Heated Driveway Cost in 2025

Although driveway heating isn’t typically top of mind during the hot summer months, did you know that this is actually the best time to install a snow-melting system? That’s because the warm weather offers the best environment for concrete or asphalt to be poured and properly cured. In turn, an electric snow-melting system can be embedded in these materials, as well as in mortar under pavers. The electric cable features insulation designed to withstand harsh winter elements, ensuring reliable performance and durability in extreme conditions.

Before we dive in, keep in mind that several variables will play a role in how much a heated driveway project costs: labor costs (if hiring professionals), material costs for the driveway (cement, asphalt, or pavers), and the heating system costs. Additionally, the size of your driveway can greatly affect all of these expenses. Labor and material costs will vary regionally, but according to Home Advisor, the average cost for installing a new driveway (labor and materials only) generally ranges from $2,514 to $7,128.

How Much Does an Electric Heated Driveway Cost?

An electric snow melting system using heating cables typically costs between $7 and $16 per square foot. For a typical driveway, full-coverage installation costs around $3,502, while additional control systems range from $600 to $3,800 (more on these below).

Cost Estimates Based on Driveway Size

Small Driveway (10ʹ W x 20ʹ L, Single-Car Width)

Using Snow Melting OmniMats and a Value control with a small relay panel

• Full coverage: Starting at $2,561.

• Tire track heating: Starting at $1,853.80.

Larger Driveway (20ʹ W x 20ʹ L, Two-Car Width)

Using Snow Melting OmniMats, a Value control, and a small relay panel.

• Full coverage: Starting at $4,750

• Tire track heating for 2 cars: Starting at $2,362

Is a Heated Driveway Worth the Investment?

Investing in a heated driveway offers significant benefits, including convenience, safety, and potential long-term savings. While the initial installation costs can be substantial, ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 depending on factors like driveway size and system type , the advantages may outweigh these expenses for many homeowners.

Key Benefits:

• Elimination of Manual Snow Removal: A heated driveway automatically melts snow and ice, saving time and physical effort associated with shoveling or snow blowing .

• Enhanced Safety: By preventing snow and ice accumulation, heated driveways reduce the risk of slips and falls, ensuring safer access to your property .

• Preservation of Driveway Integrity: Reducing the need for de-icing chemicals and minimizing freeze-thaw cycles can extend the lifespan of your driveway .

• Increased Property Value: Homes equipped with heated driveways may see an increase in property value due to the added convenience and safety features .

While the upfront investment in a heated driveway is considerable, the benefits of convenience, safety, and potential property value enhancement make it a worthwhile consideration for many homeowners, especially those in regions with heavy snowfall.

Comparison with Traditional Snow Removal Service

Investing in a heated driveway offers continuous snow and ice removal throughout the winter season, ensuring safe and clear access to your property at all times. In contrast, traditional snow removal methods, such as hiring professional services, only address snow accumulation at specific times.

Limitations of Traditional Snow Removal:

• Intermittent Service: Professional snow removal services typically clear snow at scheduled intervals, often after a snowfall has ceased. However, during prolonged snowstorms or continuous snowfall, additional accumulation can occur between service visits, potentially leading to hazardous conditions.

• Repeated Accumulation: After an initial clearing, subsequent snowfall can quickly render driveways and walkways unsafe again, necessitating multiple service calls or repeated manual clearing efforts.

Advantages of Heated Driveways:

• Continuous Operation: Heated driveways operate automatically, melting snow and ice as they land, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. This ensures that your driveway remains consistently clear and safe, eliminating the need for repeated interventions.

• Enhanced Safety: By preventing any snow or ice buildup, heated driveways reduce the risk of slips and falls, providing peace of mind for homeowners and visitors alike.

Cost of hiring a snow removal service

The cost of hiring a snow removal service varies based on several factors, including the size of the area to be cleared, the method of removal, and regional pricing differences. Here’s an overview of typical costs:

Per Visit Costs:

• Residential Driveways:

• Small Driveway (up to 20 ft): $30 to $50 per visit.

• Medium Driveway (20 - 40 ft): $50 to $70 per visit.

• Large Driveway (Over 40 ft): $70 to $100 per visit.

• Sidewalk Clearing: An additional $20 to $50 per visit.

• Salting/De-icing: An extra $20 to $40 per application.

