Ice melting bars in new house steps - good idea?

[JoeM]

I looked at the stoop this AM and realized the area in question would be fairly small considering that I will now have a portico over the landing. The install would have included an on/off switch in the house and not a temp/moisture gauge with auto on/off. The switch is not really a total solution if it snows while I'm sleeping or away from the house so I thought in the end it was probably not worth the money to do it. I can really do the same thing with the heat mats if I really decide I want it.

When I told the contractor I was going to pass on it he said "good" and I could hear in his voice that he thought it wasn't worth doing it but was just offering it to me because I had asked for a quote.

Thanks everyone for the help.