Electric Vs Hydronic Snow Melt Systems

Homeowners can either install an electric system or a water based hydronic system.

Electric vs hydronic snow melt systems.

A scaled down version of this system designed specifically for snowmelt systems is on my wish list. That s why hydronic heat is usually a better option than electric systems to heat large floor areas or even an entire house. Hydronic snow melting our systems melt snow and ice by circulating a glycol solution fluid through tubing that is either embedded in concrete or installed beneath brick pavers. If fast response is critical hydronic systems can be operated during the winter at a reduced idling rate to keep fluid in the pipes warm enough to react quickly to impending snowfall.

An electric system costs less to install because there s no need to purchase a boiler to heat the water. If the surface is warm enough the snow will melt and evaporate or run off into a drainage system. Hydronic systems generally have higher first costs due to the mechanical system required for operation. Hydronic snow melting systems require a larger investment upfront.

The main advantage of hydronic systems is that they generally deliver more heat at a lower operating cost than electric systems. I can remotely activate the system in advance of a storm monitor it to see if it is functioning properly and locate failure points before leaving the shop. Watts radiant offers two types of snow melting systems hydronic and electric which can work alone or be installed as a supplement to a radiant heat system. If you are in the snow belt snow ice melt systems can be a profitable niche.

Generally hydronic is the best pick for larger scale commercial snow melting applications because of the potential for lower operating costs. While the concept of a built in snow melting system has its appeal the cost can be prohibitive. Once activated hydronic systems usually have a slower response time than electric systems because the fluid that circulates through the tubing must first be heated.