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Why Now is the Time to Buy Wood Pellets

June 4th, 2018 About Wood Pellets, Wood Pellet Heating

Warm summer weather doesn’t typically make you think about securing your wood pellets for the next heating season. But this year, there are two major factors at play that could change that: wood pellet demand and pricing.

Due to the European Union’s goal for 20% of all generated power to be sourced from renewables, the demand for wood pellets overseas remains steady. United States exports to the EU have continued to rise, with almost all of the pellets produced in the US for export coming from southeastern states. Last year, overall US exports increased by 10%, solidifying the United States as a top supplier of wood pellets to Europe.

See Map: Wood Pellet Industry Import/Exports

Demand has been growing in the States as well, due to heating oil price increases.
Crude Oil Pricing

According to the EIA, the U.S northeast region represents almost 85% of total U.S. residential heating oil sales – and many homes use wood pellet fuel as a heating supplement.

Oil pricing has a significant effect on wood pellet demand because when the price of oil increases, consumers tend to lean more on pellets for heating.

Read: Crude Oil Hits Highest Price in 4 Years 

Like any fuel, the price of wood pellets fluctuates due to a variety of factors, including transportation costs. A widespread truck driver shortage has resulted in serious driver pay raises – which combined with increasing fuel costs means prices are rising on anything that requires trucking.  As for the wood pellet industry, this problem has unfortunately made price increases a certainty for 2018.

Read: Trucking Shortage Causing Price Increases Everywhere

What can you do to save? Order your supply of wood pellets as soon as possible to avoid paying more.

Lock in current summer pricing AND choose the month you want delivery. Shop online at Woodpellets.com or call 1-800-PELLETS (800-735-5387) to speak to an expert!

Crude Oil Hits Highest Price in 4 Years

May 12th, 2018 About Wood Pellets, Wood Pellet Heating

Following sharp increases since last summer, crude oil has topped $70 a barrel for the first time since 2014. Crude Oil PricingThe growth of global oil demand has contributed to upward price pressures. The United States Energy Information Administration estimates that global oil consumption in the first quarter of 2018 was 1.9 million b/d higher than the first quarter of 2017’s consumption. Naturally, sharply increased exports result in a significant hit to supply levels.

Further, President Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear pact with Iran earlier this month. The U.S. plans to reimpose economic sanctions on the country, which will continue to influence the crude trade.

 >> Learn more about how supply, demand and geopolitics drives the price of oil here.

According to the EIA, the U.S northeast region represents almost 85% of total U.S. residential heating oil sales – and many homes use wood pellet fuel as a heating supplement.
US averages: heating oil retail prices

Oil pricing is partially responsible for northeastern wood pellet demand because when the price of oil increases, consumers tend to lean more on pellets for heating.

Will the 2018 oil price increase affect your wood pellet purchase decision for the ’18-2019 heating season?

Take care of your Woodpellets.com order now, but choose your own delivery month by calling 1-800-PELLETS or ordering online at www.Woodpellets.com!  

How to Mix and Match Your Order to Burn Wood Pellets Strategically

May 4th, 2018 About Wood Pellets, Customer Feedback, Wood Pellet Heating, WoodPellets.com

Wood Pellet Colors
Did you know that you can select multiple products to add to your Woodpellets.com shopping cart?

To “mix and match” your order, simply choose the first brand and the number of tons you’d like from your zip code’s gallery. Once it’s added to your cart, select the Continue Shopping button that will appear on a pop-up box. You’ll be directed back to the gallery, where you can select another type of fuel. Continue this until you’re ready to view your cart, make any changes, select your delivery type and check out.

>> Bonus: For a limited time, you can choose your delivery month too! Take care of your pellet fuel order now to lock in current pricing, but you tell us when you’d like us to deliver by selecting your desired month from the dropdown menu!

Woodpellets.com Wood Pellet Burn Strategy ExampleWhy did we add the mix and match feature? Over the years, we have noticed a growing trend of burning pellets with a higher heat output during the coldest months of the heating season, and burning pellets with a lesser heat output (and a typically lower price tag) in the early season and late season months.

