A heated driveway system offers a multitude of invaluable benefits. It can save you time, increase your home value, and ensure your safety from dangerous slips and falls. Nevertheless, before making the decision to invest in one of these systems, there are some important questions to address. What is the cost associated with such an installation? Additionally, when choosing between a hydronic or radiant electric system, which one best fits your specific needs? The primary goal of this blog is to provide clear answers to these inquiries, empowering prospective buyers to make well-informed decisions.
The Functionality of Hydronic and Electric Radiant Heating
Heated driveway systems come in two main varieties: hydronic and electric radiant.
Hydronic heated driveways employ a system where hot water is circulated through plastic piping beneath the pavement to effectively melt the snow on the surface.
Meanwhile, electric radiant heated driveways use electric mats or cables to generate heat, thus, melting the snow and ice.
Hydronic Heating Material Cost
To maintain consistency, we will base all the cost comparisons on a fictional 600 square foot driveway.
Typically, the cost of hydronic systems includes two main components: the piping which averages between $6 and $20 per square foot, and the cost of pumps, controllers, and sensors, which costs $4,000 for baseline products. This places the upper limit of a hydronic system at $16,000 for materials alone.
Electric Radiant Heat Material Cost
If you want the entire driveway to be covered in heated mats, you will need seven mats to cover our 600 square foot area. This will bring the cost for electric radiant mats to $5,512. The basic heat controller, ground temperature sensor, and air temperature sensor will cost another $1,458, putting your system total before labor to $6,940.
Monthly Cost of Hydronic, Electric Radiant, and Hired Removal
Depending on a variety of external factors, a radiant heated driveway will cost between $26 and $100 per month for our hypothetical driveway.
Meanwhile, a hydronic system will cost $35 to $88 to heat the same space over a similar timeframe.
Compare either of these options to a snow removal service, which can cost up to $75 per visit and it becomes evident that any underground heating unit is a more cost-effective option.
Final Cost Comparison
The total cost for an electric radiant heated driveway is far less than that of a hydronic heated driveway.
To completely cover our 600 square foot area, we are looking at a pre-labor cost of $6,940 for electric radiant. Alternatively, an equivalent system utilizing hydronics can cost up to $16,000. This translates to more than $9000 in savings by choosing an electric system over a hydronic.
Let us help you find the best snow removal option for you. Call or contact us today and let us help you warm your property.
Why ThermoSoft’s Floor Heating Systems are the Answer For You
With these benefits in mind, where can you add comfort and value at the same time?
Look no further than ThermoSoft floor heating systems! We have the fastest warm-up time in the industry, and installation is simple and DIY-friendly.
Benefits of ThermoSoft Floor Heating
- Available for All Types of Flooring: Tile, Laminate, Solid and Engineered Wood, Vinyl, Cement Slab, and Carpet
- Exceptional Comfort: Warms rooms and not ceilings, Uniform, ideal heat pattern, Say goodbye to drafty rooms, Invisible and silent, Individual room control
- Cleaner, Healthier, Maintenance-Free: No dirty vents or ducts, No more drying out your air
- Energy-Saving: 100% Efficiency, More comfort, less energy, Use less energy by needing less heat
- Easy to Install: Designed with installation in mind, Tools already in your toolbox, Simple hookup, We’re here to support you
ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you?
Start enjoying each space more than ever with ThermoSoft floor heating systems. Visit us online or contact Thermosoft today.
Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started.
Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057
GET FREE GUIDE >>
Don’t Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products
ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build.
ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come.
Certified, Tested & Approved
ThermoTile floor heating mats for tile and stone will take your bathroom to the next level! Add floor heat to enhance your space and make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa.
Call us or click here to transform your entire bathroom!