These estimates are based on typical pricing structures for residential snow removal services.

Seasonal Contracts:

For regions with frequent snowfall, many homeowners opt for seasonal contracts, which provide snow removal services throughout the winter months. These contracts typically range from $200 to $600 per season, depending on the property’s size and specific service requirements.

Additional Factors Influencing Cost:

• Snow Depth: The first 6 inches of snow removal typically costs $10 to $25 per inch. Additional inches beyond 6 can add $4 to $9 per inch.

• Emergency Services: If you require immediate snow removal during a storm, expect to pay a premium for priority service.

• Property Features: Steep or curved driveways, gravel surfaces, and the presence of sidewalks can increase the overall cost due to the additional labor and equipment required.

It’s essential to obtain quotes from multiple local providers to understand the specific costs in your area and to ensure you receive the best value for the services offered.

• Hiring a snow removal service costs about $50 per snowfall. With 20 snow days per year, that’s $1,000 annually—or $10,000 over 10 years, more than the cost of a typical heated driveway.

For homeowners in regions with harsh winters, a heated driveway can be a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional snow removal methods.

For concrete or cement driveways (less common for asphalt or pavers), you may need a rigid framework about 3 inches from the finished surface to hold the heating elements at the proper depth and spacing. We offer a Snow Melt Embeddable Attachment Grid for this purpose, although other materials can be used as well. Just avoid anything sharp (like some forms of chicken wire) that could damage the heating cables during installation.

How Much Do Snow Melting Controls Cost?

Your snow melting control is what actually powers your heated driveway. Once activated, it energizes the heating cables, creating the electrical resistance and heat that melt snow and ice. It also shuts the system off automatically, which is critical for cutting down operating costs.

WarmlyYours offers several control options, from straightforward “set-it-and-forget-it” solutions like the Snow and Ice Melting Timer Control, which retails for about $629, to more sophisticated options like the ZoneBraker Touchscreen Multi-Zone Snow and Ice Melting Controller (around $3,799), which can split your heated surface into multiple zones to reduce your power requirements and operating expenses.

How to Get a Quote

If you’re in need of a heated driveway, you can easily get a quote online, check out our Snow Melting Quote Builder to calculate your heated driveway cost. Just enter your zip code, driveway material, driveway size, voltage, and the amount of coverage you’d like (full or tire tracks), and you’ll instantly get a quote!

Or, you can get a detailed SmartPlan that includes an installation plan, an electrical plan and an itemized quote by uploading a sketch of your project and let our team of experienced engineers deliver a personalized quote and installation plan within a day.

If you’re living in a cold climate and you have the opportunity to supplement your driveway with radiant heat, don’t miss out! Your wallet will be thanking you next winter.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. General Project Information: Select your application type (driveway, walkway, or otherwise), coverage type (full or tire tracks), surface type (asphalt, concrete, or paver), and the heated area of the project in square feet or length × width.
2. Get Quotes: Once you hit the “Get Quotes” button, you’ll see the recommended heating elements, controls, and accessories for your project.
3. Choose Your System: The tool may suggest snow melting cables, mats, or both — depending on your specific needs and surface type.
4. Add to Cart: After you’ve made your selections, you can purchase directly or save the plan to review later. If you have any questions, call our customer service team at 800-875-5285.

Our technical support team is also available 24/7 to help with any questions during installation.

The Cost of a Snow-Melting System

Each year, New York gets an average of 66 days of snowfall and Minnesota gets an average of 37 days of snowfall. Assuming each day of snowfall requires plowing, it would cost $2,640 and $1,480 a year, respectively, to have a professional plowing service clear a driveway in these states. If the homeowner uses a snow blower, the first year would still cost about $985.

By comparison, a snow-melting system may be the best option as the tire tracks option only costs $1,600 for an average 10- by 20-foot driveway and $0.32 per hour to operate, based on $0.08 per kWh. If you live in New York, that means you would save approximately $1,000 in just the first year by using a heated driveway instead of a snow plowing service. Using the same example, it would take you about 7 years to surpass the ROI of a snow blower.

What is ‘Tire Tracks’ Heating?

“Tire Tracks” heating means that only part of the driveway is heated — two tire-wide strips the length of the driveway. You can save about 35 percent by heating the tire tracks instead of doing full coverage.

