Shoveling snow from your driveway can be back-breaking work.So when you’re charged with digging out after a blizzard strikes your neighborhood, a snow blower can be your saving grace.Whether you’re interested in purchasing your first snow blower – or are tempted to invest in a new one – this guide offers everything you need to know.

What to Consider When Buying a Snow Blower Like buying a car, there is a wide range of options available when choosing a snow blower – each with its own advantages and disadvantages.Buying the right snow blower will ultimately come down to finding the machine that’s best matched to your unique needs.Here are three things you’ll want to consider.

What Type of Snow Blower Should I Choose? In general, there are three types of snow blower designs on the market today: single-stage, two-stage and three-stage.Each “stage” represents an auger or impeller that helps clear snow away from the machine.Here’s a quick overview of each design.

Should I Buy a Gas or Electric Snow Blower? Once you’ve decided between a single-stage, two-stage or three-stage snow blower, you have one more decision to make: Gas or electric.Here’s a breakdown of your power-source options: How Much Does a Snow Blower Cost? There’s a huge range in snow blower prices – depending on the type of snow blower you buy.On the low end, a small corded electric single-stage model could cost less than $200.

But if you’re looking for a large two- or three-stage gas blower, you can easily spend $2,000 or more.What Additional Snow Blower Features Are Available? These days, snow blowers can be purchased with a wide range of available features.Knowing what your options are can go a long way toward picking the snow blower that’s right for you.

So it’s worth taking some time to think about what’s essential – and what’s just nice to have – in your next snow blower.How to Safely Use a Snow Blower Snow blowers can spare you from the strain and exertion of shoveling.But these powerful machines come with their own set of risks.

To avoid injuring yourself while using your snow blower, follow these safety tips.How to Maintain Your Snow Blower Much like your car’s engine, the engine in your gas-powered snow blower needs attention from time to time.Before winter weather strikes, give the machine a complete inspection.

And revisit it with a mid-season checkup, too – just to make sure everything is okay.Follow this checklist to help keep your snow blower in great shape for years to come: How to Store Your Snow Blower During the winter months, always take a moment to clear away any snow remaining inside the machine.You can do this by running it on a cleared surface before wheeling it back into the garage or shed between uses.

When winter is over, drain any remaining gasoline and properly dispose of it.(You can skip this step if you add fuel stabilizer to the tank instead.) This is also a good time to inspect the bolts and parts for damage, and to lubricate the machine.For summer storage, wheel your snow blower to a low-traffic area in your shed or garage and cover it with a tarp.

Then, your snow blower should be ready to go when the temperatures begin to fall.We’re Looking After You Homeownership has many rewards.But it also involves its share of demands – like clearing that foot of snow from your driveway.

As an Erie Insurance customer, you can rest assured knowing that while you’re looking out for it, we’re looking out for you.To learn more about how homeowners insurance from ERIE can help you protect what matters most, contact us today.TAGS: ERIE insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states.

Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.  Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog.The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.  The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.  Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.A better insurance experience starts with ERIE.Haven’t heard of us? Erie Insurance started with humble beginnings in 1925 with a mission to emphasize customer service above all else.

Though we’ve grown to reach the Fortune 500 list, we still haven’t lost the human touch.Contact Drake Insurance today to experience the ERIE difference for yourself.