21 Useful Products To Protect Your Home And Car This Winter

It’s only January, but 2025 is already kicking off full of weather phenomena – from devastating wildfires and winter storms to bird flu, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

While winter preparedness usually begins in the fall, if you’ve waited just a little too long (like I have) or grossly underestimated how cold it was going to get, you’ll find that there’s still plenty of ways to protect your home, car and yard equipment with these last minute purchases. We’ve rounded up some of the most useful products and services to help you winterize your most important items, along with some helpful tips and tricks to make your life just a little bit easier.

Best Products To Prepare Your Home For Winter

It’s important to weatherproof your home, insulating those key areas where heat might escape (and run up your bills), as well as repair any areas that could impact the structural integrity of your home. According to the CDC, here’s a few important inspection tips:

1. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows
2. Insulate water lines along exterior walls
3. Install storm windows or cover with plastic from the inside
4. Inspect your chimney or flue each year
5. Install a smoke detector and battery-operated carbon monoxide detector
6. Upgrade your thermostat

1. Duck Brand Heavy-Duty Rubber .38" x .25" x 17' Medium Gap Weatherstrip Seal

Shop It: Walmart

Price: $6.48 at Walmart

This long-lasting, durable and self-adhesive Duck Brand EPDM rubber seal can be used to seal outside doors and windows, and the company claims it will not freeze or crack in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. One reviewer on walmart.com said, “[I] put it near the bottom on my front door…works great from blocking insects and outside temps.”

2. XFasten Transparent Window Weather Sealing Tape

Shop It: Walmart, Amazon

Price: $9.99 at Walmart; $9.99, was $17.99 at Amazon

The XFasten transparent window sealing tape claims to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture and UV exposure, and can provide a watertight solution for windows. For those, like myself, with little DIY skills, this could be an easy way to seal your windows without the more exacting measurements needed from other window sealing materials.

“I bought this tape a few times to seal all my windows and doors for winter…it is a little thick but applies very easily and seals up the gaps. In the summer the tape comes off with no sticky residue,” said one happy reviewer.

Some did complain about the durability and tape quality, and while some had no issue with residue or paint removal, others did notice some imperfections after removing the tape.

3. 1 in. x 3 ft. Fiberglass Self-Sealing Pre-Slit Pipe Cover

Shop It: The Home Depot

Price: $9.98 at The Home Depot

During our research, fiberglass insulation was one of the top choices for pipe insulation, especially for hot water systems and other high-temperature environments. It’s going to be more expensive but its fire-resistant properties generally outweigh the cost-savings of other insulation types.

This self-sealing fiberglass pipe cover comes pre-slit with a self-sealing jacket, and is ideal for two inch pipes. However, reviewers note that the tape on this particular brand of pipe cover does not hold up well, and will require extra sealing – it would be ideal to get duct tape or another kind and add it during the installation to save yourself some headache of replacing it later.

4. Frost King HC30A Automatic Electric Heat Kit Heating Cables

Shop It: Amazon

Price: $38.63 (30 ft.) at Amazon

If you have metal and plastic water pipes, rather than copper, this Frost King electric heating kit could be a useful investment for those in frigid temperatures. According to the company, this will keep water flowing down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and comes with a self-regulating thermostat. It’s available ranging from three to 30 feet.

You may want to invest in some electrical tape for installation. Reviewers generally found it easy to install and reasonably priced, with one saying that this kit was able to thaw out their frozen outdoor barn faucet overnight.

5. Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Shop It: Amazon

Price: $169.99, was $249.99 at Amazon

If you’re looking to upgrade with a smart thermostat option, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat was one of our best overall picks thanks to some of the smart features, auto scheduling, home/away assist and app controls. I have this specific brand of thermostat, and can verify it’s easy to install and control, and it keeps our home cool and warm comfortably all year round.

