The 2010 Farmers' Alamanc predicts that about three-quarters of the U.S. will experience below-average temperatures this winter. (Photo: farmersalmanac.com)
Fall really seems to have arrived in my neck of the woods, the northeast. Today, it's downright chilly and the skies are already looking bleak and gray. It makes me wonder how high my home's heating bills will be this winter, and whether I should think about getting some weatherizing done on my home or at least stock up on some long johns before those cold winter days hit.
Well, at least according to 2010 Farmer's Almanac, it looks like I may have won the weather lottery this year -- and maybe won't be wandering around my house in multiple sets of fleece sweats like I've had in past winters. The almanac is predicting average temperatures and precipitation for my region, the Mid-Atlantic of the U.S.
But, if you live in the middle of the country, say from east of the Continental Divide to west of the Appalachians, look out. Your area will experience frigid temperatures this winter, according to the almanac. Perhaps you'll want to think about caulking around your windows, installing some extra insulation and taking advantage of federal tax credits to upgrade your home with energy-efficient windows. (For more on tax incentives for homeowners looking to green their home, read Stephanie Pearson's article,
Make home energy-efficient with fed help.)
Meanwhile, while I'd love to add insulation to my attic and get better-quality windows for my home, perhaps I'll hold off on those projects for a while -- Americans are banking their money more these days, and perhaps I'd be wise to follow that trend.
Readers: What do you think? Are we in for a harsh winter? Do you have any plans to weatherize your home this fall?—Lauren Baier Kim