- Have you looked into green roofs or even living driveways? They insulate, absorb runoff, and cut down on ice naturally.
That’s a really interesting point about green roofs and landscaping. I hadn’t thought about that as a way to cut down on ice. My neighbor actually put in some kind of permeable pavers last year, and he swears it helps with runoff and keeps things less icy, though I’m not sure how much is the pavers and how much is just luck with the weather. For me, the mats were mostly about not having to wake up early to shovel before work, but I do feel a bit guilty about the extra electricity. Maybe there’s a middle ground—like only running them during storms or when it’s really icy?
I’m curious—has anyone actually measured how much electricity those mats use over a season? I get the appeal of not shoveling, but I wonder if it ends up being more cost or energy than, say, using sand or just keeping up with shoveling. And do the mats last more than a few winters, or do they wear out fast?
I wonder if it ends up being more cost or energy than, say, using sand or just keeping up with shoveling.
- Ran mine two winters now. My electric bill jumps maybe $30-40/month when I use them a lot (upstate NY, so...plenty of “a lot”).
- Mats are still kicking, but I’m not exactly gentle—dragged the snowblower over them once or twice, oops.
- Cheaper than hiring someone to shovel, but more than a bag of sand for sure. Also, no sand in the garage, which my wife is thrilled about.
- If you’re expecting zero effort, you’ll be disappointed—sometimes snow piles up on the edges anyway. Still beats breaking my back with a shovel.
Heated mats are one of those things that sound like a luxury until you’re out there at 6am with a shovel and a sore back. I’ve had a few tenants ask about them, especially after last year’s ice storm when nobody could keep up with the sidewalks. The cost is always the sticking point, though. That $30-40 bump in the electric bill doesn’t sound terrible, but I wonder how much it adds up over a full season—especially if you’ve got a big driveway or walkway to cover.
I’ve also noticed the “no sand in the garage” perk isn’t nothing. Sand and salt get everywhere, and then you’re sweeping up until June. But I do wonder about durability long-term. You dragged a snowblower over yours and they’re still working? That’s honestly better than I’d expect. I’ve seen a few cheaper mats where the heating element gets wrecked if you so much as look at them funny.
One thing I’m curious about: has anyone tried using the mats just for the main path, and then sand or shovel the rest? Seems like a decent compromise if you’re trying to keep costs down but still want a clear path to the door. I’ve got a couple older residents who’d probably appreciate not having to navigate an icy walkway, even if the rest of the driveway is old-school.
The “zero effort” thing is spot on. People think you plug them in and the snow just vanishes, but you still get drifts along the edges or spots where it piles up. Plus, if it’s really coming down, nothing keeps up 100%. Still, if it means less back pain and fewer calls about icy steps, I’d call that a win.
Curious if anyone’s run into issues with code or insurance? I’ve heard some places get weird about heated surfaces, especially if you’re running extension cords outside. Just another layer of fun to consider...
One thing I’m curious about: has anyone tried using the mats just for the main path, and then sand or shovel the rest?
That’s actually what I do. I’ve got a single mat running from the porch to the driveway, and then I just shovel the rest when I have to. It’s not perfect, but it keeps the worst of the ice off the steps and main walkway, which is where people are most likely to slip. The electric bill bump isn’t too bad if you’re only running one or two mats. As for dragging a snowblower over them—yeah, I was skeptical too, but mine’s held up so far. Just don’t get too aggressive with it. And you’re right about code stuff—my insurance guy wanted to see how I had it plugged in, but as long as you’re not running sketchy extension cords across the yard, it’s usually fine.