Answering the Top 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions About my Buffalo NY Heated Driveway - [12-3-22]

In this video, I answer the Top 5 most frequently asked questions from the comments about my Heated Driveway Snowmelt system in Buffalo, NY.
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - Question 5 - Electricity Use
04:42 - Question 4 - How Hot Does it Get?
08:54 - Question 3 - Where Does The Water Go?
10:37 - Question 2 - How Much Does It Cost To Run?
15:33 - Question 1 - How Much Did This Cost?
23:23 - Outro
In 2020, I designed, built and installed a snow melt system for my 1,600 sq ft Heated Driveway. After over 100 videos, I have received several questions over and over again in the comments section, so I've decided to answer the top 5 most frequently asked with this video. Hopefully this helps some of you understand exactly how this system works & how much it costs, and inspires you to build your own if you're inclined to do so.
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...
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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Products I used to build the system:
-Takagi T-H3-DV-N Tankless Water Heaters (2): amzn.to/3Fe6nbu
-3" Diversitech Concentric Vent Kits (2): amzn.to/32ja8h2
-Taco 0013-SF3 Circulator Pump Stainless Steel (3): amzn.to/3yVwtOh
-Taco 006-ST4 Recirc Pump (2): amzn.to/3eyy432
-Taco VT2218 Variable Speed ECM Pump (2): amzn.to/3sKVL0f
-100 Plate Flat Plate Heat Exchanger 400,000 BTU's: amzn.to/3pbMlsE
-Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch with SimpleWire (2): amzn.to/3sj3p1G
-1 1/2" Epoxy Coated Copper Tube Split Ring Extension Hangers (10): amzn.to/3EalIZm
-1" Epoxy Coated Copper Tube Split Ring Extension Hangers (20): amzn.to/33Kkd7C
-1" Swing Check Valves (5): amzn.to/3pBg8Lo
-10"x8" ABS Plastic Dustproof Waterproof IP65 Junction Box: amzn.to/3FCfbrX
-Waterproof Dustproof IP67 Junction Box Gray 6.9 x 4.9 x 3.9 inch: amzn.to/3pynDmn
-Wayne PC4 1/2 HP Cast Iron Pump for Filling: amzn.to/32L4Xqk
-Ranco ETC-111000 Digital Temperature Controls (5): amzn.to/3HknvNj
-Rubber Washing Machine Fill Hoses, 3/4 inch FHT, 8 Ft: amzn.to/3mGUzXZ
Tools I used to build the system:
-12" Adjustable Wrenches (2): amzn.to/3HhAzTF
-Rectorseal No. 5 Pipe Thread Sealant: amzn.to/3HiR0Px
-Blue Monster 1/2" Blue Teflon Tape: amzn.to/3JnhqBF
-High Intensity Trigger Start Mapp Gas Torch Head: amzn.to/3z6l0LE
-14.1 oz Bernzomatic Pre-Filled MAP-Pro Gas Torch Style Cylinders (2): amzn.to/3EEA1FM
-Oatey 29025 Safe-Flo Wire Solder, 1 Lb Bulk, Solid, Gray, Silver: amzn.to/3z6PWLI
-9'' x 12'' Welding Pad Protector, Carbon Felt Torch Soldering Heat Shield, High Temp Flame--Resistant Fabric, Plumbers Pad: amzn.to/3Hk9y22
What I use to record my videos and time lapse videos:
-GoPro Hero 8: amzn.to/3qu6ppC
-Joby JB01507 GorillaPod 3K Kit : amzn.to/3pClzde
-SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC Memory Card: 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
#heateddriveway #snowmelt #buffalo

[@kangaroogod]

Being In the trade, I can pretty much guarantee your installation is far and above what almost any professional would do. Well done sir! Enjoyed the video

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for being a supporter form the beginning! 😊

[@RadDadisRad]

It’s a good install. I’ve done plenty of these in commercial and residential systems. I am used to the orange Wirsbo/Uponor non permeable membrane PEX A tubing.

[@JamminClemmons]

@@RadDadisRad - Can it be installed inside new poured blacktop? **THAT** is the big question. I see nothing but concrete driveways.