• READ MORE: 5 Energy-Star Certified Smart Thermostats That Could Save You Money

6. First Alert BRK 3120B Hardwired Smoke Detector

Shop It: Amazon, Lowe’s

Price: $51.09 at Amazon

It’s a safe bet to invest in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - it can save your life. We picked this particular brand based on Consumer Reports testing. The First Alert BRK 3120B hardwired smoke detector claims to use dual photoelectric and ionization sensing technologies to sense smoke particles produced by flaming and smoldering fires. It comes with two AA batteries included and a 10-year limited warranty.

If you don’t need a hardwired option, SimpliSafe offers a wireless, battery-powered smoke detector option that can be screwed into a wall without any additional wiring to set it up.

7. First Alert C0400 Carbon Monoxide Detector

Shop It: Amazon

Price: $16.49 at Amazon

Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless and colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels, and can be generated by dryers, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves and ovens, grills, generators, and even tobacco smoke. It’s imperative, especially in the winter, to properly monitor carbon monoxide levels in your home.

This First Alert carbon monoxide detector is battery powered and includes sensors that can detect CO levels no matter where it’s placed in the room, according to the company page. It has an 85 decibel alarm (so you’ll never miss it), and comes with a five year warranty.

8. Dreo Space Heater, 1500W Portable Electric Heater

Shop It: Amazon, Walmart

Price: $49.99 at Amazon and Walmart

Type: Ceramic | Temperature: 41-95℉ | Oscillating: 70 degrees | Timer: 1-12 hours | Overheat Protection: Yes | Tip-over Protection: No

If your central heating system needs a little help during frigid winters, we suggest taking a look at the Dreo Space Heater, a 1,500 watt portable electric heater with glowing reviews on Amazon. It’s ideal for small to medium rooms (approximately 200 square feet), and the highest temperature setting is up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with 1 degree increment settings for a customizable, precise temperature.

Reviewers say it heats quickly, and will automatically turn off and on to adjust the heat when it reaches the desired temperature. One of the main drawbacks, however, is that it doesn’t automatically turn off if it tips-over.

9. Dreo 6L Humidifier

Shop It: Amazon, Dreo.com

Price: $89.99 plus coupon at Amazon

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 6L (1.5 gallons) | Effective Range: 100-550 sq ft. | Run Time: up to 60 hours (tested in sleep mode) | Filter: Optional

We featured this in our Best Humidifiers Guide of 2025 that comes with a complete breakout of the different types and answers to frequently asked questions about humidifiers. We selected the Dreo 6L Humidifier as our best ultrasonic humidifier pick, and it’s been popular with our readers for its reasonably average price point, warm and cool mist options, and smart features. Be sure to check out our complete review to learn more about the Dreo humidifier and how it works.

1​0. LEVOIT Air Purifier Core 300S-P (Wi-Fi Enabled and HEPA)

S​hop It: Amazon, Levoit.com

P​rice: $149.99 at Amazon and Levoit.com

Filter Type: HEPA & Carbon | Effective Range: 219 sq. ft. (up to 1,000 sq. ft./1 hour) | CADR: 140 CFM | App: Yes

I​f wildfire smoke has impacted your indoor air quality (especially for those who suffer from allergies and asthma), we highly recommend the Levoit Core 300S-P Wi-Fi enabled air purifier. I've raved about the positive benefits of having an air purifier, and in fact, I have one in almost every room in my household. Just yesterday we were cooking with some heavy oils, and all three air purifiers kicked on after sensing poor air quality in the kitchen.

Be sure to read the Levoit in-depth review in our Beginner's Guide To Air Purifiers, a complete shopping guide on how to pick the best product for your home needs. W​e particularly appreciate the Levoit Core 300S-P air purifier thanks to its app and voice assistant compatibility, auto and sleep modes, particle pollution sensors and the thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon.

Best Outdoor Winter Equipment For Your Home And Yard

Next up are a few popular options to shovel or melt snow, along with emergency supplies and our top generator pick for those times when severe weather knocks out your power.

