How long do you leave a choke on a snowblower?

• <div><p>When starting the engine, you typically leave the choke on a snowblower in the "choke" or "closed" position. After starting, let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. Then, gradually open the choke, moving it to the "open" or "run" position, allowing more air into the engine and transitioning to a normal fuel-air mixture. The exact duration varies based on the snowblower model and ambient temperature, but as a general rule, you should open the choke once the engine has stabilized and runs smoothly, typically within a few minutes.</p></div>

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Q: Can I use cat litter or sand to melt the ice in my driveway?

• <div><p>Some commercial services use <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/sand-vs-salt-for-snow.htm">sand when clearing ice</a>, but that&rsquo;s to add instant traction, not to melt the ice. While you can scatter kitty litter, sand, or similar substances on steps, paths, or porches to improve safety during icy conditions, they won&rsquo;t help melt hardened ice. Rely on salt or other de-icing methods to fully melt away stubborn ice.</p></div>

Q: Should I remove icicles from my roof?

• <div><p>In most cases, it&rsquo;s a good idea to leave the icicles on your roof and wait for the warmer weather to melt them away naturally. You should only remove icicles if you believe they&rsquo;re heavy enough to cause damage to your home or anyone who enters it.</p></div>

Q: How can I save money on snow removal?

• <div><p>The best way to save money on snow removal is to sign up for a seasonal contract that guarantees service throughout the entire winter. Most companies charge between <b>$200 and $600</b> for this service, and they&rsquo;ll often give you a break on the price if you extend annually. Of course, savings will depend on your area. If you live in a moderate climate where snowfall may or may not occur, you could pay more than you need during a light snow year. Still, it&rsquo;s usually a safe bet to sign a seasonal contract.</p></div>

Q: How do you start a snowblower after sitting?

• <div><p>Before firing up your snowblower, ensure that essential switches are in the correct starting position. Take a moment to double-check the throttle, fuel shut-off, and choke, ensuring they're firmly set to the &quot;on&quot; position. Precision in verifying each switch's alignment is crucial, so don't rush through this critical step.</p></div>

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*The Angi rating for Snow Removal companies in Armstrong, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Snow Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Snow Removal companies in Armstrong, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Snow Removal needs.

Last update on November 01, 2025

Reviewed in January 2023
David and Brian arrived promptly, were polite, explained and showed me exactly what they were doing, cleaned up well afterward, and diligently removed shoes or wore booties in my house. They completed the job quickly and efficiently. Would definitely recommend them!
US Energy Savers
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Reviewed in July 2021
Timing from when I received the quote and scheduling the work was just as Mr. Skinner told me. The contractors came with the list of installation and removal of old equiptment that Mr Skinner and I put together with a smile and the attude of getter done. Thank you again BCarney
Sears Home Services - Kansas City HVAC
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Reviewed in June 2020
I called Pitts after being strung along by another tree service on removal of the second of two large Green Ash trees on my residential lot in Boone, IA. The previous company took a bid on two trees, dropped the easier one at the front of the house and started making excuses and stalling on the...
Pitts Lawn & Tree Service
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Reviewed in February 2020
Phil and his crew rearranged their current jobs to ensure that our floors were refinished in time to get the painting done before our move-in date. We also asked them to remove all the baseboards and quarter round - which was good thing because then we could see how poorly the flooring had been...
Oak Wood Floor
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Reviewed in October 2016
They were in and out about 4 days total, they cleaned up everything each day at the end of the day even though I told them they didn't need to do that. They removed all the debris! They did an excellent job and would definitely recommend them to anyone and everyone that needs anything done!!
Love's Heating & AC
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Reviewed in March 2016
They usually run a special from spring and fall and that is usually I get. I have not had a spot that they have not been able to remove. It is done really well and they their prices are very comparable. I live 35-miles outside of the metro area. It is very rural and they do not charge me extra...
Durachem
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Reviewed in June 2013
We hired Iowa Wildlife Control in May of 2012 for a simple job that was to take a week to complete. Three months later the job was still not done and the owner of the company sent me an email saying he has "given up". But he would not return the payment for his services! During the three months...
Iowa Wildlife Control
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Reviewed in November 2012
Very well. I contacted them on the website about whether they would be interested in doing such a job, and they called me back with 2 days. They went out to the job site and gave us an estimate within 4-5 days. Started job within a week. Job was completed in 1 day. They chipped up smaller...
D & J'S COMPLETE TREE SVC
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Reviewed in November 2008
Tom arrived to do an estimate when he said he would and he was polite and professional. He made it clear that he might not get to my job for weeks because of a backlog of work. I was fine with that. He didn't give me a specific date when the tree would be cut down. In fact, he just showed up one...
FOREVER GREEN TREE SERVICE INC
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K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

ARWAY

ARWAY

Zed Construction

Zed Construction

Timberline Tree & Landscape Co.

Timberline Tree & Landscape Co.

L. Miller Landscaping

L. Miller Landscaping

Veile Contracting Inc

Veile Contracting Inc

Kingland Construction Services

Kingland Construction Services

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

GM Handyman Services

GM Handyman Services

Palm Services

Palm Services

The Armstrong, IA homeowners’ guide to snow removal services

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