Winter can present practical challenges for cities, businesses and homeowners alike. Icy surfaces in public spaces, industrial facilities and residential areas can lead to injuries and operational downtime.
By running hydronic heating pipes under paving materials, our solution effectively melts surface-level ice to leave the ground beneath your feet safe and operational.
Hydronic snow-melting systems are valuable additions for those who have to live and work through icy winter conditions. Discover how our snow-melting solution will enable your properties, businesses and public areas to prosper all year round.
1. HOW DO HYDRONIC SNOW-MELTING SYSTEMS WORK?
Hydronic snow-melting systems work by running warm fluid through pipes that lie beneath outdoor surfaces. As the fluid circulates, the surface is heated above freezing temperatures and, therefore, melts the snow and ice that has accumulated on top.
2. WHY ARE HYDRONIC SNOW-MELTING SYSTEMS BETTER THAN ELECTRIC SNOW-MELTING SYSTEMS?
The main advantage of hydronic systems is their superior energy efficiency. By circulating warm fluid through pipes beneath the paving surface, these systems evenly disperse heat with significantly less energy than electric systems.
This efficiency not only leads to lower operational costs but, as they function at comparatively low service temperatures, it facilitates greater compatibility with renewable energy systems. This is another advantage over electric alternatives as it can further reduce running costs while improving sustainability.
While electric systems operate at an inefficient 1:1 input-to-heating-output ratio, hydronic setups can produce 4-5 times as much heat energy from the equivalent input when paired with a heat pump.
3. CAN HYDRONIC SNOW-MELTING SYSTEMS BE CUSTOMIZED TO ANY OUTDOOR SPACE?
Absolutely — we offer a comprehensive design service to make sure your hydronic setup is perfectly aligned with your outdoor area.
Based on the information you provide, we will develop a system layout proposal, detailed heating-capacity calculations, energy-saving estimates, complete product and accessory specifications, technical drawings and installation guidelines — demonstrating a complete picture of your new snow-melting solution.
We can then use this information to manufacture a prefabricated system tailored to your space for faster, error-free installations.
4. ARE HYDRONIC SNOW-MELTING SYSTEMS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
Yes, hydronic systems are certainly an environmentally friendly snow and ice removal method.
They operate at relatively low temperatures and, therefore, have minimal energy requirements. Because of this, they are also well suited to renewable energy systems, such as heat pumps, which can further improve their overall sustainability.
Furthermore, the melting of hydronic snow and ice mitigates the need for road salt, which has severe environmental consequences. Salt is eventually washed into local water bodies via rainwater runoff, impacting animal and plant life and potentially toxifying drinking water sources.
5. CAN I INTEGRATE A SNOW-MELTING SYSTEM WITH MY EXISTING UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
Yes, integrating with existing hydronic underfloor heating is not only possible but can also bring down the cost of your snow-melting solution through the utilization of existing assets.
By connecting snow-melting pipes to your underfloor heating manifold and boiler, you can use the same energy infrastructure that keeps your indoor spaces warm to ensure paths and driveways remain ice-free while avoiding unnecessary additional purchases.
6. HOW COST-EFFECTIVE ARE SNOW-MELTING SYSTEMS?
Hydronic snow-melting systems are very cost-effective to run, thanks to their low operating temperatures and minimal energy requirements. These not only decrease standard energy bills but also facilitate excellent compatibility with renewable systems like heat pumps for further cost reductions.
7. HOW LONG DO PIPELIFE HYDRONIC SNOW-MELTING SYSTEMS LAST?
Pipelife hydronic snow-melting systems are manufactured from high-quality raw materials to last at least 50 years with minimal maintenance.
8. HOW MUCH DO PIPELIFE HYDRONIC SNOW-MELTING SYSTEMS COST?
Our hydronic snow-melting systems are competitively priced. They are bespoke solutions designed to the custom requirements of your outdoor area, and the price varies accordingly. Please get in touch with your local Pipelife partner for a detailed offer.
9. WHERE CAN I BUY A PIPELIFE HYDRONIC SNOW-MELTING SYSTEM?
You can buy hydronic snow-melting systems directly from your local Pipelife partner. We are present in over 20 European countries, all of whom will be happy to field any of your purchasing inquiries. For more details, see the list of our operating countries at the bottom of the page.