Heating. Propane vs Electric vs Wood Pellet

[CobyRupert]

Most likely your opinion is based on your perception!
(Ever see those drawings where your opinion of it depends on your perception? Is it a bunny or a duck? Is it an old woman's profile or a young woman's head turned away?)

Not just how big is your home. But how much money do you have? That influences many peoples choice how they choose to heat. There can be a great many benefits to heating with wood, not found with other fuels, but IF only compared in cost to other fuels, I would ask, what revenue could you be making in the time spent to mess with wood? Messing with wood has to be about the worst paying job there is.

I have little doubt too that many women buy into the trend of having a gas fireplace, you know get rid of the dirt and bugs! And many men who had to do the work aren't going to argue.

(IMHO) Respectfully disagree on money being a factor.
25 years ago I might of said yes. Today, I could afford to heat with anything (except natural gas not available). Like I said, I consider it a "lifestyle". (I'm not Amish (obviously) or a Luddite , but in some ways, I sort of get some of their lifestyle choices.)
On the other hand: Saving $1500-$3000 (???)(no clue) a year on fuel oil for 25 years might be one reason why money ISN'T a factor in today's heating choices.

It's funny how people treat heating (and money) differently. My tenants, who pay for their own electric heat, will stand with the front door open for minutes at a time. I went over to fix a closet door dressed in my "around the house clothes"- which includes thermal long-johns underwear and wool lined shirts, meanwhile they literally sit around in shorts, halter tops and had the living room window cracked open 3 inches.

View attachment The-optical-illusion-The-Young-Girl-Old-Woman.bmp

 

[Industrial Toys]

I see it as always being the elephant in the room. A factor in so many questions. What car should I drive, what tires to put on it, what should I eat, where should I shop or go on vacation? Always a question of how much money?

Plus, a persons socio-economic status certainly (in most cases) influences their value system. And don't forget peer groups and status.

All this became quite evident when I had friends much wealthier than I.

 

[chim]

Chim, no offense meant. .........................

And none taken That was a good observation.

Not just how big is your home. But how much money do you have? .................................

Or perhaps, how much do you want to spend?

 

[ovrszd]

I would ask, what revenue could you be making in the time spent to mess with wood? Messing with wood has to be about the worst paying job there is.

I learned long ago in wood heating discussions to not put that in the mix. Guys get very defensive over that one.

 

[ovrszd]

A perception is apprehending (understanding) based on your senses (usually sight).

Not sure these are perceptions, but rather opinion. At least that is my perception of the issue.

Well stated. I concur.

I've been swamped with opinions in regards to hydronic floor heat over the past three years. I'm half way thru my first year in our house. Next Fall I will have a more comprehensive view.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My situation is both odd and fortunate, But, if I had to heat this place with wood, I would get off my butt, find income some other way and pay for alternative heat. I realize, some people don't have that option. As excercise, activity, company and clean up of the property, it's a different story.

 

[ovrszd]

My situation is both odd and fortunate, But, if I had to heat this place with wood, I would get off my butt, find income some other way and pay for alternative heat. I realize, some people don't have that option. As excercise, activity, company and clean up of the property, it's a different story.

My only concern about not burning wood is keeping my 40 acres of timber tidied up. My Sons still burn wood so that will help. If I start losing ground I'll look around for someone reliable that burns wood and needs a timber to cut out of.

I never minded cutting wood. I always considered it good exercise. I've got a Cadillac wood splitter. Plenty of very good chainsaws. Tractor with a Grapple. I've always had good access to this timber. So far this Winter I've not missed anything about not burning wood.

 

[not2old]

Not just how big is your home. But how much money do you have? That influences many peoples choice how they choose to heat. There can be a great many benefits to heating with wood, not found with other fuels, but IF only compared in cost to other fuels, I would ask, what revenue could you be making in the time spent to mess with wood? Messing with wood has to be about the worst paying job there is.

I retired 10 years ago, giving up about $75.00 per hour worked. That time is too valuable to waste it using wood for my main heating. I don't have it as back up as there is no suitable place to install it in our house.

 

[D2Cat]

So we went for what do you heat your home with to can you justify your answer!

If folks are going to charge their time to their heating cost at the rate they received at their occupation after a few decades of work, do they apply those cost to the time required for all activities through out the day? It sure make going out to eat a meal extremely expensive. And deficatting takes on a new charge!

 

[LouNY]

So we went for what do you heat your home with to can you justify your answer!

If folks are going to charge their time to their heating cost at the rate they received at their occupation after a few decades of work, do they apply those cost to the time required for all activities through out the day? It sure make going out to eat a meal extremely expensive. And deficatting takes on a new charge!

:laughing::thumbsup::drink:

So true, one thing that also gets missed is abilities as age crowds up on us and how many hours do we wish to devote to saying comfortable in cold weather.
I keep the house in the end with the coal stove warmer then the rest,
when I come in from outside it sure does feel good as soon as I get in the house,
then once I get my outside coats and boots off it sure feels good to go stand in front of that warmth.

The fact that it saves me money over just using the oil burner is icing on the cake.
And while I have to much "free" wood much of the time I don't have the time and I
certainly don't have the inclination to go out in the busy times of the year and cut down
and yard up 6-8 cords of wood to work up for a stove that needs to be tended several times a day.