Do heat mats work for snow?

As winter approaches, many homeowners start thinking about how to manage snow and ice buildup efficiently. Shoveling snow repeatedly after each snowfall can be physically taxing. Snow blowers work well but can be noisy and require gasoline. Another option some consider is using an electric snow melting mat. But do heat mats work well for melting snow?

What is a snow melting mat?

A snow melting mat (also called a snow melt mat or heated driveway mat) is a mat you place on outdoor surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, or steps. The mat contains electric heating cables that warm up when you plug the mat into an outdoor outlet. The heat from the cables melts the snow and ice on contact. Heated mats typically have an outdoor thermostat and timer so you can customize when the mat turns on and how hot it gets.

Common types of snow melting mats

There are a few different types of mats:

• Driveway mats: Longer mats designed to be installed under a section of your driveway.
• Sidewalk mats: Shorter mats made for walkways and steps.
• Roof and gutter de-icing mats: Thin mats intended for roofs, gutters, and downspouts vulnerable to ice dams.

Mats come in set sizes but can also be custom cut on site to fit your specific space. Most mats are around 0.25-0.5 inches thick.

How do snow melting mats work?

An electric current runs through the heating cables in the mat, creating warmth. This warmth radiates up through the mat, melting any snow or ice on the surface. The melted precipitation then drips off or evaporates away.

These systems either have an automatic control or a manual control:

• Automatic snow melting mats have built-in sensors that detect precipitation and temperature. When the sensor detects snow andcold temperatures, the mat activates automatically.
• Manual snow melting mats have a control panel that lets you turn the mat on/off manually based on the weather conditions.

Many mats also have a timer function you can preset to turn on during early morning hours when snow and ice tend to accumulate. The mat warms the surface before the precipitation has a chance to bond and harden.

Key components

A typical snow melting system consists of:

• The mat itself with the heating cable inside.
• A weather-resistant outdoor thermostat control box to regulate temperature.
• Wiring connecting the mat to the thermostat.
• A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for safety.

Quality mats are very durable and can last for 20 years or more.

What are the benefits of using snow melting mats?

Snow melting mats offer several advantages over traditional snow removal methods:

• Convenience: The mats melt snow automatically without you having to shovel, plow, or snow blow.
• Labor savings: You avoid the physically demanding task of shoveling.
• Time savings: You don’t have to interrupt your schedule to remove snow repeatedly.
• Safety: The risk of slip and fall injuries is reduced with snow melting mats.
• Accessibility: The mats provide clear walkways for people with mobility challenges.
• Cleaner: Melting avoids piles of snow on the sides of your driveway or walkways.

For seniors or those with physical limitations, snow melting mats can provide independence and prevent falls.

How efficient are snow melting mats?

Snow melting mat efficiency depends on:

• Outside temperature – Colder temperatures make melting slower.
• Type of precipitation – Wet, heavy snow takes longer to melt than light, powdery snow.
• Wind – Wind sweeps fresh snow off the mats so they work more efficiently.
• Sun exposure – Sunny spots melt faster than shady spots.
• Output of heating cable – Higher output cables provide more melting power.

Despite variables, most quality mat systems can melt 1-2 inches of snow per hour. Here is how melting capacity typically compares:

Snowfall Intensity	Melting Capacity
Light snow	Up to 2 inches per hour
Moderate snow	1-2 inches per hour
Heavy wet snow	Around 1 inch per hour

For heavy snowfalls over 2 inches per hour, the mats help but may not keep the surface completely cleared without some additional shoveling/plowing. The mats are highly effective for lighter snowfalls of 1 inch per hour or less.

How to install snow melting mats

Proper installation is key to creating an efficient and safe snow melting system. Here are some tips:

• Choose an appropriate outdoor electrical outlet to plug into. Use a GFCI outlet for protection against shorts.
• For sidewalks and steps, secure the mat firmly so it lies flat and stays in place.
• For driveways, install the mat under your asphalt or concrete driveway surface for best performance.
• Insert temperature sensors in the ideal spot to accurately gauge surface conditions.
• Seal all connections and ends with outdoor caulking to prevent water seepage.
• Plug the mat into a GFCI outlet and test to make sure it’s heating up as expected before finalizing the installation.