[@trailheadmedia5578]

@@JamminClemmons it can, however it requires MANY more BTUs per square foot to heat due to the sand bed and general construction of an asphalt driveway. It’s entirely possible, but is usually beyond cost prohibitive.

[@RayneAngelus]

@@trailheadmedia5578 Could you not put some sort of radiant barrier between the sand bed and the business part of the driveway? Or would that throw a wrench in the whole process?

[@xvsj5833]

Brilliantly explained, if you don’t live in an area that has winter snow. You will never appreciate how much back breaking shovel and snow blowing work has been eliminated. Thank you ☺️

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks X VSJ! I agree with you completely, those that have never done it have no idea how back breaking even snow blowing can be. One of the main reasons I built it was to save my lower back and because I didn't have anywhere to put the snow. Thanks for your kind comments, and thanks for watching! 😊

[@RayneAngelus]

Anyone who says, "This is a mess, he doesn't know what he's doing!"...doesn't know what they're talking about. Those are some clean, tight runs, and those distribution manifolds are grade A. You are a DIY inspiration!

[@Alx7168]

Look at those clean copper sweats

[@MrDippncope]

I had a heart attack 2 years ago and the only thing that the doctor has told me I cannot do is shovel snow, I found your videos yesterday and made the mistake of showing my wife 🙂 She wants this system at our house now, but I am still enjoying yelling she missed a spot while watching her shovel. I subscribed now and will watch all of your videos. Thoroughly impressed so far. Thank you

[@starlink3125]

Just spend 10K on a mini tractor and blower, More fun and then have the fun of repairing it every year. or not

[@michaelmaas5544]

You could by a tractor cheaper than you could have this installed.

[@iamme2522]

For 10 grand? That’s worth every penny. I tip my hat to you. I’m in nyc and don’t get anywhere near the amount of snow you get and I think it’s worth that here. Kudos to you

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks! Not everyone will agree, but I've been very happy with the investment so far. I had fun building it too so its a win-win. Thanks for watching!

[@rjthomasindyusa]

This is the pinnacle of KZbin. Its enjoyable and educational watching a passionate person pursue their vision. You got yourself a new subscriber.... I am a remodel contractor in Colorado that specialized in mid-high end remodels. I agree with the other comments... the organization of your workflow is better than 90% of the sub contractors that I deal with on a regular basis.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Robert!! I appreciate your kind comments! 😊

[@johnpalmer5131]

Agree 100%… beats the heck of all the reality tv and link-bait on on many channels.

[@brandonv8721]

send me your info, debating doing some basement finishing, and possibly adding a supplemental hydronic in the basement/garage.

[@milehighkit4725]

The entire system is so impressive! I would probably set up a chair so I could have my morning coffee with my creation.

[@kjg0405]

What a fantastic install. I was a home builder for many years and had some amazing tradesman sub contract for me. You are as good as my plumbing and HVAC contractor if not better when it comes to the finished product. To get something to look this nice is a true art form. The functionality of your system is terrific. I also own a very large commercial building with 1200 SF of sidewalk in a downtown with lots of foot traffic. I installed a similar system for the sidewalk but my glycol loop has an added benefit of solar thermal heating of the glycol with a natural gas boiler backup. My system turns on automatically thanks to temperature and moisture sensors located on the roof of the building. If it gets cold enough and the moisture percentage in the air is high enough the system turns on. It was one of the best investments I ever made at the building. I never have to shovel snow or throw salt down ever again. That alone, is worth every penny I spent. Also, I receive a substantial discount on liability insurance from my carrier because of the snow melt system. Zero chance of slip and fall lawsuits!! Again, congratulations on your install. You should be very proud.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for your kind comments mjg! I did install the Tekmar socket for the fully automated controls, and ran the conduit into the utility room before the pour. I just haven't been able to bring myself to spend $1,200 in the controls when the manual method has been working well. Maybe someday (and I'll do a video on it 😀). For now, thanks for leaving such a nice comment and thanks for watching. I appreciate it!

[@murda2999]

What a hero to every DIY homeowner! Amazing project.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Matthew! 😊

[@doug2078]

Chris ! You explain things perfectly ! I think It was a Great Investment 👍 You did a fantastic Job ! P.S. You would have Never found a contractor to do as good a job as you did. As a Carpenter for over 30 years. The trade industry is suffering from a lack of skilled and honest workers. Looking forward to your next projects !