Not only are there significant heat output differences between hardwood and softwood wood pellets – but the ash content is much different as well. Hardwood pellets tend to produce more ash than softwood pellets – which makes for more cleaning and upkeep. Therefore, this burning strategy is also a perfect opportunity to learn which kind of pellets are the best fit for your home heating needs, your budget, and the amount of ash cleanup you’re willing to deal with.

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Trucking Shortages Make Wood Pellet Price Rise Inevitable

April 26th, 2018 About Wood Pellets, Wood Pellet Heating
1 Comment

With all consumer goods, pricing is based on the provider’s cost – which fluctuates due to a variety of factors. You might begin to notice some price increases on all types of products throughout the year, which is directly related to a nationwide shortage of truck drivers. As for the wood pellet industry, these unrelenting transportation issues have made price increases a certainty for 2018.

For years, there has been a growing shortage of qualified CDLA drivers, and it has only gotten worse over the past year. According to the American Trucking Association, there’s a shortage of 51,000 truck drivers nationwide, up from 20,000 in 2013 and 36,500 in 2016 with a predicted increase to nearly 100,000 by 2021. As driver supply has dwindled, more trucking companies have turned to intermodal rail, which has even made these containers scarce.

Why is this shortage happening? Baby Boomer drivers are retiring due to age, stricter DOT medical certification processes, and frustration with newly required Electronic Log Devices (ELDs) which have created tighter hours of service regulations. This technology – which is designed to enforce limits on driving time without breaks – has not only pushed many seasoned drivers to quit, but also reduces the number of trucks available overall.

Additionally, millennials are far less enthused than previous generations to join the trucking force due to the arduous duty of long cross-country trips, away for days and weeks at a time. Furthermore, the men and women completing tractor trailer schools these days are not always accepted by insurance companies, which often require at least three years of driving experience.

Of course, all of this leads to a shortage of truck volume available to shippers, which directly affects the consumer. Ben Cubitt, a senior VP from freight-management firm Transplace, estimates that 99% of trucks nationwide are in use, up from 92% in late 2015. Cubitt says, “every truck is spoken for every day.”

What does all of this mean for wood pellet stove owners? It’s understandable that just like any fuel, wood pellet prices fluctuate – but the effects of this trucking shortage have turned the risk of a 2018 pellet price increase into a reality.

What can you do to save? Order your supply of wood pellets as soon as possible to avoid paying more. 

Lock in current summer pricing AND choose the month you want delivery. Shop online at Woodpellets.com or call 1-800-PELLETS (800-735-5387) to speak to an expert!

 

Ideas for Your Leftover Pellet Bags and Wood Pallets

April 2nd, 2018 Customer Feedback, DIY Projects, Wood Pallets, WoodPellets.com

Now that we’re in the final months of the 2017-18 heating season, you might have a pile of empty wood pellet bags and wood pallets around. Do you have pellets set aside that were damaged by water? Here’s why you shouldn’t just throw out water damaged wood pellets.

As for the empty bags – if you’d like to try and recycle them, check with your local transfer station to see what the protocol is. The wood pallets your fuel was delivered on could be handy to keep around for re-stacking pellets later, because the bags should never be placed directly on the floor in your storage area. But what if you wanted to “upcycle”, and reuse empty bags and pallets for something new?

Upcycling is the conversion of useless products back into something of value. It’s a great way to be both environmentally friendly and budget conscious. We’ve tested out many DIY projects, and gotten some great ideas from our customers. Here are some of our upcycling posts:

How to Make a Pallet Tarp Out of Wood Pellet Bags
How to Make a Pallet Tarp Out of Wood Pellet Bags

How to Make a Water Blob Out of Empty Pellet Bags

DIY Empty Wood Pellet Bag Jump Rope

Helpful Customer Ideas for Repurposing Wood Pallets
Helpful Customer Ideas for Repurposing Wooden Pallets

How to Make a Wood Pallet Christmas Tree

9 Wood Pallet Repurposing Projects to Try

Make DIY Goody Bags Using Empty Wood Pellet Bags
How to Make DIY Goody Bags Using Empty Wood Pellet Bags

How to Make an Empty Wood Pellet Bag into a Kite

Video: Easy DIY Wood Pallet Shelf

How to Spook Up Your Halloween Decor with Wood Pallets
How to Spook Up Your Decor Using Wood Pallets

Clearly there are so many ways to re-use what you might otherwise throw away. All you need is a little creativity, some time and (sometimes) a few tools. Do you have any ideas to share? Let us know on the Woodpellets.com Facebook page! 

