Cost and planning

What determines the cost of snow melting

No two properties are the same, so we do not publish fixed installation prices. Here is what moves the cost, so you know what to expect before you ask for a number.

Free design and estimateYou get a number for your own property.

No fixed price listSurface, electrical work and coverage move the cost most.

You choose how much to heatHeating less area generally means less material and less power.

Six things that shape the cost

Each one changes what has to be designed, supplied and installed.

  1. Size

    More area means more heating elements, more power and more installation work.

  2. Coverage

    Full coverage, tire tracks or targeted areas heat different amounts of surface.

  3. Surface

    Asphalt, concrete and pavers are built differently, which shapes the system and the installation approach.

  4. Electrical requirements

    Available power, panel capacity and the distance to the driveway all affect the electrical work.

  5. Controls

    Sensors and control options change what the system needs and how it runs.

  6. Construction conditions

    New build or replacement, access, base preparation and site conditions all play a part.

You control how much you heat

Coverage is the factor you have the most say in. Heating less area generally means less material and less power.

  1. Full coverage

    The whole surface. The most complete result, with the most area to heat.

  2. Tire tracks

    Two strips where the wheels run, leaving the middle unheated.

  3. Entrance and apron

    The garage-door end and where the driveway meets the street.

  4. Targeted areas

    Steps, a walkway or the spots that cause the most trouble.

What affects running cost

We do not quote a single operating figure, because it varies by design and by your electricity rates.

  1. Size of the heated area

    More heated area draws more power when the system runs.

  2. Power rating of the system

    Set in the design and shown in your electrical specification.

  3. Controls and sensors

    Sensor-based control runs the system when conditions call for it, not all winter.

  4. Run time and electricity rates

    How long the system runs in a given winter, and what you pay per unit of electricity.

Getting your number

A free design and estimate, in four steps.

  1. 01

    Tell us about the property

    Project type, surface, size and any photos or plans.

  2. 02

    We review it

    Surfaces, areas, electrical situation and goals, and whether it’s a fit for us.

  3. 03

    Design

    A manufacturer-supported layout and controls.

  4. 04

    Estimate

    A number for your design, based on the six factors above.

Cost questions

Straight answers, without a price list.

How much does a heated driveway cost?

It depends on the size of the area you heat, how much of it you cover, the surface, the electrical work, the controls and the construction conditions. Every property is different, so we do not publish fixed prices. A free design and estimate gives you a number for your property.

Why don’t you publish prices?

A price per square foot would hide the things that move the cost most: the surface, the electrical work and how much you choose to heat. We would rather give you a real number for your design than a misleading range.

What does it cost to run a heated driveway?

Running cost depends on the size of the heated area, the power rating of the system, the controls, how long the system runs and your electricity rates. Systems with sensors run when conditions call for it, not all winter. Your design specifies the electrical load so you know what to expect.

Can I reduce the cost by heating less?

Heating less area generally means less material to install and less power to run. Options include heated tire tracks, the entrance and apron, or targeted areas such as steps and walkways.

Is the design and estimate really free?

Yes, for a request that is a fit for us. We review every request first; where we can help, the design and estimate that follows is free.

Get a number for your property

Free design and estimate. Tell us about the area and the surface.

Request free design