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I am planning to put in a new driveway. I am thinking of concrete, though I will be looking at other materials (suggestions?). My question is about installing an electric heating coil to melt ice in the winter as I live in the Northeast and my driveway is slightly steep and facing west. Does anyone have any experience as to costs and benefits as well as the ability to point me in the right direction as far as reading? Thanks.
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Any justification for electric over hydronic? I'm in CT, elec is $$$.
The benefits? Depends on snowfall, ice, etc, and the inconvenience or cost of snow/ice removal by other means. The system does cost money to install and operate, but so does shoveling/plowing.
Also, no more salt runoff onto your landscaping, no more driveway or lawn damage from over-enthusiastic plows.
Bad? Cost money to install. Not too much to maintain. Cost of operation is not too great considering it only operates when temp is low and moisture is sensed.
It can be a waste of money for some, it can be a useful and practical ammenity for others.
More info here...more info, plus extra links at the end of Wirsbo's page.
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I am planning to put in a new driveway. I am thinking of concrete, though I will be looking at other materials (suggestions?). My question is about installing an electric heating coil to melt ice in the winter as I live in the Northeast and my driveway is slightly steep and facing west. Does anyone have any experience as to costs and benefits as well as the ability to point me in the right direction as far as reading? Thanks.