Due to trip hazards, it’s not recommended to place mats loosely on top of sidewalks. Either secure the mat snugly or install it under pavers or concrete.

Hiring an electrician

For safety and proper setup, it’s highly advisable to have a certified electrician install your snow melting mats. Make sure they have experience with these systems. They can:

• Determine electrical requirements and install new wiring if needed.
• Select the appropriately sized heating mats for your driveway or walkways.
• Properly incorporate the snow sensor and outdoor thermostat/timer.
• Evaluate moisture risks and include ground fault protection.
• Identify any tripping dangers for rooftop or loose mat installations.

An electrician will make sure installation follows local codes and manufacturers best practice for safety and functionality.

How much do snow melting mats cost?

For a basic 140-200 square foot driveway section, mat costs break down as:

• Snow melting mat: $600 – $1000
• Electrical work: $200 – $600
• Total installed cost: $800 – $1600

Costs scale up for larger or commercial installations. Other factors impacting price:

• Length of heating cable needed
• Output wattage of the heating cable
• Single mat vs. multiple mats
• WiFi enabled “smart” mat options
• Electrician installation fees based on time and complexity

Here are typical costs for different applications:

Application	Cost Range
Small driveway section	$800 – $1600
Driveway for 2-3 cars	$2000 – $4000
Larger or commercial driveway	$4000 – $8000
Walkway or steps	$500 – $2000

Return on investment depends on how much you previously spent on shoveling labor or snow removal services. In areas with heavy winter precipitation, mats can pay for themselves in 1-2 seasons.

Pros and cons of snow melting mats

Here is a summary of the key upsides and downsides:

Pros

• No shoveling required
• Prevents slippery ice buildup
• Customizable temperature settings
• Provides safer outdoor access
• Reduces risk of falls and injuries
• Melts snow as it falls before it accumulates
• Keeps walkways clear for those with mobility challenges

Cons

• High upfront costs
• Permanent installation required
• Professional electrician installation recommended
• May not melt snow fast enough during heavy snowfalls
• Could trip circuit breakers if too many mats installed
• Damage to mat can be difficult to repair

Are snow melting mats eco-friendly?

Snow melting mats have some environmental pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Avoid gasoline from snow blowers
• Reduce use of fossil fuel burning snow plows/removal services
• Prevent need to shovel and scatter salt/chemical deicers
• No emissions like gas snow blowers

Cons

• Consume additional electricity
• Heating cable cannot be recycled easily

Overall, snow melting mats are a relatively eco-friendly option for snow and ice management. Their carbon footprint depends on your electricity sources. If your local grid uses high percentages of renewables like solar or wind, then mats are very clean. They consume energy only as needed during winter precipitation rather than idling a gas snow blower constantly.

Tips for using snow melting mats effectively

Follow these best practices to maximize the effectiveness of your snow melting system:

• Run mats early in the morning to offset overnight snow and ice accumulation.
• Activate mats 1-2 hours before expected snowfall to get pavement warmer in advance.
• For manual mats, turn on when snow is less than 2 inches deep to avoid burying sensors.
• Set automatic mat temperature 2-5°F above freezing to melt snow but conserve energy.
• Use a snow broom/brush to help slush drain off mats during heavy snow.
• Consider preheating on remote wifi enabled mats before arriving home.
• Install plastic marker stakes to avoid shoveling/blowing snow directly back onto mats.
• Hire an electrician experienced in snowmelt mats for optimal safety and performance.

Conclusion

Snow melting mats provide an effective, convenient alternative to traditional snow and ice removal methods. While costs are higher upfront, mats can save significant time and labor over multiple winters in snowy climates. Proper installation by an electrician helps maximize efficiency and safety. With appropriate expectations on capacity during heavy snow, mats reliably deliver snow-free outdoor access all winter long without strenuous shoveling.