10 Best Salt for Driveways to Use in 2026
For your driveway in 2026, choosing the best salt for driveways is essential to ensure effective ice melting while protecting your surfaces and pets. Ice melts like Snow Joe Calcium Blend or Eco Melt Premium Pet-Safe offer fast, low-temperature melting that’s gentle on concrete and safe for animals.
Snow Joe’s Premium Enviro Blend and Scotwood Road Runner are also excellent options, as they protect your concrete and landscaping while working efficiently.
When selecting a product, look for those with environmental benefits, surface compatibility, and proper packaging for easy application.
Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your best options for driveway salt in 2026.
Snow Joe Calcium Blend Ice Melt 50 lb Bag
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When winter strikes, icy driveways and sidewalks can become dangerous and frustrating. The Snow Joe Calcium Blend Ice Melt 50 lb Bag offers a dependable solution that quickly clears ice even in harsh conditions. Its special formula works effectively down to -15°F, making winter walks and drives safer without the hassle of slow melting.
This ice melt uses a magnesium chloride-enhanced blend that generates heat as it dissolves, speeding up the melting process. Unlike harsher chemical melts, it is gentle on concrete surfaces, reducing the risk of damage over time. This makes it ideal for residential use where protecting walkways and steps is a priority.
Maintenance is straightforward with this pellet-form ice melt, but it requires proper storage to prevent moisture absorption. The 50-pound bag size ensures you have enough product to cover large areas throughout the season, providing lasting protection and value.
While it’s not intended for heavy industrial use, this natural mineral-based ice melt handles everyday winter conditions well. It may take a bit longer to clear very thick ice compared to some chemical-heavy alternatives, but its safer, eco-friendlier composition makes it a smart choice for most homeowners.
Best for: Homeowners and light commercial users seeking an effective, safe, and long-lasting ice melt for driveways, sidewalks, and steps in extreme cold.
What We Like:
- Effective down to -15°F with magnesium chloride-enhanced formula
- Gentle on concrete and safer for residential use
- Large 50 lb bag offers extended winter coverage
- Natural minerals reduce environmental impact
- Easy to store and apply with proper moisture control
Specification:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Snow Joe |
| Weight | 50 lb (22.7 kg) |
| Material | Calcium blend with magnesium chloride |
| Form | Pellets |
| Temperature Range | Effective to -15°F (-26°C) |
Snow Joe Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melt 50 lb
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Snow Joe Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melt 50 lb offers a smart solution for tackling winter ice without harming your property. This eco-friendly ice melt works quickly to clear icy surfaces, ensuring safer walkways and driveways throughout the cold season. Its gentle formula protects your landscape and infrastructure, making winter maintenance simpler and worry-free.
Unlike harsh chemical melts, this product uses calcium magnesium acetate, which minimizes corrosion on concrete, metal, and nearby plants. You won’t have to worry about damage or stains on your driveway or garden. The green-coated crystals are designed for precise spreading, reducing waste and avoiding messy residue.
Maintenance is easy with this ice melt, as it leaves no residue and won’t track indoors. This means your floors and carpets stay clean after use, saving you extra cleaning time. The 50-pound bag offers enough product for repeated applications, providing reliable freeze/thaw protection during harsh weather.
While this ice melt is highly effective, it may be less potent in extremely low temperatures compared to stronger chemical alternatives. The bag size could also be heavy for some users, but its benefits in safety and environmental care make it a solid choice for home winter upkeep.
Best for: Homeowners looking for an eco-conscious ice melt that safeguards landscaping, concrete, and metals while providing clean, efficient winter ice removal.
What We Like:
- Uses calcium magnesium acetate to reduce corrosion and protect surfaces.
- Green-coated crystals enable precise, controlled application.
- Leaves no residue and prevents indoor tracking.
- Provides long-lasting freeze/thaw protection.
- Eco-friendly formula that’s safer for vegetation and metal.
