Wood vs Pellet heat ???

[Ken45101]

I have primarily heated with wood but this year, due to surgery and other issues, the woodshed is limited. I also have a pellet stove and an unvented propane heater. Yesterday was the first time the propane tank has been filled in 10 years.

Pellet heat has not been as satisfactory as wood. It just doesn't seem to heat the house well. However, this year I have been using it along with the wood stove and it does a good job of moderating the temperature swings from the wood stove.

Pellet prices and quality have been up and down over the years. This year, pellets (Summerset, a good brand) were only $150/ton. When we first bought the pellet stove, corn prices were very high due to the ethanol scam.

Even if you have your own woods, firewood isn't free when you include the cost of chain saws, log splitters (and engine maintenance), hauling and storing firewood. (Currently need to buy a new chainsaw, LOL.)

Propane is a good backup if all else fails, such as we are sick or unable to bring in wood or pellets. It stores well long term.

 

[ovrszd]

Even if you have your own woods, firewood isn't free when you include the cost of chain saws, log splitters (and engine maintenance), hauling and storing firewood. (Currently need to buy a new chainsaw, LOL.)

Very true.

I try to maintain my timber and clean up damaged or dead trees. That's how I get my wood supply.

I like the wood stove in my shop. It's a toasty 75 degrees in here now. But I don't burn wood because it's cheap, it's not. I have a LOT of money invested in the equipment I use to get my wood supply. A LOT.

 

[JerryK]

Very true.

I try to maintain my timber and clean up damaged or dead trees. That's how I get my wood supply.

I like the wood stove in my shop. It's a toasty 75 degrees in here now. But I don't burn wood because it's cheap, it's not. I have a LOT of money invested in the equipment I use to get my wood supply. A LOT.

Ditto, I have a hard time cutting/splitting/stacking just the trees I need to take out... let alone the ones I wish I could take out for extra trails/etc. I only burn about 6-8 face cord each winter in my barn and give away most of the crooked/odd sized hunks of trees I take down. Just stack the nice stuff. Heat a small 1200 sq' [ no basement ] well insulated home up here in Michigan with propane. $412 last winter for propane...

 

[Wakey]

I thought the thread title read "Wood vs, Pallet Heat"

Thanks TBN

 

[ruffdog]

Some people spend a bunch of money on gym memberships and the time traveling to them. I'm saving a whole lot by working out with my firewood equipment.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I thought the thread title read "Wood vs, Pallet Heat"

Thanks TBN

Wood vs pellet, pallets is another thread.

Lots to be said for a good firewood workout. How i spent my winter saturday mornings growing up, either cutting firewood, mine props, or timber to sell.

 

[ovrszd]

Ditto, I have a hard time cutting/splitting/stacking just the trees I need to take out... let alone the ones I wish I could take out for extra trails/etc. I only burn about 6-8 face cord each winter in my barn and give away most of the crooked/odd sized hunks of trees I take down. Just stack the nice stuff. Heat a small 1200 sq' [ no basement ] well insulated home up here in Michigan with propane. $412 last winter for propane...

My Sons both have wood stoves in their shops. So my timber supplies enough wood for 3 stoves. It's been several years since I've cut a healthy tree. I keep a huge pile of blocked wood. Split it as needed. I'm trying to empty the pile now so I can block the dozen or so large trees that I've got poled and piled. We split 2 trailer loads yesterday. There's at least 3 more large loads left. My wood shed is full. I have 60 acres of timber.

 

[JerryK]

My Sons both have wood stoves in their shops. So my timber supplies enough wood for 3 stoves. It's been several years since I've cut a healthy tree. I keep a huge pile of blocked wood. Split it as needed. I'm trying to empty the pile now so I can block the dozen or so large trees that I've got poled and piled. We split 2 trailer loads yesterday. There's at least 3 more large loads left. My wood shed is full. I have 60 acres of timber.

Not much cutting or splitting being done up here right now... Pretty NASTY outside, even for us cold loving folks.....

 

[Egon]

Wood really splits easily when it is cold out!

 

[ovrszd]

By the time I split mine it's usually been blocked for two years. Little moisture left. Seems to not be bothered as much by temperature.