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FAQs for Residential Snow Melting Mats

What is the difference between the Residential and PRO Snow Melting Mats?

There are three main differences between Residential and PRO Snow Melting Mats

  1. Material Type: The rubber material used for the Industrial Mats is more durable than the thermoplastic material used in the Residential Mats. As a result, the Industrial Mats are better suited for high traffic areas with hundreds of people walking on them every day. The Residential Mats are meant to handle a few people a day.
  2. Size of Mats: The Residential Mats come in a variety of sizes perfect for the use-by-location (Walkway Mats: 20x60, 30x60, Stair Mats: 10x30, 10x48, 10x60). These sizes are sized for residential use and are likely be too small for most industrial applications. The Industrial Mats come in a variety of lengths and widths and can be made in custom sizes (see below for more details on size).
  3. Connection: In contrast to the Residential Walkway Mats that need to be daisy-chained together to cover large areas, the Industrial Walkway Mats come in large enough sizes to cover large sections of walkways without the need for multiple connector cables. For example, to cover a 20 foot long walkway with the Residential Walkway Mats, you will need 4 mats - each with a connector cable to allow them all to operate on a single plug. With the Industrial Walkway Mats, you can purchase 1 mat that is 20' long and have no connector cables along the walkway. This is preferable to the safety conscious maintenance professional. (Note: the Industrial Stair Mats do daisy-chain together as the connectors lie off to the side of the stair case and are not a safety hazard.)

HeatTrak was named a winner for both Safety and Exterior Maintenance categories for the 2022 Maintenance Innovation Awards. Learn more.

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How much does it cost to run a HeatTrak Mat?

The cost to operate the HeatTrak mat depends on the size of the mat. On average, each mat costs approximately $0.15 an hour to operate. Assuming the mat is on for 4-6 hours per snow day, the approximate cost per snow day to operate is between $0.60 and $0.90.

Do I roll the mats up after each use or can they be left outside throughout winter?

The mats are very durable and are engineered to be left out all winter long. The winter elements will not harm the mat in any way.

Do I leave the mats on all the time?

The mats only need to be left on during the snowfall and/or for a period of time after the snowfall. Best is to have an electrician wire the outlet to a switch inside the home/facility or to a snow sensor/controller (see below). This way the mats can be turned on and off from inside. It is preferable not to remove the mats from the outlet during the winter.

Will the mats wear out if I leave them on for the entire winter?

No.

Can the mats be automatically controlled?

Yes. HeatTrak offers a variety of Smart Home and Wireless accessories that will allow you to control your mats comfort of your home, including:
  • Remote Control with Outlet – Operate your mats with one click from inside your home. Our Wireless remotes are outdoor-rated and perfect for those who want to turn their mats on and off by remote control. 
  • Smart Home Wi-Fi Enabled Outlet – Our Wi-Fi Smart Home Device is perfect for those who power their lives through their Smart Phones & Smart Home Speakers. Through an app on your phone, you can control your mats ensuring your home is always free of snow of ice – even when you’re not there. Great for vacation homes and rental properties. 
  • Inline Thermostats – With our inline Thermostat Extension Cable, your mats will automatically turn on when the temperature drops below 35-degrees. An LED indicator light shines when the thermostat is activated. 

What if I do not have an electrical outlet?

These mats require an electrical outlet. If there is no outlet the mats will not work.

How many mats can plug into a single outlet?

The number of mats that can plug into a single outlet depends on the mats' total amperage and the circuit breaker rating. Most household circuits can handle 15 amps. For a listing of the amperage for each mat size, refer to the "Products" page under "Product Specifications".

What type of voltage do I need to operate the mats?

Residential Mats operate on a standard 120 Volt. Driveway Mats and Mobility Ramp Mats can be 120V, 208V or 240V. 

Will the mats work if plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet?

Yes. Since the HeatTrak Power Unit has a built-in GFCI, both should be reset if one of them trips. This is a rare occurrence, but if you suspect this is happening with your mats, call HeatTrak customer service for possible solutions.