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Doug!! 😊

[@TakenTook]

The other thing about hiring a service to plow your driveway is that they can't be everywhere at once. They will have a list of clients they have to get to after every snowfall -- and your house might be scheduled early in the day, or it might be late in the day. If you have to leave for work before then, you're either going to compress part of the snow down into two tracks of ice on your path out of the driveway, or you're going to have to get out the shovel and snowblower to do part of the driveway yourself before you leave. That was part of the reason I decided to move to a condo a number of years ago, because I just couldn't keep up with the snow removal as I got older, and I couldn't count on my snow removal service to be there on time most days because I leave for work early. It also means I no longer have to deal with mowing the lawn or hiring a lawn service, raking leaves, cleaning out gutters, etc. It was nice owning a single family home when my kid was growing up, but there is a lot of physical labor involved.

[@larryb4122]

Many thanks to you for all the hard work you have shared. We are much the same. Builders, fixers and problem solvers. I can 100% appreciate your entire journey to get this system installed and purring. Your journey has been inspirational and I look to use your exoerience as I build my own system.. There will always be naysayers. Those who lack the faith in themselves and therefore try to badmouth or minimize your accomplishment. Small minds are everywhere. That is their problem. Not your problem! Thanks for sharing. Great Job!

[@Chilly383]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

You're welcome, Will. Thank YOU for taking the time to watch it and provide me feedback! 😊

[@rexrexford5249]

Very nice presentation, thanks for taking the time to share all the particulars in a very interesting and comprehensive way.

[@testmail7916]

Wow that's crazy that you did so much of this yourself! Very inspiring!

[@nickperone7573]

This is just amazing! American Ingenuity at its best! Shoveling a driveway is nothing but a complete "waste of time", however with your engineering skills, you can now use that time to invent and plan other sophisticated processes to make the world a better place! It's no wonder the United States is the world leader in all engineering/architecture feats when we have citizens like you! God Bless You, Your Driveway, and the U.S.A!

[@dougduddles8464]

I am seriously impressed by your workmanship! I never would have guessed that that wasn't done by a very competent professional! Very well done!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Doug! You may like the rest of my channel where I show how I actually built it too. You can find it here: kzbin.info/aero/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD Thanks for watching!

[@davedavis662]

I think you did a masterful job with the install and design, your explanation was so informative. I lived in upstate NY for several years off Lake Ontario, it was brilliant of you to do this install. I’m sure your neighbors are envious to no end I know I am. And yes I agree with a statement you made in a previous video, the people in your area of the country are amazing and help each other every chance they can.

[@unclebuck5051]

Awesome work, the quality and attention to detail is mind-blowing. Next level DIY stuff for sure. Thanks for taking the time to document it all. I agree with the other commenters in that I doubt any contractor would've come up with that layout.

[@CarlKettler]

Just discovered your channel. Beautiful installation! I'm in Chicago and my "free" snow shovel labor grew up and moved out. I keep thinking of doing this. You've given me new inspiration.

[@tsunaminorth]

Just found your site and watched the Timelapse install, and this excellent explanation to your FAQs. Well done, great channel and some fantastic well explained videos! This is now on my bucket list of things I’d like to do 😉

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for your kind comments, Robert! I'm glad you found my channel and enjoy the install and Time Lapse videos. I'm glad I have inspired you to maybe build your own someday 😊. Thanks for being here and watching! -Chris

[@rickpawl]

That installation is a work of art. You’re an artist! I totally get it. And I love the videos!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Rick! 😊

[@Scheffy93]

I am a steamfitter/welder and we do snowmelt and other hydronic systems on a much bigger scale but it's pretty cool to see a diy system in your house. Excellent craftsmanship brother looks great!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Caleb! I appreciate that coming form a professional like yourself! Thanks for watching!

[@StBernardFan]

This is awesome! Thanks for the videos! I just got a new driveway 2 years ago and wish I had done some driveway heater of some sort. Ive had solar for going on 2 yrs and its great. It doesn’t produce as much as I had hoped but still worth it to me.

