1. How much does it cost to run a HeatTrak mat?
2. Do I roll the mats up after every use or can
they be left outside for a long period of time?
3. Do
I leave the mats on all the time?
4. Can the
mats be automatically controlled?
5. How many
mats can plug into a single outlet?
6. What type
of voltage do I need to operate the mats?
7. Will
the mats work with a GFCI outlet?
8. How many
stair treads can be connected with one plug?
9. How
hot does the mat get?
10. Do I turn on the mat
before it snows or after it snows?
11. How long
does it take to melt the snow?
12. What happens
to the water when the snow melts?
13. Are the
mats dangerous?
14. Can the mat be secured to
the ground?
15. Can I drive on the mats?
16.
How long is the electrical cord?
17. Can
HeatTrak make me a custom-sized mat?
18. How
much do the mats weigh?
19. How many years will
the mats last?
20. How long is the warranty?
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. (back to questions)
The mats are very durable and are designed to be left outside for the entire winter season. The winter elements will not harm the mat in any way. (back to questions)
The mats only need to be left on during the snowfall and/or for a period of time after the snowfall. The mats have an on/off switch attached to the plug. You can either turn the mat off when it is not snowing or you can unplug it. (back to questions)
Yes. There are automatic controllers that can turn your mat on and off. HeatTrak sells two types of controllers. The first is a thermostat controller (EH38) that plugs directly into the outlet. This controller will power the outlet whenever the temperature drops below 38 degrees Fahrenheit. This controller sells for $30 and does not require any professional installation. The second is a snow sensing controller. This device will turn on the mat whenever it senses moisture AND the temperature is below the freezing point. This controller must be hardwired into the circuit by a certified electrician. The snow sensing controller sells for $200. (back to questions)
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.” (back to questions)
The 24” wide mats can only work with 120V receptacles.
The 36” wide mats can work with both 120V and 240V receptacles.
However, you must specify if you want a 120V mat or a 240V mat. A
120V mat CANNOT plug into a 240V receptacle and a 240V mat CANNOT
plug into a 120V receptacle. The following mat sizes can only come in
240V: 36”x15’, 36”x18’, and 36”x21’.
(back to questions)
Most mat sizes are compatible with a GFCI outlet. However, the
following sizes will not work in a GFCI outlet and must be plugged
into a regular outlet: 24”x18’, 24”x20’, and
36”x12’. (back to questions)
The amount of stair treads that can be connected with one plug
depends on the size of the stair tread. A 24” wide stair tread
can be wired together in groups of 2 to 8. A 36” wide stair
tread can be wired together in groups of 2 to 7. A 48” wide
stair tread can be wired together in groups of 2 to 5. A 60”
wide stair tread can be wired together in a group of 2 to 4. Please
call the HeatTrak office with specific applications. (back
to questions)
The mats will maintain an average temperature of 50 degrees
Fahrenheit. Don’t be concerned about your pets burning their
feet. At the same time, don’t be shocked to see your pets lying
on the mats for warmth. (back to questions)
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 snow flakes will evaporate as soon as they fall.
However, you can turn on the mats after the snow has already fallen.
In this case, give the mats a few hours to melt through the snow.
(back to questions)
The mats will melt snow at an average rate of 2” per
hour. (back to questions)
The best way to use the HeatTrak mats is to turn the mat on
before the snow begins to fall. This way, there will not be any water
accumulation when the snow melts, because the snow flakes will
evaporate as soon as they land on the mat. However, you can turn on
the mats 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 lines 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
shouldn’t be any slip hazard. Eventually, all the water will
evaporate. (back to questions)
No. The mats have two safety mechanisms built into them.
First, the products have an Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter
(ELCI) below the plug. This ELCI will instantaneously shut off all
power to the mat if it detects a current leakage of more than 27mA.
Therefore, should there ever be a cut in the mat that could
potentially cause harm, the ELCI will immediately detect it and shut
off all power to the mat. Secondly, the mats have a ground shield
between the heating element and the rubber. Should there be any tear
in the mat that could potentially cause harm, and for some reason the
ELCI doesn’t catch it, all current will leave the mat through
the ground shield. Finally, all mats are tested before leaving our
facility with a Hipot machine that pumps 1000 volts through the mats.
If while 1000 volts are going through the mat, the Hipot detects any
current leakage beyond a dangerous level, the mat does not get
shipped. (back to questions)
The HeatTrak mats and stair treads are designed and built with
grommet holes to make securing the mats both simple and effective. To
secure the mats, we recommend using screws that are appropriate for
the specific surface (i.e. wood screws, concrete screws, etc.). (back
to questions)
The mats work great on residential driveways, provided you
don’t have hundreds of visitors per day driving up and down the
driveway. Many cars driving over the mats can increase the chances of
wear and tear. We do not recommend the mats for parking lots or any
other driveway that has a lot of vehicular traffic. However the mats
will work fine for private residential driveways. (back
to questions)
Can I use an extension cord? The mat comes with a 15’
long plug. We do not recommend using an extension cord since the mats
are designed for outdoor use. If one uses an extension cord, please
make sure all connection points are tightly wrapped with plastic or
other waterproof material. (back to questions)
Yes, as long as the mat is not wider than 36”. There are
a few other limitations, please Contact
Us for further assistance. (back to
questions)
For a listing of weights per size, refer to the “Products”
page under “Product Specifications”. (back
to questions)
The mats should last 4-6 years if maintained properly. For
proper maintenance instructions, see the installation manual that
comes with the product. (back to questions)
All Heat Trak products come with a
2-year manufacturer’s warranty. (back to
questions)