WarmlyYours Radiant Heating offers snow-melting mats or cable for full or partial coverage. The mats feature electrical cable attached to polypropylene mesh so that it can be simply rolled out for installation. The cable allows free-forming, which is more labor intensive but also more affordable. Choosing cable can save another 25 percent off the price.

To get an idea of how installation works, the video below shows a time-lapse of tire track mats being installed as part of a driveway expansion.

When is a Good Time to Get a Heated Driveway?

The best time for a homeowner to install a snow-melting system is when a driveway is being installed for the very first time, when it needs to be repaved, or when you wish to expand it. All of these options present an opportunity to supplement the driveway with electric heat when it’s already under construction. Why tear up a perfectly good driveway if you don’t have to?

Whether your driveway is made up of asphalt, concrete or pavers, a snow-melting system can be applied. WarmlyYours’s electric cables were made to withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which means they can handle any hot asphalt that comes their way.

How Much Energy Does a Heated Driveway Use?

A heated driveway system eliminates the need for shoveling or plowing, which saves time, money, and physical labor, but it's important to consider the heated driveway cost before installation. Rather than waiting for snow to accumulate, the system switches on (depending on your chosen control/sensors) when precipitation is detected and the temperature drops below a certain point. The cables produce about 50 watts per square foot, effectively melting snow and ice before it can stick.

If you’re unsure whether your home’s electrical service can handle a heated driveway system, WarmlyYours provides a free SmartPlan for every quote and order. This plan spells out the system’s required voltage, amperage, and estimates operating costs. Your electrician can review this plan to ensure your home’s service is sufficient.

We also have a proprietary Electric Snow Melting Operating Cost Calculator, the simplest way to get an idea of running costs for a heated driveway. However, if you’re curious about the underlying math, it’s fairly straightforward.

Operating Cost for a Snow Melting System

To determine how much a heated driveway will cost to run, use the following formula:

Square footage of heated area × 50 watts = Total wattage
Total wattage ÷ 1,000 = Total kilowattage (kW)
Total kilowattage × kWh rate = Hourly operating cost

For instance, let’s look at an average 20ʹ x 20ʹ driveway (400 sq. ft.) with full snow-melting coverage:

• 400 sq. ft. × 50 watts = 20,000 watts
• 20,000 watts ÷ 1,000 = 20 kW
• 20 kW × $0.15/kWh (U.S. average) = $3 per hour

If a single snowstorm lasts about six hours, that’s approximately $18 in operating costs. Adding an “after-run” period of three hours (to ensure the melted snow or ice fully evaporates) brings the total to $27. This is typically much cheaper than hiring a professional service for a single plowing.

If you’d rather heat only two tire tracks (each 2 feet wide, for a two-car width, and 20 feet long), that’s 160 sq. ft. total:

• 160 sq. ft. × 50 watts = 8,000 watts
• 8,000 watts ÷ 1,000 = 8 kW
• 8 kW × $0.15/kWh = $1.20 per hour

That’s a very economical alternative while still providing safe traction where you need it most.

Snow Melting Systems for Driveways, Walkways, and Patios

This same formula applies to any outdoor snow-melting system, be it a driveway, walkway, or patio. For instance, a large walkway covering 110.5 square feet might require two heating cables. At 50 watts per square foot, that walkway would cost about $0.83 per hour to operate, based on the average U.S. kWh rate of $0.15.

In short, a snow-melting system creates a safe, hassle-free outdoor space that’s surprisingly inexpensive to run. Calculate your own projected costs by using the formula above or simply try our free Electric Snow Melting Operating Cost Calculator.

When you’re enduring the summer heat, don’t forget to plan ahead for winter! Installing an electric snow-melting system in a new or refurbished driveway now can save you money (compared to plow or shovel expenses) and greatly reduce the chance of injury — both to yourself (from shoveling) and to guests (from slipping on ice or snow). That’s a convenience you simply can’t put a price on.

Please note that all prices provided are in USD.

What about Hydronic Systems?

For those considering alternative methods to traditional electric snow melting systems, hydronic systems, which may include a boiler to heat the water, are another popular option. These systems use heated water, typically circulated through pipes embedded in the surface, to melt snow and ice. While hydronic systems can be more cost-effective for larger areas and in regions with high electrical costs, they often require more complex installation processes and initial setup costs. However, they provide a reliable solution for those looking to implement a snow melting system without relying solely on electrical energy.