11. Snow Joe Ice & Snow Melt for Driveway, Concrete & Sidewalk

Price: $27.99 at Amazon (25 pound bag); $35.93 at The Home Depot (35 pound bag)

The Snow Joe ice and snow melting blend claims to melt down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, and is formulated with ingredients to be safer for vegetation, concrete, and metals than some of the other rock salt options available. It comes in green-coated crystals so you can measure where it’s been placed and how much, and the company claims it’s a pet-safer formula (though we still suggest monitoring your pets while outdoors when using this product).

Reviewers found it works well, is decently priced, and melts the snow well enough for it to have a “crunchy texture”, though the color impacts on concrete were debated. One reviewer said, it “works [well] in subzero temperatures”, and that it would break up the ice on their aluminum ramp designed for handicapped accessibility.

12. Avalanche! 500 and Snow Roof Rake Deluxe

Shop It: Amazon

Price: $185.99, was $196.82 at Amazon

This two-in-one combination snow roof rake and plastic slide may be pricey, but if you live in an area with heavy snowfall and are concerned about the longevity of your roof, this could be a useful kit. The Avalache! Store snow roof rake combo kit includes a snow roof rake with fiberglass handle that can reach up to 15.5 feet, and a 12-foot long plastic slide. It comes with wheels to help protect asphalt shingle roofs from potential damage – the metal scrapers may not be quite so kind to your shingles in the long run.

One reviewer said, “This product isn’t cheap but it does work much better than the traditional snow rakes that I have used. It is well built but it does best directly after it snows.”

13. ErgieShovel ERG-SNSH18 Steel Shaft Impact Resistant Snow Shovel

Shop It: Amazon, Walmart, The Home Depot

Price: $42.91 at Amazon and Walmart and The Home Depot

Scoop more, work less is the snow shoveling motto of the day. The Ergie Shovel is one of the more popular snow shovel options, with an extra handle for leverage, 18-inch push and scoop combination blade, and 34.5-inch shaft. Reviewers say it’s easy to put together, easy to use, and is made from strong plastic, though one reviewer noted they didn’t get more than two years out of it. It’s currently ranked as the best-seller in snow shovels on Amazon, with over 5,000 purchases in the past month.

14. PAM No-Stick Cooking Spray Original

Shop It: Amazon

Price: $11.98, was $13.51 at Amazon

Okay, hear us out on this one – put cooking spray on your shovel and the snow will slide away from the blade more easily as you work. Pop a little PAM no-stick cooking spray on that shovel blade, and get to work faster and more efficiently.

You can also put sandwich bags over your socks to help prevent cold from seeping in your shoes and freezing your feet, and add pebbles to a shoe tray to drain the water away from your shoes.

• READ MORE: Do This Now: Put Cooking Spray On Your Shovel

15. Greenworks 40V 20" Cordless Battery Single-Stage Snow Blower w/ Battery & Charger

Shop It: Amazon, Walmart

Price: $198 at Walmart (4.0Ah battery); $369.99 plus additional coupon at Amazon (5.0Ah battery)

We’ve discussed some of our favorite electric yard equipment (that are more eco-friendly than their gas counterparts), and this Greenworks cordless battery-operated snow blower is an ideal winter accessory when you need to quickly clear your driveway, sidewalk or patio. The company claims you can get up to 30 minutes of runtime with a fully charged 4.0Ah battery, and it has a 10-inch clearing depth.

If you need more clearing depth, Amazon has a larger Greenworks snow blower. One reviewer mentioned this is not self-propelled, so it’s best to use it before the snow gets deeper than six-inches high.

16. Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator

Shop It: Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart

Lowest Price: $999 at Amazon and Walmart

Fuel: Gas or Propane | Peak Wattage: 11,400-12,000 | Running Wattage: 8,500-9,500 | Weight: 212 lbs.

Outlets: 4 | Noise: lowest 74 dBA | Runtime (50% load): up to 7 hours (propane), 12 hours (gasoline)

We’ve reviewed the Westinghouse 12,500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator in our in-depth portable generator guide, and considering the price point, power, remote-start and fuel options, this was our best overall pick. It can power portable air conditioners, refrigerators, radios, lights, and other household appliances when you’re in a pinch and lose power.

