In reality, you turn it on before the snow falls and do not turn it off until the spring. This isn't the type of thing you turn on when you think it's needed, it stays on all season

I would think if you’re getting heavy enough snowfall it would outpace the heating effect. I don’t know, no one around here has one.

Or run it after you shovel in the morning to get it clear so the sun can keep it clear.