- Suzanne Couturiaux -
My husband and I are thinking about having a heated driveway
installed,
but before we start calling contractors, we're trying to gather as
much
information as possible about the different types of systems, the cost
(of installing and operating), and general information about heated
driveways. We live in Pittsburgh, Pa. (where it's hilly and snowy) and
have a short, steep, concrete driveway that my husband is tired of
shoveling every winter. (We're especially interested in systems that
can be installed in an existing driveway). I was hoping someone here
might be able to provide some information about heated driveways or
point me to other sites, and share their experiences with heated
driveways (good or bad).

- Nehmo -
I've been studying it myself. See the thread, Roads, Heated Needed
http://snipurl.com/c351 .

There are several systems, but none lend themselves easily to a
retrofit. Electric cost is less than what you would expect. One estimate
has an average at US$ .80/square meter per snowstorm. My own figures
conservatively come to 4 cents per linear lane foot per hour of use.
You'll need about 50 watts per square foot. Also, of course, you'll have
the initial capital cost.

If you insist on a retrofit, a possible less-elegant solution is a
deicing spray system.

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* Nehmo Sergheyev *
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