South Bend, Indiana, averages an annual snow accumulation of 64.5” My buddy and I sporadically have significant snow on the ground by Halloween, my buddy and I expect a white Christmas and cold frigid hot and cold temperatures for eight straight months, and it is not unregular for there to be snow on the ground at both Easter and Mother’s Day, and the snow creates a lot of work and troubles.
It can be necessary to clear the driveway multiple times per afternoon, and shoveling is work intensive and can even be dangerous due to the frigid hot and cold temperatures and wind chill.
There is also the issue of where to pile all of that snow. I am actually fortunate that my house in South Bend is equipped with a boiler heating system. The boiler connects to a series of pipes that create radiant flooring. The boiler sends hot water through these pipes and they spread heat evenly across the floor. In much the same way, the boiler affixs to a network of pipes that are installed beneath the pavement of the driveway, garage and walkways. The snowmelt system responds to the combination of temperature drop and moisture and automatically starts up, hot water circulates through the pipes, melting away snow and ice. It eliminates the need to shovel or plow and worries over slipping and falling on icy pavement. I feel actually sorry for my neighbors in South Bend when they are bundled up, shoveling their driveways in the afternoon before work. My driveway is regularly perfectly clear, plus, the inside of the house is regularly attractively warm and cozy. The boiler is efficient, effective and reliable. It requires actually little repair, operates quietly and makes the winters in South Bend much easier.