[@seanevans6901]

Very clear, articulate and passionate......well done!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thank you, SeanEvans! 😊

[@chrisc395]

Really appreciate you taking the time to break it all down and adding chapters to the video. New subscriber and damn gad I found you. Recently relocated to Orlando Florida and I'm thinking about installing one of these. There was a dusting here back in 1977 so to say I'm "concerned" would be an understatement.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

😂😂 Thanks for watching!

[@davidmahan4160]

Just watched this video, I've previously seen another of your videos of your heated driveway working. Amazing, I doubt I'll ever need one, but interesting all the same. Can't quite believe some of the speculative questions you've had to field. Awesome work a great feat of engineering. 👍

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for watching and commenting, David!!

[@ianyoung5857]

It's good to see another geek doing stuff like this, and the fact that you're making content to share your experience is incredible. This is one of those projects that I know I'm going to end up doing eventually and you've definitely provided some great information. Subscribed.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Ian, I really appreciate your comment and thanks for the subscription. Hopefully you find my videos helpful for your project and if you ever have any questions just ask! Thanks again for watching!

[@reallybadaim118]

This has been amazing to watch. I live in Texas so it isn't necessary here. On the rare occasion it snows like that here we just pop open a beer and wait a few hours watching TV and we're good.

[@belladriver258]

I love how he starts with the truth. I hate long videos he started with it doesn’t cost all your electricity, I didn’t cared to pay whatever but now you have my attention I really have to wait until winter to try to be you 🥰

[@ericstout4122]

Thank you for doing this thorough explanation very well spoken. Cheers!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for your feedback, Eric! Glad you're here!

[@mikechan231]

I always figured a heated driveway was a bad idea because it would be hundreds of dollars in extra utilities, but then I realized that I’m paying $1000 a season to the plow guy…..

[@MYJ61]

Chris, I am super impressed with your system! Especially when you said you had no previous experience. Rich Trethewy would be proud!

[@jedisparky]

That system is brilliant and amazing! Well done. Excellent job. Amazing how clean it looks. You not being in a trade is just incredible. Good for you, I'm glad you enjoyed building it. What a great project 👏 👌 👍

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Michael!

[@Mikej1592]

Thanks! you answered my number 1 question, cost to in stall. Also it looks fantastic, I love how neatly routed everything is and well organized. great job man, it is far more complicated than I imagined, and being hydro rather than electrical blew my mind.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Hey Mikej1592! You're welcome, thank you for your compliments! It wasn't easy to fit everything in such a small space, but I enjoyed taking my time and figuring it out while keeping it looking neat. To me, it's amazing how many people in the comments think this system is electric. At least where I am, that would be much more expensive to operate than natural gas. Once I add the Solar Panels I could see going with an electric system, but even then I would have to crunch the numbers to see if it would be worth it. Thanks again for watching and your kind words!

[@vincentgregory8070]

Hi Chris glad to find another Buffalo native on the Tube. Merry Christmas & Go Bills!!!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Hi Vincent!! I love seeing comments from Buffalo folks! I actually added the score from the Dolphins game to my most recent video from Saturday night here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gniphH2Qf5amgJo 😂. Hopefully you enjoy my content and will subscribe for more 😊 Thanks again for watching, Go Bills, and Merry Christmas!

[@CharlahMurphah]

10K for materials? That's amazing Chris! Plus that, your labor, and the concrete are ALL TAX DEDUCTIBLE capital improvements for the cost basis of your house when you sell. Very much looking forward to going through your library and the upcoming solar project

[@ryancarlson1041]

I have to put a new driveway in and this is on my radar now. Thanks for the videos I plan on watching them.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

You're welcome, Ryan! I'm glad you found my channel and enjoy the videos. I'm glad I have inspired you to maybe build your own someday 😊. Thanks for being here and watching! -Chris

[@brucemcdougall7282]

Your setup looks overwhelming in my eyes because things I don t know about heating a driveway. Awesome idea for a snow belt area, thanks for sharing . Bruce in Angola NY

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

H Bruce! It looks worse than it is, primarily because it's so much crammed into a small area. If I had more space to spread it out, it would make more sense. I do have several layout videos on my Chanel if you want to learn more: kzbin.info/aero/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD I think you'll find its not as bad as you think, just follow the flow of the heat and water / glycol! Thanks for watching!

