a trench to allow the melted snow to reach the sewers. Hence, this cost will also be factored in while installing a heated driveway system.

Labour and installation cost of actual heating system

Lastly, the materials used and amount of labour and the number of hours taken to complete the task will also be factored in while creating a final quote. Most users only consider this while ignoring the other 4 factors, eventually overshooting their budget. 

A.S. Electrical Services Ltd. is a trusted electrical services company in Toronto. We offer quality electrical maintenance, repairs, and installation services, including snow-melting system installation. To know more, get in touch with us today for a consultation.