Heated Driveway Cost
The average homeowner pays $3,900 for a heated driveway, with costs ranging from $1,300 to $7,500. Some DIY snow melt mats cost as low as $280 but they aren’t as effective. If you have a large driveway or opt for a fully automated system, your costs will run upwards of $9,600 or more.
On This Page:
| Average Cost | $3,900 |
| High Cost | $7,500 |
| Low Cost | $1,300 |
Driveway snow melt systems are another word for heated driveways and cost $3,900 on average. These systems are either automatic, using sensors to determine when the driveway needs heating, or manual, where you flip a switch to turn the heat on or off.
Installing a radiant heat driveway system costs $3,900 on average, according to our own HomeAdvisor data. However, this doesn’t include the cost to remove a driveway. Add an additional $1 to $2 per square foot to your total price if you need to get rid of the old one.
Radiant heat driveways either use electricity or rely on hydronics, where boiling water flows through pipes. Hydronic systems typically cost 30% to 50% more than electric systems.
Electric snow melt systems are a form of radiant heat and cost an average of $3,900. They heat coils beneath the driveway to melt snow.
Our HomeAdvisor cost data shows that most homeowners pay between $12 and $21 per square foot for a heated driveway. This includes materials and installation.
Installing a heated concrete driveway costs $7,550 on average but does not include removing the existing driveway. Just the cost of a concrete driveway is between $4 and $15 per square foot, not including a snow melt system.
A heated asphalt driveway can range anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000. Our data shows that most homeowners pay $8,600. For reference, an asphalt driveway costs between $7 and $13 per square foot without adding heating.
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Expect to pay between $12 and $32 per square foot for a heated sidewalk. Just the cost of the snow melt system is usually $6 to $20 per square foot.
The price of a heated walkway typically costs from $12 to $32 per square foot. Costs depend on the type of system you use, as well as if you opt for asphalt or concrete.
Installing a concrete walkway costs $6 to $12 per square foot, plus another $6 to $20 per square foot for heating. The cost to install asphalt for a walkway runs from $28 and $52 per linear foot (also not including heating).
No matter if you plan on removing your existing driveway first or laying a new driveway, you’ll need a professional to install your heated driveway. There is complex electrical and sometimes plumbing work to be done, on top of retrofitting or installing a driveway correctly.
There are DIY portable heat mats available, but they often don’t set you up with proper drainage and they don’t work nearly as well. Installing a heated driveway is a job best left to the pros.
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How much does it cost to run a heated driveway?
Following the national average of $0.08 per kilowatt per hour, you would pay $1.60 per hour for a snowstorm. Electric rates vary based on where you live. For an accurate estimate, contact your electric company or look at a bill to find costs for your area.
How do heated driveways work?
Heated driveways use radiant heat underneath the driveway to melt away snow. They either heat up with electric coils or from hot water flowing through pipes, coming from your boiler.
Where else can you install outdoor heated flooring?
Driveway heating systems can be installed under almost any driveway surface, including patios, sidewalks, and decks. Wherever you don’t want to have to shovel, you can install this same heating system under there, too, so you never have to worry about shoveling.
Remember that it’s best to have your boiler placed as near as you can to the driveway. Most systems will have a mechanism that activates the system when snow falls. Even when you’re on vacation or away from your home, your driveway will stay clear for your return.