[@fillko007]

I install my own radiant floor system in my 3400sf house renovation. Parts was about $10k-13k. I also used Takagi (9.99k btu) tankless under 10K btu, which means no special boiler permit in my area. I used 1 inch pex as the interconnects. The Ryobi crimp ring crimper from Homedepot saved alot of time. Started using manual copper ring crimper, but changed to the stainless rings using a powertool. The tool is under $100, best tool I've bought.

[@davidjamieson4974]

I just want to say thank you for the whole experience. The videos you have provided have inspired me to do a hydronic system of my own. I am planning to expand my system this summer. I poured a 8' x 20' porch with pex in the concrete this year, with tubes sticking out for a sidewalk in the spring. I will share pics when it is done. It is not as well done as yours, but I do thank you for the direction. Please keep up the videos! Amazing job by the way. I can't wait to see the solar project.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

You're welcome, David! I'm glad my videos and project inspired you with your setup and helped you with the install this past summer / fall. I can't wait to see the results! Please keep me informed! You have my e-mail address! 😉 -Chris

[@johntatman9168]

You sir are amazing. I love the analogy of playing golf or driving expensive cars. This is a piece of art not just a mechanical masterpiece.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for your kind comments John! I appreciate having you as a subscriber!

[@hawkeyetec]

Any one that researches, crunches the numbers and is willing to do what it takes. Its called a sense of acompiishment. including fixed expenses... bravo well done. Ps. I was quoted 90 k about a decade ago. 10 cars capacity...

[@BigmoRivera]

Nicely Done Christ 😉👍🏽You Are The Men Keep Up The Good Work.

[@DianaLeRoiSchmidt]

Thank you so much for going through all those details and faqs. As a fellow northeast resident a heated driveway sounds awesome. Between shoveling and the cost of plowing ($75 a pop these days) this system would pay for itself very quickly. Thanks again for sharing all the steps along the way for others to learn.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

You're welcome, Diana. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment, and thank for watching my videos! 😊

[@OtheaDND]

amazing video. thank you so much for sharing.

[@Amyjo_lovesmusic]

I am not sure how your video got into my feed, but it is very interesting. I work at a Mechanical HVAC Contractor in Michigan (in the office, not field, lol) and we do some commercial snowmelt. Stunning piping job! It is amazing that someone who is not in the Trades took on this project by yourself. Great job and I look forward to checking out some of your other videos.

[@pooh6546]

What a fantastic video Chris, you seem like an awesome guy, this project is a lot of work and the best part is that you like it! Warren Buffett said it best, "there is nothing better than figuring out something that you like to do", looking forward to watching your videos, the amount of detail that you put into recording and editing and everything is absolutely incredible, keep up the hard work sir and I hope your channel keeps growing!!😊

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my videos and for leaving such a nice comment! 😊 While I'm far from a professional, I am trying my best with the channel content and editing. Hopefully it's improving 😊. If you ever have any question about anything, just ask and I would be happy to answer them. Thanks again!!

[@fordtrknut]

I am from northern New Jersey and I believe that what you did is awesome. We get big snow at times, but not as much as you do for sure. I need to redo my driveway soon, so I may look into what you did. I am not getting any younger and I would love to flip a switch, then watch all the young whipper-snappers shovel chest deep snow as I drink hot coffee from inside the house. Best part is you did it all yourself....Good Job Sir!!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thank you fordtrknut, really appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave this comment. The reason I started this channel was to show others what I had accomplished, and maybe inspire someone else like yourself! 😊 I’m starting an Amazon store with all of the parts I used here: www.amazon.com/shop/chrisdecker and I’m looking into maybe opening an Etsy store with more in depth material lists and possibly offering consulting sessions, we’ll see. If I can answer any questions for you, just ask. Thanks for watching!

[@SandySez]

This just got SOOO much more interesting and impressive when I realized you planned, researched, engineered & DIY'd!! From a 60 yr old homeowner in Fla, LOL.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

😊

[@blakepezz]

You are a cool dude. So honest and real, and a reasonable truth! Thank you for this video

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Blake!! I really appreciate your kind comment! Thank you for taking the time to watch!! 😊

[@jayreddy6887]

Amazing job. Hats off.

