Snow melting mat vs. heat tape: running cost
A snow melting mat is cheaper to run: about $10 a year versus $18 for a heat tape at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $8 difference.
| Snow melting mat | Heat tape | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 200 W | 90 W |
| Watt range | 40–1,000 W | 20–300 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day, 2 days a week for 4 months a year | 24 hours a day for 3 months a year |
| Energy per year | 56 kWh | 99 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 3.6¢ | 0.8¢ |
| Cost per day | 8.2¢ | 19¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.50 | $5.91 |
| Cost per year | $10 | $18 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $24 | $43 |
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What drives the difference
- Snow melting mat: Portable heated mats draw about 20-35 W per square foot and run at full power while on. Defaults assume they are turned on for snow and ice events, about 2 days a week in winter.
- Heat tape: Pipe heat cable uses about 3-8 W per foot. Thermostat-controlled or self-regulating cables only draw full power in freezing weather.
Ways to cut either cost
Runs mats only when snow or ice is actually present.
See options on AmazonTreats steps for occasional storms with no electricity.
See options on AmazonTurns the cable on only near freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a snow melting mat or a heat tape?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a heat tape costs about $18 a year versus $10 for a snow melting mat. That's $8 more, or 1.8× as much.
How many watts do snow melting mat and heat tape use?
A snow melting mat typically draws 200 W (range 40–1,000 W). A heat tape draws 90 W (range 20–300 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.