Specification:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Snow Joe |
| Weight | 50 lb (22.7 kg) |
| Material | Calcium Magnesium Acetate |
| Color | Green-coated crystals |
Snow Joe Eco Melt Premium Pet-Safe Ice Melt
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When winter ice threatens your safety, you need a solution that works quickly without harming your pets or the environment. Snow Joe Eco Melt Premium Pet-Safe Ice Melt delivers fast, reliable ice melting down to -25°F. Its unique formula uses natural, biodegradable minerals combined with Liquid Heat technology to break down ice instantly and reduce slip hazards.
This ice melt is designed to be safe for pets and plants, so you can protect your furry friends and your garden while keeping walkways clear. It won’t track indoors or stain floors, carpets, or tiles, making cleanup easy and mess-free. The low-mess granules ensure your home stays clean even during heavy use.
The product comes in a large 50-pound bag, providing enough ice melt to handle extended winter conditions. While the bag’s size might be heavy for some, it ensures long-lasting protection through harsh weather. Keep in mind, its effectiveness may lessen in temperatures below -25°F.
Snow Joe Eco Melt is ideal for homeowners who want a fast, environmentally responsible way to maintain safe driveways, sidewalks, and entryways. It balances performance with pet safety and minimal environmental impact.
Best for: Homeowners and pet owners seeking a safe, fast-acting, and eco-friendly ice melt for winter walkways and driveways.
What We Like:
- Fast melting action down to -25°F with Liquid Heat technology
- Safe for pets, plants, and surrounding environment
- Non-tracking, low-mess formula that won’t stain floors or carpets
- Large 50-pound bag for extended winter use
Specification:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Snow Joe |
| Weight | 50 lb (22.7 kg) |
| Melting Range | Effective down to -25°F |
| Material | Natural biodegradable minerals |
| Color | White granules |
Scotwood Industries 20-Pound Road Runner Premium Ice Melter, New Version
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When winter strikes, keeping your driveway safe and ice-free is crucial. The Scotwood Industries 20-Pound Road Runner Premium Ice Melter, New Version, offers a powerful solution to melt ice quickly and effectively. Its premium design focuses on making winter maintenance easier and safer for homeowners.
This ice melter is packaged in a sturdy stainless steel container that weighs only 8 ounces, providing a convenient way to store and handle the product without hassle. Despite the lightweight packaging, the product delivers the performance expected from a 20-pound road-ready ice melter, helping to clear ice and snow with ease.
Maintenance is simple: just spread the ice melter on affected surfaces and let it work. Its fast-acting formula reduces slipping hazards, enhancing safety around your property. The compact container also means less mess and easier cleanup compared to bulkier options.
While the premium packaging adds durability, it may come at a slightly higher cost. Additionally, users should be aware that detailed information regarding environmental impact or pet safety is limited, so precautions may be necessary.
Best for: Homeowners and property managers seeking an effective, easy-to-use ice melter that combines strong performance with convenient packaging.
What We Like:
- Compact stainless steel container is durable and easy to handle
- Efficient ice melting formula improves safety quickly
- Lightweight packaging simplifies storage and use
- Designed to clear driveways and walkways fast
- Suitable for winter maintenance with minimal cleanup
Specification:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Scotwood Industries |
| Container Weight | 8 ounces (0.5 lb) |
| Product Weight | 20 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel (container) |
| Color Options | Not specified |
Ice Melt Safer for Concrete 20 lb Bag
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When winter ice threatens your driveway and sidewalks, you want a solution that works fast without damaging your surfaces. The Ice Melt Safer for Concrete 20 lb Bag offers a balance of strength and safety. It melts ice quickly, starting work as soon as it hits the frozen surface, effective down to -15°F.
This ice melt is specially formulated to be gentle on concrete, reducing the risk of cracks and corrosion. Its green crystals, made from medium-grade solar salt treated with glycol, protect your driveway and walkways while keeping pets safe. Applying 2-4 ounces per square yard before snow falls helps prevent ice buildup, making snow removal less strenuous.
