Four Tips for Buying a Heated Driveway
Electric
You can have a heated driveway installed that uses electricity. The system heats the driveway through use of a line-voltage cable. You usually control the system by a control box mounted on a wall. A heated driveway that uses electricity will be more efficient and require less maintenance. The system will also heat the surface quicker than hydronic systems.
Hydronic
Besides using electricity, a heated driveway can use a hydronic system. These systems generate hot water which they then pump through plastic tubing. You will have to have a mechanic room dedicated to housing a pump and a boiler in order to use this system. A hydronic heated driveway will be more expensive to buy and install than an electric system. However, they may be cheaper to operate over longer periods.
Activation
Besides the two types of systems used to power the heated driveway, you also need to consider how you will activate it. As mentioned earlier, you can use a manual system that is controlled by a wall-mounted box. You can also have an automatic system that will detect bad weather and activate the system accordingly. They usually activate whenever they detect moisture or whenever the temperatures drop below a certain point. A heated driveway can also work by a timer that you program to heat the surface before snow or ice accumulates during a storm.
Installation
One of the final things you need to consider when buying a heated driveway is the installation. The best time to install a system is during new construction. However, if you already have an establish surface, you will also be able to install a heated driveway although it will be more costly and time consuming. You can save money by installing the system yourself. If you aren’t very handy, you will need to hire an experienced electrician or contractor.
These are a few tips for buying a heated driveway. You will need to choose between an electric and hydronic system, with each one having its own advantages and disadvantages. You will also need to consider how you wanted the heated driveway to be activated, as you can have one operated manually or automatically.
