I start mine up and let it run at about 1/3 idle while I shovel off my steps and porch. By the time I get back to it(about 5-10 minutes), everything works very well. Coldest I've had it out is about minus 10 or so here in Northern Indiana. The gas engine started right up with no pre-heating of any sort. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif