Yes, it is. Given the fact that the heating system itself costs a lot of money, you have to take into consideration the cost to operate it as well. Of course, snow in winter, especially in some parts of the U.S. does not happen in one day. There can be snowfall all winter long. And the cost of electricity will surge. This is why some people spend extra to have it automated; that way, the system will only turn on when there is snow and turn off automatically when the snow has melted away.