Everything You Need to Know About Heated Driveways

The weather is cooling down, and it’s only going to get colder! For many homeowners, this means taking extra steps to clear snow and ice from their driveways. Letting snow and ice pile up on the driveway makes it much more difficult to use, and this increases the risk of slipping for homeowners and their guests.

Installing a heated driveway before the snow really starts to come down is an effective way to keep your driveway snow-free. Once the cold weather arrives, you can simply turn the heating system on to melt snow and ice! If you’re wondering about the details of having a heated driveway, you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s go over the different types of heated driveways, the pros and cons involved, and how Shamrock Plumbing can install a heated driveway on your property in Northern Utah!

How Do Heated Driveways Work?

There are two main types of heated driveways: electric coil and hydronic. The first option uses electricity to heat metal rods that are installed beneath your driveway. For hydronic heated driveways, PVC tubing is installed underneath the pavement. Then, a heated mixture of antifreeze and water cycles through the tubing.

While both options are effective, they each have their pros and cons. Electric coil systems cost less to install, but they’re more expensive to run. Hydronic systems are the opposite as they cost more to install, but they’re less expensive to run. Hydronic systems could cost around $100 – $250 to operate per season, while electric coil systems might cost upwards of $275 per season.

The Benefits of Heated Driveways

There are many reasons why homeowners enjoy heated driveways, such as:

• No More Shoveling – Shoveling snow from your driveway can be uncomfortable and time-consuming. In addition to the risk of getting frostbite, shoveling your driveway puts you at risk of slipping and falling. Not to mention you might accidentally damage the pavement while shoveling! You can avoid all of these issues by hiring someone to shovel or plow your driveway, but that can get expensive over time. Heated driveways eliminate the need to shovel your driveway, solving all of these problems.
• No More Using Deicers – Not only is it time-consuming and expensive to use deicers, but they can also damage your driveway. On top of that, there’s the health hazard of pets or children consuming them as well as potential runoff to local waterways. Heated driveways make deicing your driveway a thing of the past.
• Low Maintenance – Heated driveways usually require little to no maintenance, making them a convenient choice. They can last years before needing any sort of repairs.

The Downsides of Heated Driveways

There are some drawbacks to having a heated driveway, including:

• • Installation Is a Cost Investment – Installing a heated driveway system typically costs around $12 – $20 per square foot, which can add up quickly. After the system is set up, you’ll probably have to install a new driveway as well. Depending on the size of your driveway, the total cost could be between $5,000 – $10,000. However, you can also expect a heated driveway to increase the value of your home.

• • Operating Costs Add Up – The cost of running a heated driveway varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the system. Some homeowners opt to install heated lanes the size of their vehicle’s tires rather than an entire heated driveway system, which reduces the operating costs. Cost also varies based on the difference between the outdoor temperature and the desired temperature, as well as how frequently the system is used. No matter the conditions, the bottom line is that using a heated driveway leads to additional ongoing expenses. Still, you may find that operating costs are well-worth the trouble you save shoveling your driveway or hiring a service to do it for you.
  • Repairs Can Arise Over Time – Although heated driveways are typically low maintenance, there might be times when repairs are needed, which can add to operating costs.

Is a Heated Driveway Right for You?

For many Utah homeowners, the pros of a heated driveway far outweigh any potential drawbacks. However, if you’re still not sure, you can get a free estimate for heated driveway installation to guide your decision.

Let Shamrock Plumbing Install Your Heated Driveway

Are you ready to enjoy the convenience of a snow-free driveway all year long? If so, a hydronic heated driveway could be a great addition to your home! Shamrock Plumbing can safely install an energy-efficient snowmelt system in your driveway and handle any repairs as needed. We have over 30 years of plumbing experience, so we’ll make sure the job gets done right. Contact us for a free quote today!