Hydronic Heated Driveways and Snow Melting Systems

The term “hydronic heat” simply means heating with hot water. Surprisingly, this method of heating has been in common use for centuries. With the advancements in technology, hydronic radiant heat systems have become more popular because of greater effectiveness, efficiency, and affordability. These systems use a boiler to heat specially treated water that is pumped through a closed loop of durable PEX tubing.

Warmzone® snow melting experts are available to discuss your hydronic radiant heat project at your convenience. Call us today at 888-488-9276 to learn more about the many snow melting options that are available.


Hydronic Snow Melting Systems

Overview
Hydronic snow melting system being installed

Hydronic snow melting systems utilize a mixture of hot water and propylene glycol (to prevent freezing) that is circulated by a series of pumps through a closed-loop of flexible polymer (PEX) tubing that is installed in the pavement (concrete, asphalt, or just about any medium). The liquid mixture is heated by a centrally located water heater (boiler) prior to being routed through the embedded PEX tubing to warm the driveway or sidewalks.

Because this hot water and anti-freeze mix retains heat for a long time after the boiler shuts down, the hydronic heating system can optimize energy usage, adding to its efficiency and making it environmentally friendly. Warmzone systems also feature highly efficient condensing boilers with an Energy Star Rating as well as industry-leading pumps, valves, tubing, and controls. The condensing boiler (water heater) can be powered by any energy source, including natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, wood, or even solar collectors. Because of this, large hydronic radiant heat systems may have a lower operating cost than equally sized electric snow melting systems.

Premier Quality Components
The mechanical room for a hydronic radiant heat system, showing boilers and pumps.

Hydronic snow melting systems from Warmzone feature the highest quality components and are fully automated. An aerial or pavement-mounted snow sensor detects precipitation and temperature conditions to activate the snow melting system only when it is needed.

Warmzone also provides a comprehensive engineered drawing of your system – prior to installation – to ensure that you not only receive the highest quality products, but that your system is designed to be the most efficient snow melting system that satisfies all of your custom demands.

When it comes to customer service and support, Warmzone is an industry leader. Our customer services include free installation training courses that can be taken via online video conference with an instructor. All aspects of your installation are covered, and you can stop at any time and ask questions. The course usually takes less than an hour. Warmzone also includes professional system design and engineering, and technical support during the installation. For more details, call a radiant heat expert today at 888-488-9276.

 

Hydronic Snow Melting System Highlights

Hydronic snow melting system being installed
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Fully Automated - Hydronic snow melting systems utilize snow sensors to detect precipitation and temperatures to activate the system only when it is needed. An aerial mounted snow sensor or a pavement mounted sensor can be installed.

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Energy Efficient - The liquid that circulates through the system, heating the pavement, maintains its heat for considerable periods, even after the boiler shuts down, adding to the system's efficiency.

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Minimal Operating Cost - Hydronic snow melting systems are often the system of choice for large snowmelt jobs because hydronic systems generally have a more affordable operating cost when compared to large electric radiant heat systems. This is because you can find a boiler to use whatever local fuel source is the most affordable. You can use propane, natural gas, electricity, or oil, depending on the best utility costs in your area. (Natural gas is the most highly recommended.)

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Safe and Reliable - Completely grounded and safe. The heating mats are certified by Intertek SEMKO against relevant IEC / EN 60335, UL and GOST Standard.

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Zone Synchronization - Every tekmarNet Thermostat communicates to agree on a common, or synchronized start time. The result is a boiler that runs more efficiently and cycles less.

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Zone Post Purge - At the end of a cycle, the zones are held on while the boiler is off. This moves residual heat out of the boiler and into the zones where it belongs.

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Automatic Boiler Differential - Automatically adjusting the boiler differential to changing conditions ensures longer running times and reduced boiler short cycling.

Contact WARMZONE today to submit your project information and receive a free quote, or to talk to one of our radiant heat specialists (888-488-9276).


Additional Hydronic Snow Melting System Page Links

How Hydronic Systems Work

System Components

Hydronic vs. Electric


Product Literature

Hydronic Snow Melting Systems
Hydronic Systems Product Brochure Hydronic Systems Zoning Control Illustration Hydronic Systems Boiler Controls Illustration Hydronic System Thermostats and Wiring Center Illustration Warmzone Products and Services Brochure

Additional Warmzone Product Literature