Maintaining safe walkways is easier with this eco-friendly ice melt, which minimizes harm to landscaping and metal surfaces. However, in heavy snow or ice conditions, you may need to reapply it more often to maintain clear paths. Availability can be limited in some stores compared to more common ice melt products.
This product is designed to provide effective ice control throughout the winter, supporting a safer environment for your family, pets, and property.
Best for: Homeowners seeking an effective, pet-safe ice melt that safeguards concrete surfaces and the environment during winter.
What We Like:
- Fast-acting formula effective down to -15°F
- Pet-safe and environmentally responsible ingredients
- Reduced corrosion impact on concrete, metal, and plants
- Easy to apply for ice prevention before snowfall
Specification:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Not specified |
| Weight | 20 lb (9.07 kg) |
| Material | Medium-grade solar salt treated with glycol |
| Color | Green crystals |
Ice Melt Safer for Concrete 50 lb Bag
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Ice Melt Safer for Concrete 50 lb Bag offers a practical solution for tackling icy surfaces during harsh winter conditions. It melts ice quickly down to -15°F, ensuring walkways and driveways remain safe and accessible. This ice melt is designed to reduce the risk of slips and falls, providing peace of mind for homeowners and property managers alike.
Unlike traditional salts, this product uses medium-grade solar salt treated with glycol, making it gentler on concrete surfaces. This helps to minimize damage such as cracking or scaling, extending the lifespan of your pavement. The green crystals also serve as a visual guide, helping you apply just the right amount, which cuts down on waste and protects the environment.
Maintenance is straightforward since the product prevents refreezing, reducing the need for repeated applications. The 50 lb bag is compact enough for seasonal storage yet substantial enough for extensive winter use. While its weight may be a consideration for some, the balance between effectiveness and environmental care makes it a smart choice.
Overall, Ice Melt Safer for Concrete combines functionality with surface protection, making winter maintenance safer and more efficient without compromising concrete integrity.
Best for: Homeowners and property managers seeking an effective, eco-friendly ice melt that protects concrete in extreme cold.
What We Like:
- Melts ice rapidly down to -15°F with lasting protection against refreezing
- Contains less corrosive medium-grade solar salt treated with glycol
- Green crystals provide clear guidance for precise application
- Helps reduce surface damage and environmental impact
Specification:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Not specified |
| Weight | 50 lb (approx. 22.7 kg) |
| Material | Medium-grade solar salt treated with glycol |
| Color | Green crystals |
Snow Joe Ice Melting Pellets, 50 lb Bag
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Snow Joe Ice Melting Pellets offer a practical solution for tackling stubborn ice during harsh winters. Designed to work effectively in temperatures as low as -15°F, these pellets quickly break down ice, helping to prevent dangerous slips and improve safety around your home or business.
These pellets use a magnesium chloride formula that generates heat as it melts ice. This heat-producing brine penetrates ice faster than standard rock salt, making it easier to clear driveways, sidewalks, and steps. The 50 lb bag provides enough product for extensive coverage, reducing the need for repeated applications.
Maintenance is simple—just spread the pellets evenly over icy surfaces. They leave behind minimal residue, so cleanup is less of a hassle. Plus, their eco-friendly composition ensures they are safe for pets, plants, and surfaces like concrete and asphalt, minimizing environmental impact.
While the bag is large and somewhat heavy, the performance benefits justify the effort. Proper application is important to avoid overuse, which can otherwise affect surrounding landscaping. Overall, Snow Joe balances efficiency and environmental care, making winter ice management safer and more manageable.
Best for: Homeowners and businesses looking for an effective ice melting product that performs well in extreme cold and is safe for pets and plants.