[@CosmicStargoat]

I love this channel and am so glad I found it. I am a big fan of science and especially atmospheric science. Regards from Ruthless Reviews.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

I'm glad you like it and I'm glad you found it too! I get alot of haters so it's nice to get folks who appreciate and enjoy my content. Thanks for being here!

[@MBarker397]

Great video, I really appreciate your openness and willingness to break it all down, most would not.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks M Barker, I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment and provide feedback! I enjoy sharing my progress with others, and I am by no means a professional or perfect, so I make plenty of mistakes. I believe the important thing is that I (we) all learn from them moving forward! Thanks again for being here, I'm glad to have someone like yourself watching my videos!

[@MBarker397]

@Christopher J Decker it makes me want to go out and build something like this, although in Tennessee it's not really needed. 🤣

[@makingtechsense126]

As a fellow IT Engineer I can relate to your love of building things around the house.

[@Jordan-ws6jy]

Appreciate the video as well as your time and effort 👌

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Jordan! 😊

[@totaleXess]

Good stuff Chris! Awesome job and real inspiring

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave positive feedback! Lots more to come! 😊 Thanks again for watching!

[@notanaive]

I agree with you. You're a great guy.❤

[@maryhoffman2547]

Appreciate your knowledge and sharing it! Wanting to move to north, this will help us so much!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Glad it helps, Mary. Thanks for watching!

[@BIGHAMZA]

How this man does not have at least 100K subscribers is beyond me. You are awesome.

[@adamfuhrman]

I have to say I did something very similar when I bought my first house, there was some old galvanized steel pipes in the house and I did the research and replaced the entire plumbing in the house with pex, added a water softener, purifier, and a tankless water heater for hot water. I did all the work but run the new gas lines. I was fine with water leaking and fixing that but gas scared me a little and i left that to a pro. I wish more people would be curious and take a leap of faith to try to do something new. I am a research chemist and was just confident me and my best friend who is a computer science guy as well could figure it out.

[@AlbertSalem-pt8li]

Awesome Video! Love the fact that you did it yourself! Hats off.. I'm in the process of building my house and my plumber suggested not to use a separate boiler for the snow melt and use a heat exchanger instead and feed off of Lochinvar 285K boiler... I was a bit skeptical since most plumbers immediately tell you that you need a separate boiler for snow melt otherwise it's no good, I'm glad I found your video, I do trust the plumber I went with and looking forward to seeing the system in play. Thanks!

[@Cin0s3]

Great explanation, congrats on all the time and money spent and getting it all figured out in the end! Sub added!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for the positive feedback, and thanks for subscribing! 😊

[@andyanderson4357]

Great job!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Andy! 😊

[@HomesteadEngineering]

This thing is so cool I am tempted to build one myself... and I live in Florida! :)

[@oby-1607]

Really love your system and attitude. Research and shopping around is the way to go to take on a project like this. Now, I would like to mimic this with my 650 foot driveway. That antifreeze is expensive and I have it in my home heating system tied to a boiler. End note is pex is awesome.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks! 😊

[@kitbram2033]

Such a nice job.🙌

[@LawnPusher]

Great channel. Videos are on point. Love your driveway. Congrats on the GoPro and Mic upgrades!!! Check out the enduro batteries for cold weather

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks!!! 😊. I will definitely check out the enduro batteries, thanks for the suggestion!!

[@paulk8io445]

Your work is stellar! Your dress, fit, and finish is top shelf.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Paul, I really appreciate that! 😊

[@letsfixit1594]

Great info, well presented.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for your positive feedback and for watching! I appreciate it!

[@amykelemen3383]

This was a great video. Well done! I just subscribed and will start watching your others.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Amy! 😊 I kind up uploaded them all out of order over the past few years, so if you want to start at the beginning and watch them in order, I recommend the playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD Thank you for being a subscriber, and thanks again for taking time out of your day to watch my videos / projects! 😊

[@taylorsutherland6973]

Nice work! I love hudronics.

[@TedErhartCFP]

It occurred to me that whether you use an electric pump to move antifreeze, a gas powered snow blower or other machinery, or your good old back and a shovel, it takes energy to remove snow. The beauty of this system is it takes none of your time outside of turning it on. Very cool!

