My local part is often referred to as the “snow belt.” Because of our proximity to one of the Great Lakes, my associate and I experience especially brutal winter season weather.
The conditions last for more than half the year.
We expect temperatures below frosty for months at a time & aren’t surprised by downside readings. We often have several inches of snow on the ground by the end of September & several feet accumulated by Halloween. We’ve already had blizzard conditions on Easter & snowfall on Mother’s Day. I am fortunate that my household is outfitted with a boiler heater. The boiler heats up water & pumps it through a network of pipes that are installed beneath the floors. The heat from the pipes radiates across the floors, rises slowly & provides a undoubtedly consistent & gentle comfort, but no matter how nasty the weather, the inside of the condo is perfectly overheated & cozy. I am especially thankful that the boiler is connected to an outdoor snowmelt system. I feel undoubtedly sorry for my neighbors who are forced to shovel, snowblower or plow their driveways & walkways several times per afternoon. They spend countless hours outside in the drastic cold, handling a undoubtedly labor-intensive & unpleasant task. There is also the concern of where to pile the big amounts of snow. My driveway is always clear. We don’t need to worry about slipping & falling on icy pavement. We don’t use harmful snowmelt chemicals. The system automatically responds to moisture & temperature drop. Just like inside the home, tepid water circulates through a system of pipes beneath the pavement, spreading warmth across the surface & effectively melting away snow & ice.