Among the joys of home ownership, clearing snow and ice off the driveway is close to the bottom on most peoples list. And in winters like this one, the cost of clearing the snow starts adding up. Ed and Barbara Oberholtzer who live in East Norwalk but are originally from Texas, decided to knock the problem of snow removal on the head. They installed radiant heat under the driveway and under the path leading to their front door.
Ice was a problem in the walkway area, says Ed, and I have limited room to store the snow so melting it helps solve that problem. Convenience also factored into the decision." Ed remembered seeing the benefits of snowmelt systems in Aspen where their daughter, Jordan, is an attorney.
After extensive research into the options, he came to the conclusion that an electric system, like those often found in bathrooms, was impractical for his installation.
Eds driveway is heated by a dedicated natural gas boiler installed in a closet he built in his garage. Tubing containing an anti-freeze solution runs from the boiler and under the driveway. My experience has taught me that activating the system three or four hours before snow is forecast to begin provides much better results than activation when the snowfalls begins, Ed adds.
Finding an installer in our area was no easy task. Ed eventually found a company in New Hampshire, RadianTech, which designed the system and provided detailed installation guides. I assembled an install team from local guys that have worked on the house in the past, Ed says. A plumber and electrician are critical. They can figure out the install even if they have not done it before. And according to Ed, running the tubing is something the homeowner can do.
If youre sick of plowing, blowing and shoveling snow, maybe a heated driveway is something to think about before next winter rolls in. Just start saving now. The convenience comes with a big price. The Oberholtzers' heated drive ran them around $10,000 for 2,200 square feet but Ed says "it was worth every dime."
Do you know anyone with a heated driveway? Id love to hear about other peoples experiences. Email me at [email protected]
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