Ottawa
Snow Blower Guide
Winter storms are the dread of every homeowner.
Clearing snow off driveways or walkways is almost what every Canadian has to deal with. Every homeowner has a few choices:
- You have a snow removal service
- You shovel it by hand, or
- You use a snowblower
We put this guide together to help you decide, first, if you should choose a snowblower or use a snow removal service. If you’ve chosen to buy a snowblower, this guide may help you purchase a proper one for the Ottawa snow season.
Should you buy a snowblower?
Consider the following if you even want to clear your own snow by hand or using a snowblower:
1. Your Time is Valuable
Life is busy… kids, family, and work can often get in the way. Shoveling snow is just another task that you don’t need. One of the main reasons homeowners choose a snow removal service is because they value their time and don’t enjoy clearing snow.
2. Snow Blowers Are Inconvenient
A snow blower takes time to use, clean, and maintain. Imagine having to pull out the snowblower every time it snows or when the snowplow blocks your driveway. It could be early in the morning or in the middle of the day. Do you want to go through the hassle?
3. More Money Than You Think
There is a hefty cost in buying a snowblower, but many homeowners think that once purchased, you will save more money. Consider the time it takes to maintain and use a snowblower. It costs about $100/year for annual snowblower maintenance (oil change, lubrication, and more), plus the time it takes you to bring your snowblower for servicing. Consider how much your time is worth when deciding to use a snow removal service or buying a snowblower.
4. Operating Snow Blowers and Shoveling Snow Increase the Risk of Heart attacks
Snow shoveling and pushing a snowblower are known triggers for heart attacks, according to Harvard Health. Rarely exercising and cold weather both boost blood pressure, interrupt blood flow to part of the heart, and make blood more likely to form clots.
Still want to buy a snowblower? Here is our guide to choosing one:
No homeowner enjoys shoveling snow. A snow blower makes quick work of clearing your driveways and walkways, leaving you more time for other tasks. Instead of trying out different snowblowers at local retailers, use this Snow Blower Guide to identify your needs and review suggestions from others that have already purchased a snowblower.
What is a snow blower?
A snow blower is a device that removes snow from outside of residential and commercial properties. Many homeowners use snowblowers as the first line of defense against snow accumulation on driveways, sidewalks, roadways, railroad tracks, ice rinks, and runways before it can do any damage to objects such as shrubs, trees, and cars.
What are the types of snow blowers?
Here are styles of snow blowers to choose from:
Electric Snowblower
While electric snow blowers don’t have the power of a traditional gas-powered machine, they offer some benefits that make them more convenient. They are easier to start and stop – the user only needs an extension cord. They don’t require any form of fuel or oil, meaning there is no mess to clean up before storing the machine away in the winter months. And finally, they are cheaper than gas machines on average because electric motors cost less than more significant chassis engines required by gas-powered machines.
Single-Stage Snowblower
Single-stage snow blowers use a single auger and blade arrangement to throw the snow at the front of the machine. Single-stage snow blowers are easy to use and designed for smaller properties with narrow openings.
Two-Stage Snowblower
Two-stage snow blowers are an excellent solution for heavier accumulations of snow. With two-stage functions, this makes it possible to clear paths easily, even with deeper drifts. The first stage throws a lighter, lower density layer of snow up and out of the way to make it easier for the second stage to extract the “solid” flakes accumulated in front of it.
Three-Stage Snowblower
The three-stage snow blowers on the market are not only efficient but also powerful. First, two metal augers scoop up all of your heavy wet or packed snow and ice before it’s moved towards an accelerator where they’re chopped by blades sending this material flying out at high speed.
Snowblower Features I Should Consider
A snow blower is an essential tool to use this winter. It can make clearing your driveways and sidewalks much easier as well as being safer for you, pets, or other people in the household when done with it. Here are some features that should be considered before purchasing a snowblower.
- Electric start
- Trigger control power steering
- Heated grips/handlebars
- Headlights
- Skid shoes
- Drift cutters
- Electronic fuel-injected engines
Maintenance of a Snowblower
You don’t want to be caught off guard by a snowstorm. Planning can help you ensure that your snow-blowing equipment is ready for the winter weather and will last longer, saving both time and money. Here are some of the essential maintenance tasks:
- Check and replace engine oil
- Check and replace the spark plug
- Lubricate the gear shaft
- Inspect impeller and tighten regularly
- Replace fraying or torn belts
Popular Snow Blower Brands
Here are some of the most popular snow blower brands on the market:
Where To Buy A blower?
If you want to see the snowblower in person, try the following Ottawa stores. Again before buying a snowblower, consider your time, your health, the cost, and maintenance.
