Shoveling snow can certainly offer some intense exercise in the winter, but it can also strain your back and take up valuable time. If you have a long driveway or pathways to clear in winter, an electric snow shovel or a full home snow blower could be an essential winter yard maintenance tool. Thanks to advances in battery power and battery life, you can also enjoy a fumeless snow-blowing experience when you choose an electric snow blower instead of an older gas model.

When deciding on the best snow blower or best electric snow shovel for you, account for the amount of space you’ll need to clear, the storage area you have, and your physical abilities. For pathways, you may only need the boost offered by an electric snow shovel. However, if you have a long driveway or any back issues, then a blower will serve you better.

In terms of power options, there are plug-in snow blowers and battery-powered snow blowers. The plug-in models can offer high voltage operation at a surprisingly affordable rate, but dealing with the cord can be a hassle and will limit the range of your snow clearing. Meanwhile, battery-operated snow blowers give you freedom of movement, and you can find 80-volt battery-powered snow blowers to help you deal with heavy snow.

When it comes to using your new snow blower, the most important step is planning your route. You don’t want to blow the snow in a direction where you will have to clear it a second time. So, choose your route well and aim your chute strategically. Using additional features, like the LED lights that come on some high-end snow blowers, can make it easier to clear snow in low light or at night.

You want to prepare for winter storms by fully charging your snow blower battery. It’s also useful to have a spare snow blower battery, and many electric snow blowers come with two batteries for this reason. If you are worried about losing electric power to your house in winter weather, make sure you invest in backup power via generators or power banks around your home.

Preparing for severe weather is crucial. In case of winter emergencies, you may consider having electric space heaters for use with a generator. Never use propane heaters inside your home or other insufficiently ventilated areas. If you use propane gas for cooking or household heating, keep in mind that heavy snow can sever gas lines and impact propane tanks. Take extreme caution when clearing snow from tanks and gas lines, as a shovel or other instrument can harm valves and connections.