[@TheMonkdad]

Nice video. Very easily understood and clear audio.👍

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks TheMonkdad! Some of my older videos had horrible audio from the GoPro mount, so hopefully the new microphones sound better. I'm happy with them so far! Thanks again for taking the time to comment and leave positive feedback. I appreciate having you watch my videos! Thanks again!

[@Cheez1979]

Man your videos are awesome I want to do the same thing. I don’t need a heated driveway I live in California. But for my floors in my house I’ll work great. Thank you so much. Looks fun too ..

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave a comment! I checked out your channel and it's great, I subscribed!

[@Mr1973240Z]

You are a genius! Great job!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks! 😊

[@edstevens9357]

The thought you don’t get your finger stuck in the snowblower is priceless

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

That is definitely an added benefit of this system, Ed! Thanks for watching!

[@EpicATrain]

Wow, wasn't expecting this. Awesome.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for watching!

[@EpicATrain]

@@DeckerChristopherJ I have no clue how this came up on my watch feed but you got a +1 from me.

[@GabrielSBarbaraS]

From Dunkirk NY here, I was an HVAC designer/ installer and put my own system in my home with a firewood fired boiler that I got for free from someone in Buffalo. Thought about hot water ice melting the first 15 feet of driveway due to plows always filling it up and also running pipes under steps and stairwells for safety but never did. I found out the best way to save a bunch of money on snow and cold is by moving down South. We moved down to Charlotte NC 15 years ago and never looked back. We pay less with a heat pump to heat our whole home ( maybe 50 cents a hour ) than you do for your driveway per hour. Stay warm my NY friend. ( By the way I love your build, put in many hydronic systems in my working years and yours looks like a fun build )

[@nxxdefiant]

wow so cool thank you for the content

[@michaelgoble8200]

Everything here just blows my mind. On a good day, I can tell the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver but my brain was not built for DIY stuff. My background is in English literature, especially Shakespeare. There is no crossover between analyzing "Hamlet" and heating a driveway.

[@bikeny]

Considering how nice and neat the Pex tubing is arranged, I imagine your datacenter computer racks have similarly neat cables.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks for the compliments, Stephen! I do tend to keep thing organized and neat! Wait until the Solar panels are installed this spring 😉. Thanks for watching!

[@John-ss8tu]

You have some serious skills! I'm one of your new subscribers, not sure how it came up in my feed but I really enjoy your channel. I'm contemplating adding a radiant loop in my living room floor (ever since we took out the carpeting the room is cooler). I noticed that we have stubs in our main hot water trunk line for a radiator that was removed before we bought the house 30 years ago (We live in a 100 year old Tonawanda house). I think the circulating temp might be too high for radiant but I'd hate to lose the opportunity. Maybe I'll just add another radiator.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks John! I'm glad the KZbin algorithm lead you to my channel, and I'm honored to have you as a subscriber. Thank you for that! I did staple-up radiant under a good part of my 100 year old house and it works great. If you have radiator temperature water (180ºF) you could always use a mixing valve to temper it down to the 120º you would probably want for the radiant. Just be careful that the colder returns don't condense the boiler. Maybe you could wire it so that it only ran when another zone was calling? I don't have experience with this, just throwing out ideas, but I would think if you talked to a pro it could be done! Thanks for subscribing to my channel and watching my videos!

[@saratemp790]

This would make a lot of sense for new builds in the area.

[@UncleEarlHeatingAirCondition]

Chris, im new to your channel ,and it comes at good time. We have not had a nice driveway since we built 18 years ago. We have class a 5 gravel driveway. Always wanted concrete with a heated driveway, but installation and operating cost back then was in outer space!! Im having knees replacement, and it's time to re-visit this option. Im going to take the time to go over your videos. Our basement is still unfinished. $10,000 IS NOT a LOT OF MONEY COMPARED IF YOU HIRED SOMEONE, AS YOU SAID. I GOT A $80,000 BID 18 YEARS AGO, PRICE INCLUDING THE DRIVEWAY. Thank you for sharing your journey!!

[@duke3039]

Simply brilliant design and explanation. The only thing I would recommend adding is "permits" if required in your area for the tankless water-heaters. IMPRESSIVE....also loved the time-lapse video.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Great suggestion, thanks! I'm sure you've found the rest of my channel by now, but I have several more time lapse videos there if interested. You can find it here: kzbin.info/aero/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD Thanks for watching!

