On Friday January 12th, 2024, the Buffalo, NY area prepped for its first large storm of the winter season. It started Friday with High Wind Warnings and 60+ MPH gusts. On Friday night at approx 9:33 PM the wind took a large branch from the maple tree in my front yard, which smashed through one of my Pella casement windows on the front of the house.

On Saturday January 13th, the snow started and by 5 PM had accumulated around 1". The driveway was activated at 5:37 PM.

The snow continued off and on as the lake effect snow band moved north and south across the area, with the areas south of the city being hit the hardest (not me).

The driveway ran for 48 hours and was eventually shut down on Monday January 15th at 5:41 PM when the driveway was dry and there was no threat of additional snow for 24+hrs.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - Broken Window
03:51 - Pre-Startup Timelapse
05:58 - System Startup
12:09 - Midtro
12:48 - Post-Startup Timelapse
21:14 - Usage Statistics & Cost
21:27 - Outro

If you’re new to my channel and want to follow this project from the beginning (in order, regardless of upload date), I highly recommend you visit my Heated Driveway / Snowmelt playlist which can be found here:    • Heated Driveway / Snow Melt System De...  

The playlist will have all of my videos in the correct order form start to present, regardless of the date I uploaded them. It starts with how I designed the PEX and Snowmelt Loop Layout, shows the process of installing the actual heated concrete slab, demonstrates how I did the math to calculate the boiler and pump sizes, installation of all of the components, and ends with lots of time-lapse of the system melting snow. It also includes snowmelt system startup and shutdown videos, as well as walkthroughs of the mechanical room, continuous circulation design and electrical system.

Below are links to several of the products, tools, video equipment and channels that I used to build the system. I receive a small commission from these links.

Products I used to build the system:
-Takagi T-H3-DV-N Tankless Water Heaters (2): https://amzn.to/3Fe6nbu
-3" Diversitech Concentric Vent Kits (2): https://amzn.to/32ja8h2
-Taco 0013-SF3 Circulator Pump Stainless Steel (3): https://amzn.to/3yVwtOh
-Taco 006-ST4 Recirc Pump (2): https://amzn.to/3eyy432
-Taco VT2218 Variable Speed ECM Pump (2): https://amzn.to/3sKVL0f
-100 Plate Flat Plate Heat Exchanger 400,000 BTU's: https://amzn.to/3pbMlsE
-Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch with SimpleWire (2): https://amzn.to/3sj3p1G
-1 1/2" Epoxy Coated Copper Tube Split Ring Extension Hangers (10): https://amzn.to/3EalIZm
-1" Epoxy Coated Copper Tube Split Ring Extension Hangers (20): https://amzn.to/33Kkd7C
-1" Swing Check Valves (5): https://amzn.to/3pBg8Lo
-10"x8" ABS Plastic Dustproof Waterproof IP65 Junction Box: https://amzn.to/3FCfbrX
-Waterproof Dustproof IP67 Junction Box Gray 6.9 x 4.9 x 3.9 inch: https://amzn.to/3pynDmn
-Wayne PC4 1/2 HP Cast Iron Pump for Filling: https://amzn.to/32L4Xqk
-Ranco ETC-111000 Digital Temperature Controls (5): https://amzn.to/3HknvNj
-Rubber Washing Machine Fill Hoses, 3/4 inch FHT, 8 Ft: https://amzn.to/3mGUzXZ

Tools I used to build the system:
-12" Adjustable Wrenches (2): https://amzn.to/3HhAzTF
-Rectorseal No. 5 Pipe Thread Sealant: https://amzn.to/3HiR0Px
-Blue Monster 1/2" Blue Teflon Tape: https://amzn.to/3JnhqBF
-High Intensity Trigger Start Mapp Gas Torch Head: https://amzn.to/3z6l0LE
-14.1 oz Bernzomatic Pre-Filled MAP-Pro Gas Torch Style Cylinders (2): https://amzn.to/3EEA1FM
-Oatey 29025 Safe-Flo Wire Solder, 1 Lb Bulk, Solid, Gray, Silver: https://amzn.to/3z6PWLI
-9'' x 12'' Welding Pad Protector, Carbon Felt Torch Soldering Heat Shield, High Temp Flame--Resistant Fabric, Plumbers Pad: https://amzn.to/3Hk9y22

What I use to record my videos and time lapse videos:
-GoPro Hero 8: https://amzn.to/3qu6ppC
-Joby JB01507 GorillaPod 3K Kit : https://amzn.to/3pClzde
-SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC Memory Card: https://amzn.to/3zdZJjd

I will be uploading more videos of the system in action each winter, as well as several videos of the installation process, including soldering, filling with glycol, venting, etc. If there is something in particular you would like to see, please ask, and I will make a video of it.

If you enjoy my content, please consider subscribing to my channel by clicking the following link:    / @deckerchristopherj  

Here are some other channels, videos and websites that helped me learn to do all of this:
Steven Lavimoniere:    / stevenlavimoniere  
My Garage Build:    / mygaragebuild  
ToooBizzy:    • Floor Heat Boiler  
Radiant Floor Company: https://www.radiantcompany.com/system...
Car Wash Forum: https://www.carwashforum.com

#heateddriveway #snowmelt #buffalo #timelapse