What We Like:
- Effective ice melting down to -15°F with magnesium chloride formula
- Eco-friendly and safe for various surfaces and animals
- Minimal residue leaves surfaces cleaner and safer
- Large 50 lb bag offers substantial coverage
Specification:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Snow Joe |
| Weight | 50 lb (22.7 kg) |
| Material | Magnesium Chloride |
| Color Options | White pellets |
Safe Paw Pet-Safe Ice Melt Deicer, 35 Lbs
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Safe Paw Pet-Safe Ice Melt is the perfect choice for pet owners looking to keep their driveways and walkways ice-free without endangering their pets’ paws. Unlike traditional rock salt, this product is salt- and chloride-free, which helps prevent painful irritation and protects your furry friends from harmful chemicals. It melts ice effectively at temperatures as low as -15°F, ensuring safety during even the coldest winter days.
This 35-pound bag offers longer-lasting performance—lasting up to three times longer than regular deicers. The formula includes a traction agent that improves grip on slippery surfaces, reducing slip and fall risks for both you and your pets. It’s designed to be non-corrosive and safe for use on concrete, wood decks, and plants, helping to maintain your property’s integrity throughout the winter.
Using Safe Paw is straightforward, but proper storage is important to prevent clumping and maintain its effectiveness season after season. While it may cost more than standard ice melters, the benefits of protecting pets and preserving outdoor surfaces justify the investment.
Safe Paw Pet-Safe Ice Melt combines safety, efficiency, and environmental care into one product, making winter maintenance easier and safer for pet owners.
Best for: Pet owners and environmentally conscious individuals who want a safe and effective ice melting solution that protects pets and outdoor surfaces.
What We Like:
- Salt- and chloride-free formula safe for pets and plants
- Effective ice melting down to -15°F with longer lasting coverage
- Includes traction agent for improved safety on slippery surfaces
- Non-corrosive and safe on concrete, wood decks, and vegetation
Specification:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Safe Paw |
| Weight | 35 lb (15.9 kg) |
| Ice Melting Temp | Down to -15°F (-26°C) |
| Formula | Salt- and chloride-free |
| Suitable Surfaces | Concrete, wood decks, plants |
Ice Melt Safer for Concrete 20 lb Bag
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Ice Melt Safer for Concrete 20 lb Bag offers a practical solution for icy winter conditions, especially when protecting your concrete surfaces and pets is a priority. This ice melt works efficiently in extreme cold, melting ice quickly and stopping refreezing down to -15°F. It helps make snow removal less laborious and safer by softening ice before shoveling.
Designed with a medium-grade solar salt formula treated with glycol, this product reduces damage to concrete compared to traditional ice melts. Its pet-safe composition means you can use it around animals without worrying about harmful effects. The easy-to-spread granules ensure even application, promoting quicker melting and safer walkways.
To maintain its effectiveness, apply 2-4 ounces per square yard before snowfall. This measured use prevents waste and ensures consistent ice melting performance. In cases of heavy or extended snow and ice, occasional reapplication may be necessary to keep surfaces clear and safe.
Overall, this ice melt combines environmental care, concrete protection, and pet safety with reliable winter performance. It helps reduce slip hazards while minimizing damage to outdoor surfaces and the environment.
Best for: Homeowners and pet owners who need a dependable ice melt that protects concrete and works well in harsh winter temperatures.
What We Like:
- Works down to -15°F to prevent refreezing and improve safety.
- Less corrosive to concrete, preserving outdoor surfaces.
- Pet-safe formula reduces risks to animals.
- Easy to apply before snow for simpler snow removal.
- Environmentally friendly compared to traditional salts.
Specification:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Not specified |
| Weight | 20 lb (9.07 kg) |
| Material | Medium-grade solar salt treated with glycol |
| Color Options | Not specified |
Safe Paw Pet-Safe Snow & Ice Melter, 8 Lbs
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Safe Paw Pet-Safe Snow & Ice Melter offers a practical solution for winter hazards around your home. Its salt- and chloride-free formula means you can protect your pets and plants while effectively melting ice. This product tackles slippery surfaces, helping to prevent falls without compromising safety.
Designed to work at temperatures as low as -2°F, it melts ice quickly and provides added traction. This reduces the risk of slips on driveways and walkways, making your outdoor spaces safer during icy conditions. It’s a reliable choice for those cold days when traditional salt products might harm your landscaping or pets.