[@NickKarlin7010]

This mechanical room is a work of art

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Nick! You can see lots more of it here if you're interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD including how I built it. Thanks for your kind comment and thanks for watching!

[@firecracker3911]

Excellent! Thanks

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching! More on my channel here if you're interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD

[@collegedegree8506]

I live in Maine, we get a lot of snow, had over 3ft built up at one point this year. If we had a 24hr snow, it’d cost me ~$24-$30 to clear my driveway versus the $35 for a plow service that I have to wait on someone else to get the time to do my driveway. If I’ve got work at 7am the next morning, I’m struggling to get out of my driveway until the plow service comes at 10 or 11 depending on the storm and number of other driveways before they can get to mine. I’m definitely installing one of these. Great videos, well done, thank you.

[@JALEEN1994]

Awesome job especially for never doing plumbing before , 10k is a lot less than what a contractor woulda charged you ! You did an excellent job I’m a fan

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks!! If you like this, I have several more projects coming so hopefully you’ll stick around! Thanks for your kind comments and thanks for watching!!

[@jrsydvl100]

Amazing.

[@vitalikd]

You are the man sir, good job!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Jeff! 😊

[@vitalikd]

While people watch stupid videos and laugh, you showed them how it’s done. I’m mechanical engineering myself working as a semi truck service manager and fix lots of things myself and build and truly get the joy after building or fixing something tough. And watching you did this awesome installation- truly amazed me. I just installed tankless heater and learned how to soldier copper and here we met, you saying the same thing) very happy for you and your family. They have great man, husband and dad! May God bless you and give you more wisdom in what you do.

[@nz7476]

Amazing job. I would love to do this to my driveway sometime. And many thx for all the videos showing how its done

[@rolyfisher9137]

Over ten thousand subscribers to a guy whose videos represent, imho, over $50K in an effort to keep snow and ice off his driveway. Not including the cost of operating the system. America, what a country! And yes, I do appreciate the engineering, expertise and professionalism which went into building it. Subscribed!

[@Jreaddy]

You did an amazing job, wow, that’s really awesome and a great money save. I would definitely try it but I live in Florida lol.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks J Rettii! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave a positive comment, even from sunny, warm Florida 😂. I have lots of other videos on my channel if you want to see more of what we deal with: kzbin.info/aero/PLdWeMRuZcbQjekwiBk_uy39IS6JFWYORD Thanks again for watching!

[@davidmcnerney3048]

U have a new fan from W Seneca. Genius enginuity.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Hey David! Always happy to see comments from fellow WNY folks! Thanks for your compliments, and thanks for watching! 😊

[@dennispedersen7460]

Hiya Chris! Now, seeing the previous videos where the system was showed, that fails in comparison to THIS video! It is a BEAST!!! So, you have a manual so you can get out safely and not getting lost ? Goodness it is absofreakinglutely massiiiiiiiiiive!!!!!! And thank you so much for going deeper down into the Hows, the What’s and the “this is how I get it to do it’s job!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Hi Dennis! It's actually not as big or complicated as it looks. As for a manual, I guess this channel is my manual?? 😂 I designed and built it all from scratch so I have a pretty good idea what's going on. I'm glad you enjoy the videos and channel. Lots more to come in the future! 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@dennispedersen7460]

@@DeckerChristopherJ well you’re used to look at it, but for me seeing it as it is, is looks very big 🤣🤣 YT manual - hahahaha

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

😊

[@matthewcioppi2508]

im also from buffalo! good shit man. i work in hvac too nice system!

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Thanks Matthew!! Go Bills!! 😊

[@CosmicStargoat]

Well, as a meteorologist, it is technically never too cold to snow. What it is, is less likely to snow the colder it gets. The reason is that colder air has less capability to hold moisture than warmer air. Air cools, then condenses. So, the colder it has gotten, the more condensation has already taken place.

[@DeckerChristopherJ]

Exactly! Great Explination! In my most recent video during the Blizzard, it was 4ºF at 3 AM and still snowing, so it's definitely possible, just doesn't happen the often. 😊 I'm kind of honored that a meteorologist likes my channel and videos! Thanks for your comment!