For Northeasterners, and much of the U.S., last winter was rough. Heavy snowfall, plenty of ice and bitter cold temperatures made the season very difficult for many. In August of 2013, the Farmer’s Almanac actually predicted this kind of weather, which sparked some skepticism. The report predicted, “The ‘Days of Shivery’ are back! For 2013—2014, we are forecasting a winter that will experience below average temperatures for about two-thirds of the nation.” Unfortunately, that report ended up being right. If the trend continues and this year’s prediction is also correct, we are in for another long, cold winter.

The prediction for this year’s heating season explains:

Winter will be much colder than normal, with near-normal precipitation and below-normal snowfall. The coldest periods will be in mid- and late December, early and mid-January, and mid- to late February. The snowiest periods will be in mid- to late November, mid- and late December, and early to mid-March.

The nights are already getting cooler and the days shorter. Although we will have to wait and see if this prediction will be right, it’s still a good idea to get prepared in these early Fall months. Put a shovel and scrape-brush in your trunk. Check to see if you have salt on hand for your walkways. Make sure your wood stove and/or pellet stoves are clean, safe and ready to use, and have your chimney or flue inspected. Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm. Also, order your wood pellets now.

One thing we strongly recommend doing now instead of later is ordering your heating fuel. Whether it’s cord wood, wood bricks, wood pellets or oil. It’s never a good idea to procrastinate on securing your heating source.

If you have a pellet stove and haven’t purchased your wood pellets yet, give us a call at 1-800-735-5387. Or, you can order online 24/7 at www.woodpellets.com.