How many stair mats can be connected with one plug?

The number of stair mats that can be connected with one plug depends on the size of the stair mat. No more than 14-amps should be put on a single plug.

How hot does the mat get?

The Mats will maintain an average temperature of 40 degrees above the ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is 0º Fahrenheit, the Mat temperature will be approximately 40º Fahrenheit.

Do I turn the mat on before it snows or after it snows?

The best way to use the HeatTrak mats is to turn them on before the snow begins to fall. This way, no snow will accumulate on the mats, since the snowflakes will evaporate as soon as they fall. If you turn the mats on after the snow has already fallen they will melt snow at a rate of 2 inches per hour.

How long does it take to melt the snow?

The mats will melt snow at an average rate of 2" per hour (approximately).

Will snow melt beyond the perimeter of the mat?

The mats heat to 40º above ambient temperature, which creates enough heat to evaporate the snow on (and in some cases around) the mats, depending on how long the mats have been on and the surface on which the mats are placed.

What happens to the water when the snow melts?

The best way to use the HeatTrak mats is to turn them on before the snow begins to fall. This way, there will not be any water accumulation when the snow melts, because the snowflakes will evaporate as soon as they land on the mat. However, you can turn the mats on after the snow has already fallen on them. In this case, give the mat a few hours to melt through the snow. When the snow melts, there will be a slight water run-off, but the run-off will go under the snow that surrounds the mat. Also, there will be small puddles on the mat until the water completely evaporates. But have no fear, these small puddles will be beneath the non-slip treading, so there will not be any slip hazard. Eventually, all the water will evaporate.

Are the mats dangerous?

No. The mats have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) below the plug. This GFCI will instantaneously shut off all power to the mat if it detects a current leakage of more than 6mA. Therefore, should there ever be a cut in the mat that could potentially cause harm, the GFCI will immediately detect it and shut off all power to the mat. Additionally, all HeatTrak products are tested and approved to the UL standard 499, and carry the mark of the TUV.

Can the mat be secured to the ground?

The HeatTrak Walkway Mats and Stair Mats are designed with grommet holes to make securing the mats both simple and effective. To secure the mats, we recommend using screws that are appropriate for that specific surface (i.e. wood screws, concrete screws, etc.).

What size are the grommet holes?

3/8".

Can I drive on the mats?

HeatTrak Residential Mats are for foot traffic only. PRO mats can be driven on.

How long is the electrical cord?
Can I use an extension cord?

The HeatTrak Power Unit comes with a 6' Cord. This Power Unit connects your system of heated mats to your exterior electrical outlet. If your mats will be more than 6’ from an electrical outlet, we suggest using a HeatTrak Watertight Cable Extender, which can safely extend the reach of your mats up to 25’ from your exterior electrical outlet.

How much do the mats weigh?

The HeatTrak Mats are a completely custom, portable solution to snow removal. Mats are heavy enough to stay in place and provide traction but light enough to be picked up and stored in the off season. Mat weights range from 3 pounds (for our 10x30 stair mat) to 22 pounds (for our large residential entrance mat), depending on size of mat.

Where are the mats made?

HeatTrak Snow & Ice Melting Mats are proudly made in North America, with manufacturing headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

How long is the warranty?

All HeatTrak Products come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

For all orders after February 15th, 2023, your warranty has a free extension and starts on October 15, 2023. 

How do I store mats in the summer months?

All HeatTrak Mats can either be rolled up or laid flat to store. Prior to storing your mats inspect all electrical cords, plugs, external thermostats, and remote control devices to ensure all are in working order and not damaged. If replacements are required, order accordingly. Mats should be cleaned with a mild dish detergent and scrub brush to remove dirt, salt, or any other debris. Hose the mats down and allow to air dry. Make sure any connector fittings are secured with caps or electrical tape to prevent ingress of water or moisture. Mats should be stored in a location where the cords and plugs cannot be cut or damaged. If you are rolling your mats for storage, the grit surface should always be on the outside and the smooth rubber on the inside. This will prevent the ends of the mat from curling.