One Ton Done

FYI, you can skip this post if you like. It's mostly a reference for myself and/or educational for others interested in alternative heating.

Last year I marked the (almost) consumption of one ton of pellets on Jan. 12th, 2008. This year I started ten to fourteen days earlier and went a similar distance. Though I started this year with five or so more bags then last year.


In the beginning we were managing around a bag a week. This time of year, it's easily a bag a day. At this rate, like last year, we're on course to consume only two tons this winter. Last winter that would have cost $500, but we got last years pellets for free. This year the first ton comes from last years freebie deal. The second ton, our winter heating bill, cost $300. Next year, when the freebies are all gone, our bill should come in around $650.

The stove is scheduled to run about four hours in the morning and five hours at night. While we're at work and while we sleep it's completely off, which makes for some interesting environments in our house.

The bedroom, furthest room from the heat and on the east side of the house, rarely gets above 66°F. The other night when we got in at midnight, I was surprised to see it at a cool 58°F.

But what's the difference when you're in bed asleep under the warmth of covers and dogs?

I mean it's not like we're waking up to ice on the windows.

Unless of course it's really really cold outside.


- b