The area I live in is often referred to as the “snow belt.” We are located near the northern border of the country, in close proximity to one of the Great Lakes.
Our winter season often lasts around eight months.
We expect sub zero temperatures, dangerous wind chill and lots of snow. It’s typical for our local area to accumulate fifteen feet of snow per year. Just about every morning when I get up, there’s several inches or even several feet of snow on the ground. I used to spend a fortune on heating bills and devote endless hours to shoveling and plowing. The piles of snow would grow so big and tall that I could no longer get inside the garage or access my mailbox. I eventually bought a new house equipped with a boiler heating system rather than a furnace. A hydronic heating system has a lot of advantages. It works by pumping hot water through a series of pipes that are concealed in walls and under the floor. The heat is radiated into the different rooms, creating a more even temperature and gentle comfort. There are no drafts, no influx of air contaminants and no noise. Another benefit of a boiler is the versatility of it. The heater can be linked to radiators, baseboard heaters, radiant flooring, towel warmers and even used to heat a swimming pool or hot tub. I installed a snow melt system under my front porch, sidewalks and driveway. Just like inside the house, the boiler sends hot water through hidden pipes that work to melt away snow and ice. The system automatically responds to moisture and temperature drop so that these paved areas are always clear. I no longer need to shovel, plow or worry about snow removal. I’m not fearful of slipping on the ice and don’t harm landscaping or pavement with harsh snow melt chemicals.