All though many types of heat cable can look the same, heat cable brands differ when it comes to product specifications. Different types of heat cable can be used for specific applications and lifespans can vary widely depending on the manufacturer.

Let’s take a look at some of the main differences that you need to pay attention to make sure you get the best solution for your home.

Cheap Heat Cable Has a Higher Operating Cost

One of the most significant differences between heat cable is whether it is constant wattage or self-regulating. Constant wattage heat cable runs at 100% power while it is turned on. That means that constant wattage heat cable is constantly drawing electricity.

Self-regulating heat cable only turns on when outdoor temperatures drop to below 40 degrees F. While self-regulating heat cable usually draws twice as much power when it is on when compared to constant wattage heat cable, it uses less electricity over the season.

Self-regulating heat cable can turn on and off as needed which means your cable isn’t always drawing electricity.

Cheap Heat Cable Has a Worse Warranty & Lifespan

Another significant difference between heat cable brands is the product warranty that is offered. Heat cable warranties can range from 1 year to 10 years and can vary in what they cover.

A companies warranty is usually a good indicator of the expected lifespan of a product. We have found this to be especially true for heat cable.

The brands that offer one year or 2-year warranties, their products usually don’t last much longer than the stated warranty.

We recommend choosing brands that have 10-year product warranties and have a record of honoring their warranties.