SNOW
Hydronic Heating · Toronto & GTA
Hydronic snow melting
systems installed across
Toronto & the GTA
Say goodbye to shovelling, salting, and slip-and-fall liability. Toronto Air Systems designs and installs hydronic radiant snow melting systems for driveways, walkways, parking ramps, stairs, and commercial plazas throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
TSSA-licensed technicians
Residential & commercial
New construction & retrofit
GTA-wide coverage
At a glance
System typeHydronic radiant
Heat sourceBoiler / heat pump
ApplicationsResidential & commercial
ControlsAutomatic sensors
CertificationTSSA Licensed
RebatesMay apply — ask us
1,000+
Clients served
TSSA
Certified team
7 days
A week support
GTA-wide
Service coverage
20+ yrs
Canadian climate exp.
About the technology
What is a hydronic snow melting system?
A hydronic snow melting system (also called a radiant heated driveway or in-slab heating system) uses a network of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing embedded in concrete, asphalt, or pavers. Warm water — typically heated by a boiler or heat pump — circulates through the tubing and radiates heat upward through the surface, melting snow and ice before it can accumulate.
In Toronto and across the GTA, where snowfall averages 115–130 cm per season and temperatures regularly drop below –10°C, hydronic snow melting systems are the most reliable, lowest-maintenance solution available. Unlike electric heat-mat alternatives, hydronic systems use your existing heating plant and are dramatically more cost-effective to operate at larger scales — commercial parking ramps, building entrances, and long driveways in particular.
Toronto Air Systems designs hydronic snow melting systems for every project scale — from a single residential driveway to a multi-zone commercial loading dock. We handle the full scope: heat load calculation, PEX layout design, manifold selection, boiler or heat pump integration, controls, and commissioning.
Automatic, sensor-driven operation
Modern hydronic snow melt controls use pavement-mounted temperature and moisture sensors to activate the system automatically — only when it's actually snowing or freezing. The system shuts off on its own once the surface is clear and dry, avoiding energy waste and giving you complete peace of mind without any manual intervention.
Energy rebates may be available
Hydronic systems paired with high-efficiency condensing boilers or heat pumps may qualify for Enbridge Gas or Canada Greener Homes incentives. We'll identify applicable programs during your consultation — learn more on our rebates page.
Why go hydronic?
- No shovelling or salting — ever again
- Eliminates slip-and-fall liability for commercial properties
- No surface damage from ice melt chemicals or plowing
- Lower operating cost vs. electric at large areas
- Fully automatic sensor-activated operation
- Long lifespan — PEX tubing rated 50+ years
- Increases property value — premium amenity for residential & commercial
- Works under concrete, asphalt, stone, and pavers
How a hydronic snow melting system works
Boiler / heat pump
Heats glycol-water mix
›
Manifold & pump
Distributes flow to zones
›
PEX tubing loops
Embedded in slab / asphalt
›
Radiant heat rises
Melts snow at surface
›
Sensor controls
Auto on/off by temp & moisture
Comparison
Hydronic vs. electric snow melting: which is right for you?
Both systems melt snow effectively — the difference comes down to scale, operating cost, and your existing heating infrastructure. Here's how they compare for GTA properties.
| Feature | Hydronic (radiant) | Electric (heat mat / cable) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Large areas: long driveways, parking ramps, commercial plazas | Small areas: front steps, short walkways, entryways |
| Operating cost | Lower at scale — uses existing boiler/heat pump fuel | Higher electricity cost per sq ft, especially 500+ sq ft |
| Installation cost | Higher upfront — manifold, boiler integration, glycol system | Lower upfront for small areas |
| Heating source | Natural gas boiler or heat pump (existing plant) | Dedicated electrical circuit |
| Response time | Slightly slower warm-up; offset with predictive controls | Fast — heats up quickly |
| Lifespan | 50+ years for PEX tubing if not mechanically damaged | 20–30 years typical for heating elements |
| Maintenance | Annual boiler/pump service; glycol fluid check every few years | Minimal — no moving parts |
| Scales well | Yes — cost-effective from ~200 sq ft and up | Works, but operating costs rise steeply |
| Works with automation | Yes — sensor controls, BAS integration | Yes — thermostatic control |
| Surface types | Concrete, asphalt, pavers, natural stone | Concrete, some asphalt, tile, stone |
Not sure which system is right for your project? Our team will assess your property, existing equipment, and budget and give you an honest recommendation — get in touch.
Applications
Where we install hydronic snow melting systems
From custom homes in Forest Hill to commercial loading docks in Mississauga, Toronto Air Systems installs hydronic snow melt systems for every property type across the GTA.
Residential driveways
Single-car to triple-car driveways in concrete, interlock paving stone, or asphalt. Perfect for homeowners in Toronto, Oakville, Richmond Hill, and other GTA communities tired of shovelling.
