A low-voltage radiant snowmelt system can eliminate the need for rock salt on patios and stonework.

The learning curve for these 21-volt radiant snowmelt systems is low. Installations can be a natural extension for landscape contractors with expertise in building walkways and other hard surfaces. And, generally, the project is a quick one. An electrician is needed only to connect the low voltage transformer to the service panel for the final hook-up to line voltage.

In fact, installation of the heating elements for a single-family residence can take just a few days, followed by the finish surfacing. Exact time frame and cost varies depending upon the design and layout of the system, the length of the driveway and/or the walkway and/or the square footage of the patio, and the geographic location of the project. For instance, on a long driveway, it's possible to install snowmelt elements for the entire width and length, for a particular portion of the driveway or for tire tracks the length of the pavement.

Snowmelt systems appeal to owners of residences who value the cachet and benefits of "ground-breaking" technologies, especially one that can improve safety for anyone walking outdoors in bad weather and minimize risk of liability from slips or falls on snow or ice.

Low-volt radiant snowmelt systems can be designed to fit any shape.

Snowmelt also eliminates the need for rock salt and other minerals that can damage a walkway or driveway and are often carried indoors, ruining expensive finished floors. In addition, homeowners gain the use of a snow and ice-free patio in winter and, perhaps, add to the home's resale value.

Low-voltage radiant snowmelt systems can be designed as an always-on or on-demand systems. With always-on systems end-users don't have to worry about unexpected or overnight weather events. By contrast, on-demand systems can be switched on/off as required and are generally installed in areas of more moderate weather and infrequent snow and ice occurrences. All designs should take drainage into consideration, to minimize water accumulation from run off that could result in ice build-up near the driveway or walkway.

Both types of low-voltage electric radiant snowmelt systems can feature self-regulating elements, where the output of the elements is responsive to the temperature of the ground, conserving energy on warmer days.

Consider energy costs

When evaluating the concept of efficiency of a self-regulating low-voltage snow melt system for a customer, take into consideration two factors — consumption and cost. Consumption refers to how much energy the system will pull compared to other snowmelt options. (Self-regulating low-voltage snowmelt systems use fewer BTUs or kWh per hour than non-self-regulating low-voltage systems.) The cost is the energy cost per kilowatt hour in the area (winter rates) compared to other available energy sources.

"During a usual Colorado winter along the Front Range, snow storms generally drop 3- to 6-in. of snow and the sun is out the next day, greatly helping the snowmelt cycle, keeping actual operating costs of a snowmelt system relatively low," says A.J. Seastone, president of Centennial Building Supply, in Littleton, CO, a distributor and installer of STEP Warmfloor systems.