While last winter was a reprieve from shoveling and high fuel bills, the party is over. The 2017 Farmers’ Almanac is calling for an “ice cold and snow-filled” winter in the Northeast, and its chief competitor, the Old Farmer’s Almanac, agrees.

Both almanacs have long histories, and both mark milestone anniversaries this year: 200 for the Lewiston-based Farmers’ Almanac, and 225 for the Lebanon, NH-based Old Farmer’s Almanac. Long-range forecasting has come a long way since the publications started predicting the weather and meteorologists recommend reading the outlook with a grain of salt.

 “Let’s be honest, though” says Richard Burbank, president and Energy Advisor at Evergreen Home Performance. “It’s never a bad idea to be prepared for a cold, snowy winter in Maine.” Evergreen helps homeowners prepare by sealing air leaks and adding insulation to keep their homes warm and cozy, no matter what’s happening outside.

“If the Almanac is right, this could be another winter of epic ice dams,” says Burbank. These heavy icicles form as snow melts and refreezes on a roof edge, trapping water on the roof deck, where it can cause serious problems. “Attic insulation and air sealing can go a long way toward preventing ice dams,” says Burbank, “and those improvements will make homes more comfortable this winter – even if the Almanac isn’t right.”

For more information on Evergreen Home Performance, call 594-2244, or click here to schedule a free one-hour consult and learn how you can prepare for whatever this winter has in store.