It has a variety of outlet options, flexible fuel sources (gas or propane), and automatic low-oil shutdown. Overall, it’s been regularly reviewed as an “affordable”, “powerful” and “impressive” generator.

• READ MORE: A Complete Guide To The Best Portable Generators For Storm Season

Best Winter Essentials And Emergency Kits For Your Car

Driving in the snow, sleet and rain is no easy task, especially when caught unprepared, so consider storing some of these useful items in your garage, trunk or glove compartment.

17. Security Chain Company SC1032 Radial Chain Cable Traction Tire Chain (Set of 2)

Shop It: Amazon, Walmart

Price: $38.19, was $46.25 at Amazon and Walmart

There are tire chain sets that can run you hundreds of dollars, and we’re not suggesting they aren’t valuable and worth every penny. If you need something simple for starting, stopping and cornering while driving in snowy and icy road conditions, we might suggest checking out these Radial Chain traction grip tire chains. It’s an affordable option if you need something quick and easy for your car, SUV or light truck. Reviewers note the durability may leave something to be desired, but overall did the job.

Some reviewers also noted that first-timers may have a difficult time getting these chains tight enough on the first try, so if you have any experienced friends for family, it might be helpful to “test drive” the fit, so to speak, before you need to use them.

18. AstroAI 27" Snow Brush and Ice Scrapers for Car Windshield

Shop It: Amazon, AstroAI.com

Price: $16.99 at AstroAI.com; $18.99 at Amazon

For those living in snow-heavy areas, a handy two-in-one snow brush and ice scraper will help clear your windshield and get your car ready to go with no fuss. According to the company details, the bristle head was crafted with finer and softer materials to avoid scratching car paint, with the 27-inch scraper capable of getting even the trickiest of ice off your windshield.

One reviewer said, “[It] fits in my car easily, [it’s] strong and scraps ice and brushes off snow. I like its size and grip.” Another says it “gets the job done” and doesn’t take up much space.

19. Prestone AS250 De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid

Shop It: Amazon, Walmart

Price: $3.98 at Walmart; $12 at Amazon

This Prestone De-Icer Winter Windshield Washer Fluid is designed to improve your winter driving visibility and prevent dangerous refreeze. It’s formulated to melt ice and frost down to -27 degrees Fahrenheit, and is safe to use for rain-sensing windshield wipers according to the company page.

20. Anker USB-C Car Charger and Anker Power Bank Travel-Ready 10,000mAH Battery

Shop It: Amazon, Anker

Price: $17.99, was $23.99 at Amazon

Anker power banks are an easy way to keep your phones, tablets, and earbuds charged and at the ready during any severe storm event. With almost universal compatibility thanks to the two-way USB-C ports it’s easy to power up and go. One battery can provide up to two charges for an iPhone, almost two charges for a Galaxy S23, and one charge for an iPad according to the company page.

21. Swiss Safe 2-in-1 Survival Car Emergency Kit

Shop It: Amazon

Price: $99.99 at Amazon

Keep all of your car safety essentials in one handy bag with the Swiss Safe two-in-one emergency kit. It comes with gloves, jumper cables, glow sticks, bungee cord, poncho and emergency vest, ice scraper, tools, first aid kit and more.

And if you’re interested in building your own emergency kit, here’s a few other must-haves you may want to consider purchasing:

• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Blanket
• First aid kit
• Small shovel
• Sand or kitty litter for traction
• Snacks and water

More Home Product Reviews: Air Purifiers, Dehumidifiers And Portable Air Conditioners

If you’re looking for more ideas to improve your air quality we’ve got a few handy guides that will help you find the best product for your household. Whether it’s winter storms or a summer steam bath, check out our guides on air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and more.

• A Beginner's Guide To Air Purifiers
• Dehumidifier Guide: How It Works And Our Top Picks
• A Complete Guide To Portable Air Conditioners
• Best Humidifiers of 2025

Prices accurate and items in stock at time of publish.