Typical size: 400 – 1,200 sq ft
Front walkways & steps
Front pathways and entry stairs are the highest slip-and-fall risk area on any property. A heated walkway eliminates the hazard entirely — no salt, no ice, no liability.
Typical size: 50 – 300 sq ft
Commercial building entrances
Retail, office, and institutional properties across Toronto have a legal duty to maintain safe access. A hydronic heated entrance eliminates winter maintenance labour costs and minimizes liability exposure.
Typical size: 200 – 800 sq ft
Parking ramps & garages
Underground parking ramp entrances are a notorious ice hazard. Hydronic heating on the ramp surface and threshold prevents ice buildup, protects vehicles, and removes the need for grit or salt application.
Typical size: 500 – 3,000 sq ft
Retail plazas & sidewalks
Strip mall and plaza landlords in Mississauga, Brampton, and Vaughan use hydronic snow melting to eliminate contractor snow removal costs and reduce slip-and-fall claims on shared access areas.
Typical size: 1,000 – 10,000+ sq ft
Loading docks & industrial
Warehouse loading docks in Scarborough, Etobicoke, and Durham Region benefit greatly from snow-free dock aprons — trucks dock safely, forklift operators work without ice hazards, and no downtime for manual clearing.
Typical size: 500 – 5,000 sq ft
What we offer
Our hydronic snow melting services
Full-service from design and engineering through installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.
01
System design & engineering
Heat load calculations for your specific surface area, climate zone, and target melt rate. PEX loop layout, spacing, tube diameter, manifold sizing, and pump selection — done properly so the system actually performs on a –15°C Toronto night.
Request a design consultation →
02
New installation
Full installation of PEX tubing prior to concrete pour or asphalt lay, including pressure testing before pour, manifold and pump installation, glycol-water fill and bleed, controls wiring, and sensor placement. We coordinate with your contractor on new construction.
Get an installation quote →
03
Retrofit & renovation installs
Replacing an existing driveway or walkway? That's the ideal time to add hydronic heating. We work with your masonry or concrete contractor to install tubing during demolition and resurfacing, integrating the new system with your existing boiler plant.
Plan a retrofit →
04
Boiler & heat pump integration
Hydronic snow melt requires a dedicated heat source or a properly sized addition to your existing system. We assess your current boiler or heat pump capacity and either integrate the snow melt zone or supply and install a dedicated unit — including all TSSA-required gas work.
Learn about heating systems →
05
Controls & automation
Pavement temperature and moisture sensor installation, controller programming, and optional smart-home integration. We set up your system to activate automatically when temperatures drop and snow begins to fall — no apps or manual intervention required.
Learn more →
06
Maintenance & repair
Annual pre-season checkups: glycol concentration test, pump and manifold inspection, pressure test, controls calibration, and sensor check. We also repair existing systems — including leaks, manifold issues, and failed controls — on any brand or previous installation.
Book a service call →
Why Toronto Air Systems
The snow melting specialists GTA homeowners & property managers trust
Hydronic snow melting is a precision installation — the design, PEX spacing, and boiler integration determine whether your system melts snow on a cold January morning or leaves you with a half-frozen driveway.
01
Proper heat load calculations — every time
Many contractors guess at PEX spacing and loop length. We calculate the required output based on your surface area, worst-case Toronto temperatures, target melt rate, and heat source capacity — ensuring the system actually works when it needs to most.
02
TSSA-licensed for all gas & hydronic work
Snow melt systems tied into a gas boiler require TSSA-licensed gas technicians for the connection and commissioning. Every member of our team holds current TSSA credentials — you won't need a separate contractor to sign off on the gas work.
03
Residential & commercial at every scale
From a 400 sq ft residential driveway in North York to a 15,000 sq ft commercial plaza in Brampton, we've designed and installed systems across the full range. The design principles are the same; the scale and complexity vary — and we handle both.
04
One contractor, full scope
We handle design, PEX installation, manifold and pump supply, boiler integration, controls, and commissioning. You don't need to coordinate between a plumber, a gas tech, and a controls guy — one call to Toronto Air Systems covers the entire hydronic scope.
How it works
Our installation process
From first consultation to your first snow-free morning — here's what working with Toronto Air Systems looks like.
01
Site consultation
We assess your property, existing heating system, and surface area — in person or via photos and measurements.
02
Design & quote
Full heat load calculation, PEX layout, boiler/heat pump requirements, and a detailed written quote within 48 hours.
03
PEX installation
Tubing laid and pressure-tested before concrete pour or asphalt application. We coordinate with your surface contractor.
04
Mechanical & controls
Manifold, pump, boiler tie-in, glycol fill, sensor install, and controls commissioning — all TSSA-certified.
05
System handoff
Full operational walkthrough, controls demonstration, and written commissioning report. Your first snow is handled.