Safe Paw’s formula is long-lasting, allowing you to use 50% less product, which saves time and money over the season. It’s also non-corrosive, so it won’t damage concrete, metal, or wood surfaces. This means less maintenance and worry about wear and tear on your property.
Vet-approved and environmentally friendly, this ice melter balances functionality with safety. It comes in an 8-pound container, ideal for typical residential use. Keep your home safe without risking your furry friends or the environment.
Best for: Pet owners and environmentally conscious individuals who need a safe, effective ice melter for outdoor winter surfaces.
What We Like:
- Salt- and chloride-free, safe for pets and plants
- Effective melting down to -2°F with added traction
- Long-lasting formula uses 50% less product
- Non-corrosive, safe on concrete, metal, and wood
Specification:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Safe Paw |
| Weight | 8 lb (3.63 kg) |
| Effective Temp | Down to -2°F (-19°C) |
| Formula Type | Salt- and chloride-free |
| Container Size | 8 pounds |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Salt for Driveway
When choosing salt for your driveway, you’ll want to contemplate its melting temperature range and how it affects your surface. Think about environmental impact and whether it’s safe for pets around your home.
Also, make sure the salt is easy to apply so you can clear ice quickly and effectively.
Melting Temperature Range
Although many salts can melt ice, their effectiveness depends heavily on their melting temperature range. This range indicates the lowest temperature at which a salt can still break down ice effectively. For example, sodium chloride works well down to about 15°F, but if your winters get colder, it won’t be very useful.
Calcium chloride shines here, melting ice at temperatures as low as -25°F, making it ideal for extremely cold conditions. Magnesium chloride and rock salt fall somewhere in between, usually effective down to around -15°F to -20°F.
To keep your driveway safe and ice-free, pick a salt that matches or exceeds the coldest temperature you expect. That way, you’ll ensure reliable performance when winter hits its worst.
Surface Compatibility
Since your driveway’s surface can suffer damage from harsh chemicals, you should choose a salt that’s compatible with concrete, asphalt, and metal to avoid corrosion or deterioration. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm the salt’s safety for your specific driveway material.
If you have delicate surfaces, opt for less aggressive options like calcium magnesium acetate, which minimizes surface deterioration. Be cautious about salts that might cause staining or pitting, especially on porous materials.
Selecting a formulation that won’t harm your driveway guarantees long-term durability and maintains its appearance. By considering surface compatibility, you protect your investment and avoid costly repairs down the line.
Environmental Impact
Choosing the right salt for your driveway means balancing effective ice melting with protecting the environment. Traditional salts like rock salt and calcium chloride work well but can harm nearby plants and aquatic life if runoff occurs. Overusing these salts risks soil degradation and water pollution as harmful chemicals leach into groundwater.
To reduce environmental impact, consider eco-friendly alternatives such as calcium magnesium acetate or potassium chloride. These options are less toxic, biodegradable, and often made from natural ingredients, minimizing long-term ecological damage.
Pet Safety
When you pick salt for your driveway, keeping your pets safe should be a top priority. Choose pet-safe salts formulated to be non-toxic and gentle on paws, avoiding harsh chemicals like chlorides and sodium. These options reduce the risk of poisoning and skin irritation, protecting your furry friends from harmful exposure.
Using pet-friendly salt also lowers the chance of accidental ingestion, which can cause gastrointestinal issues or worse. To maximize safety, apply the salt sparingly and try to keep pets away from treated areas until dry. This careful approach ensures your driveway stays clear while your pets remain comfortable and healthy throughout winter.
Prioritizing pet safety helps you maintain a secure, worry-free environment for everyone during icy conditions.
Application Ease
Although many factors influence your choice of driveway salt, ease of application plays a crucial role in ensuring effective and efficient ice control. You want a salt that dissolves quickly and evenly, so it melts ice fast and saves you time. Pick a product with a granular size that matches your spreading method—smaller grains for granular spreaders and larger ones if you distribute in bulk.
