Do heat mats need to be replaced eventually?

[Neal]

Do you think heat mats at least last longer than heat tape, or are they both about the same anyway?

I wouldn't think one would last longer than the other. They both get warm/hot, and stay warm/hot so while they're going to wear out there isn't a definite time frame. I have some heat tape that is still being used today and it's from 2012/2013? I've had it go bad on me within a few weeks.