Products we use
Hydronic components & boiler brands
We source PEX tubing, manifolds, pumps, glycol systems, and controls from trusted suppliers and integrate with all major boiler brands used in GTA homes and commercial buildings.
Uponor PEX
Viega
Watts
Tekmar
Bosch
Navien
Weil-McLain
Where we work
Hydronic snow melting service areas — Toronto & GTA
Toronto Air Systems installs and services hydronic snow melting systems throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Based in North York, we typically reach any GTA location within two hours and provide same-day emergency service for existing system failures during active weather events.
Toronto
All neighbourhoods
North York
Our home base
Etobicoke
West Toronto properties
Scarborough
East Toronto & beyond
Mississauga
Residential & commercial
Brampton
Industrial & commercial
Vaughan
Custom homes & plazas
Markham
Residential & commercial
Richmond Hill
Luxury homes & offices
Oakville & Burlington
Halton Region
Pickering & Ajax
East GTA
Whitby & Oshawa
Durham Region
Client reviews
What customers say about our snow melting systems
"First winter with the heated driveway and I genuinely forgot what shovelling felt like. Toronto Air Systems designed the whole system around our existing boiler and it works flawlessly."
Homeowners, Vaughan
"We had the heated ramp installed at our parking garage entrance in Mississauga. Three winters in — no ice incidents, no salt damage to the ramp surface, and the snow removal contractor costs are gone."
Property Manager, Mississauga
"The sensor-based controls are the best feature. The system turns on before we even notice it's snowing and shuts off automatically. We haven't touched a shovel in two years."
Homeowner, Richmond Hill
FAQ
Common questions about hydronic snow melting in Toronto
How much does a hydronic snow melting system cost in Toronto?
Hydronic snow melting system costs in the GTA vary based on surface area, surface type, controls complexity, and whether your existing boiler has spare capacity. A residential driveway system (400–800 sq ft) typically ranges from $8,000–$18,000 CAD installed. Larger commercial installations — parking ramps, plazas, and loading docks — can range from $20,000 to $80,000 or more depending on scope. We provide detailed quotes after a site assessment at no obligation.
Can I add a hydronic snow melting system to an existing driveway?
Yes — but the PEX tubing must be embedded in the surface layer during a pour or lay. This means a retrofit typically involves removing and replacing the surface material (concrete or asphalt). Many homeowners and property managers time the hydronic installation to coincide with a driveway replacement they were already planning, which makes the cost very efficient. If your driveway is in good shape and you don't want to replace it yet, an electric snow melt mat may be a better short-term option — we can advise on both.
Does my existing boiler have enough capacity to run a snow melting system?
It depends on the size of your existing boiler, current heating load, and the snow melt area you want to heat. Snow melting requires significant heat output — typically 125–250 BTU/hr per square foot depending on design conditions. For residential applications, many existing condensing boilers have enough spare capacity to handle a single driveway zone. Larger areas or older, lower-output boilers may require a dedicated snow melt boiler. We assess your current equipment during the consultation and give you an honest answer before any work begins.
What kind of maintenance does a hydronic snow melting system need?
Hydronic snow melt systems are very low maintenance compared to alternatives. Annual pre-season service includes: glycol concentration test and top-up if needed, pump and circulator inspection, manifold valve check, pressure test of the PEX loops, and sensor and controls calibration. The PEX tubing itself requires no maintenance and is rated for 50+ years. We offer annual maintenance plans that cover all of the above — typically a single visit each autumn before the heating season starts.
What fluid is used in a hydronic snow melting system?
A propylene glycol and water mixture — similar to a non-toxic antifreeze solution. The glycol concentration is set based on your local design temperature (for the GTA we typically design for –30°C freeze protection). Propylene glycol is food-grade safe, so there's no environmental hazard if a minor leak occurs near a garden or lawn. The concentration should be checked and adjusted every two to three years as part of routine maintenance.
How long does a hydronic snow melting system take to install?
PEX tubing installation for a typical residential driveway takes one to two days — this must happen before the concrete is poured or asphalt is laid. The mechanical side (manifold, pump, boiler integration, controls) takes another one to two days after the surface has cured. Total installation from start to commissioning is typically four to seven business days for a residential project, longer for large commercial scopes with multiple zones. We work closely with your concrete or paving contractor to coordinate timing.
Is a permit required for hydronic snow melting installation in Toronto or the GTA?
The hydronic piping itself typically does not require a separate mechanical permit in most GTA municipalities, though this varies by scope and jurisdiction. However, any gas piping work associated with a new or expanded boiler does require TSSA permits and inspection — which our licensed gas technicians handle as part of the project. We advise on all permit requirements during the quoting stage so there are no surprises.
Ready for your first snow-free winter?
Free site consultation and detailed written quote. Residential and commercial projects. TSSA-licensed technicians. Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Brampton, and the wider GTA.
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