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