A heated driveway is a great feature for your home that will help you survive the winter, allowing you to forego the need to shovel and adding more convenience and comfort to your life.

But how much is a heated driveway? In this article, we will outline the average price of a heated driveway, the types of systems you can choose from, and the different factors to take into consideration that will impact the final cost to help you decide if this driveway is right for you.

How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost?

On average, the cost of a heated driveway ranges from $3,000 to $8,700, and can even go as high as $25,000. Typically, the cost per square foot will range from $12 to $25, with an additional $1 or $2 per square foot if your old driveway needs to be removed first.

Types of Heated Driveways

When it comes to cost, there are two types of heated driveways that you can choose from that could have an impact on it, making it either lower or higher, depending on what type you decide to get. These types of heated driveways are:

Electric Systems

With an electric system, coils are embedded below your driveway and connected to your power grid to produce heat. The installation cost is generally between $3,200 and $5,800, while the operating cost is dependent on how much electricity costs you. Based on average electricity rates in 2024, your heated driveway cost in Ontario would be around $3.25 to $3.90 for an hour of usage.

Hydronic Systems

This system uses pipes installed underneath your driveway, connected to a boiler, which pushes hot water through to heat the area. A hydronic system is the most expensive option, costing between $4,200 and $8,700 to install. While more expensive, on the plus side, it is more energy efficient than electrical systems.

Factors that Affect Heated Driveway Cost

There are a wide variety of factors that will ultimately affect your heated driveway price, from the type of controls to size and material to energy consumption. These factors are detailed below:

Energy Consumption

On top of the cost of installation, you also have to take into account the cost to maintain a heated driveway, particularly in relation to energy consumption if you have an electric system. Electric systems use an average of 50 to 60 watts per square foot, so a 500 square foot driveway would use 25 to 30 kilowatts (kW). It’s important to note that electricity costs have off-peak and on-peak rates, meaning usage is cheaper during the off-peak and more expensive during on-peak. In Ontario, rates in 2024 for off-peak hours were $0.13 per kWh. In this case, a 500 square foot system would cost $3.25 to $3.90 for one hour of off-peak usage. Therefore, using the same sized system for 50 hours in the winter during off-peak times would mean an additional $162 to $195 on your energy bill, which would increase depending on your on-peak usage.

Manual vs. Automated Controls

Whether you choose to have an electric or hydronic system, you’ll then have to choose if it is controlled manually or automatically. A manual control means paying closer attention to the weather forecast so that you can turn the system on in time, while an automated control means that there are sensors in the driveway that will turn the system on once it detects snow. While you need to pay more attention with manual controls, automated controls cost more.

Driveway Size

The size of your driveway greatly impacts installation costs. A smaller driveway that can only fit one car will be less expensive than a larger driveway that can fit two or more cars. For example, a 12×12 driveway will cost around $3,400 to $7,500, while a 24×24 driveway will cost $7,000 to $16,000.

Materials Used

The materials used for your new heated driveway are also a major factor in regard to cost. There are three standard materials that tend to be used for driveways: asphalt, concrete, and pavers. Asphalt costs an average of $12 to $25 per square foot, concrete costs $15 to $30, and pavers cost $20 to $50. The choice of material not only affects the upfront installation cost but also influences long-term durability and maintenance needs of your driveway.

Drainage

It is important to ensure that there is proper drainage around your driveway so that when the heat melts the snow, the water then has someplace to go without damaging the landscape. Drainage systems will add to your cost and there are options to choose from including french drains, channel drains, or a culvert pipe.

*Removing Existing Driveway

Often, old driveways will need to be removed in order for a new heated driveway to be installed, which can increase your cost.

Get a Heated Driveway Today!

Throughout this article, we have discussed the average heated driveway cost, the different types of heated driveway systems you can choose from, and the various factors that could affect the cost. Heated driveways are great investments that will make the winter months much more comfortable without the need to shovel.

At VIP Paving, with over 20 years of experience, our team is here to help you get the best driveway for your home. Contact us today to receive a free quote!

FAQs

How much is a heated driveway in Ontario?

In Ontario, the installation of a heated driveway can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,700 depending on your chosen system and other factors like the size of your driveway and materials used. If you choose an electric system, you’ll have to take into account how much electricity will cost to use it.

How much snow can a heated driveway melt and how quickly?

A heated driveway is able to melt up to two inches of snow every hour. If you have a manually controlled system, it is recommended that you turn it on as soon as you see snow beginning to fall. Snow should then start melting right away.