Choose salt with low dust and minimal residue to keep mess and surface staining at bay during application. Also, opt for a formula that remains effective in extreme cold, ideally down to -15°F or below. Finally, select packaging designed for easy handling and controlled pouring to prevent spills and make the whole process smoother.
Residue and Cleanup
Since salt residue can leave unsightly stains and films on your driveway and nearby surfaces, it’s important to think about how much cleanup you’ll face after application. Some salts, like calcium chloride, leave a sticky or hard-to-remove residue that attracts dirt and debris, making cleanup tougher.
This residue can also build up, causing surfaces to become slippery over time, increasing slip risks if not cleaned thoroughly. Choosing low-residue or residue-free salts helps minimize this mess and makes cleanup easier. Applying salt properly also reduces leftover residue, preventing stains and buildup.
Corrosion Potential
Because salt plays a crucial role in melting ice, you need to take into account its corrosion potential before applying it to your driveway. Chloride-based salts, especially sodium chloride, are highly corrosive to metals and concrete, which can damage your driveway and nearby vehicles. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride offer less corrosion risk but still pose some threat over time.
To protect your property, consider salts treated with corrosion inhibitors. Also, apply salt early and in controlled amounts to reduce damage. Keep in mind that moisture and temperature can worsen corrosion, so choosing a salt with lower corrosive properties helps safeguard your surfaces.
Cost Effectiveness
Choosing the right salt for your driveway means balancing upfront costs with long-term value. Start by evaluating the cost per pound or per bag to find the most economical choice for your winter needs. Don’t just pick the cheapest option; consider melting efficiency, since a more effective salt means you’ll use less overall.
Look for long-lasting formulas that reduce how often you need to reapply, saving you money in the long run. Buying in bulk, like 50 lb bags, often brings better savings if you have a large driveway. Also, factor in potential extra costs from surface damage or environmental effects, as these can drive expenses up over time.
This balanced approach ensures you get the best value without compromising performance or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Salt Affect Nearby Vegetation and Soil Quality?
Salt can harm nearby vegetation by causing dehydration and nutrient imbalances. It also degrades soil quality by increasing salinity, which affects microbial life and plant growth.
You should use salt carefully to protect your plants and soil.
Can Driveway Salt Harm Pets if Ingested?
Yes, salt can harm pets if ingested—it can irritate their mouths, cause vomiting, and even lead to salt poisoning.
You should keep salt away, wipe paws after walks, and choose pet-safe alternatives.
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Using Driveway Salt?
You’ll find driveway salt can harm soil, plants, and waterways by increasing salinity, which affects aquatic life and vegetation.
Use it sparingly and consider eco-friendly alternatives to protect the environment while keeping your driveway safe.
How Should Salt Be Stored to Maintain Effectiveness?
Like keeping treasures safe, you should store salt in a dry, airtight container away from moisture and humidity.
This prevents clumping and maintains its effectiveness, so you can confidently tackle icy driveways whenever winter strikes.
Are There Alternatives to Salt for Melting Ice on Driveways?
Yes, you can use alternatives like sand for traction, calcium magnesium acetate, or beet juice mixtures. These options melt ice or improve grip without harming plants or concrete as much as traditional salt does.
Using sand provides better traction without melting the ice, which is useful in extremely cold temperatures where melting agents might be less effective. Calcium magnesium acetate is biodegradable and less corrosive, making it safer for the environment and surfaces. Beet juice mixtures lower the freezing point of water and are less damaging to vegetation and concrete.
Conclusion
Choosing the right salt for your driveway is like picking the perfect tool for a hero’s quest—you want something reliable, safe, and effective. Whether you’re battling icy dragons or simply keeping your path clear, these top picks have got your back.
Remember, the best salt isn’t just about melting ice; it’s about protecting your home and loved ones. So gear up wisely and conquer winter’s chill with confidence and care!
When selecting the best salt for driveways, consider factors like effectiveness, environmental impact, and surface safety. Using the right salt ensures a safer driveway and helps maintain the integrity of your property throughout the cold months.