Prepare Your Pellet Stove for Power Outages

March 21st, 2018 Pellet Stoves

Source: Eversource NH Twitter

The tail-end of winter this year has been a stressful and unpredictable one at times – especially for those in the northeast. Due to the increased risk of power outages during fluctuating weather patterns, it’s a good time to remind you about preparing your pellet stove for storms.

First – is your stove plugged directly into the outlet, or do you have a surge protector? Most modern pellet stoves have a circuit board that can be damaged without protection from even small electrical surges caused by power outages. Be sure to check your manual for information on electrical recommendations.

Here are three ways to keep your pellet stove operating during a power outage:

  1. Power Inverter
    • This device converts low voltage from batteries into voltage your pellet stove can operate on. Make sure the inverter is a Pure Sine Wave inverter and is at least 1000w. The batteries must be Deep Cycle ones.
  2. Uninterruptible Power Supply
    • A UPS is an all-in-one option that contains batteries, a charger and what’s required to convert low voltage to mains voltage. These devices are typically only good for an hour or so of time – which can be used to safely shut down your pellet stove, or while getting your generator running.
  3. Generator Backup
    • Of course, a generator is a common solution for reinstating a home’s power during an outage. The type and size that’s right for you should be determined after some solid research.

If the power goes out while your pellet stove is operating, and you don’t have any backup system in place – the pellets won’t immediately stop burning…but the components controlling the heat distribution and circulation will cease. With no operating exhaust fan, your stove can fill with smoke which could leak into your home. You’ll need to carefully unplug everything and (unfortunately) open some windows until you can air out the room.

 

 

The 5 Questions Pellet Stove Technicians Answer Most

March 12th, 2018 About Wood Pellets, Fire Safety, Pellet Stove Cleaning, Pellet Stoves, Wood Pellet Heating, WoodPellets.com
1 Comment

1. Should I do anything special when I turn off my stove for the summer?

Yes! Follow these steps to get your stove ready for its vacation:

Turn off your stove and unplug it. (You should have a surge protector.) Let it cool completely before you begin the process. Start by cleaning the glass with your heat-safe cleaning solvent and a soft cloth, like you have been doing through the heating season. Do NOT use any cleaning solvent with ammonia in it, because it can damage the glass.

Clean out the entire inside and within the hopper, to the best of your ability. If you have a stove vacuum, this will help make sure everything is removed. (Do NOT use a household vacuum because the fine ash can damage it). Or you can always rely on a trained stove technician to use his or her professional tools.

Read >> The 5 Tools You Need to Clean Your Stove Properly

Do NOT leave any wood pellets inside your stove – burned or unburned. Wood pellets are made of kiln-dried, fine wood fibers which will absorb any moisture. If you have moisture inside your stove, the leftover pellets will absorb it and can cause rust to form through the summer, which can create costly damage later. For this same reason, cleaning out all the ports and passages inside your stove is important for your stove’s health.

If you are unable to safely get inside the inner parts of your stove, and have never done so before, we do not recommend this without professional help. Not only are clean passages a best practice for when your stove is shut down, but also during the burning season as well. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for any suggestions that might be specific to your brand of pellet stove. For an extra precaution, schedule a summer cleaning/inspection by a trained pellet stove professional technician. 

Note: Cleancare Professional Cleanings are available through our trusted, certified pellet stove technicians in some regions. Give us a call at 1-800-PELLETS, or enter your zip code on our website to see if Cleancare is available in your area.

2. Do I really need to worry about creosote with my pellet stove?

Your wood burning appliance’s venting system carries out the substances produced when wood burns. As the hot substances flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs, which results in creosote residue sticking to the inner walls of the chimney.

Letting creosote accumulate can cause a house fire – which is (hopefully) common knowledge among wood-burners. Although pellet stoves generate significantly less burn residue due to the clean kiln-dried wood fibers in pellets, it’s still critically important to clean and inspect your stove thoroughly, as you would a firewood-burning system.

Here’s a very helpful guide on how to clean your pellet stove throughout the heating season, and the tools you should have: How to Clean Your Wood Pellet Stove in 20 Minutes

3. Why is my flame so weak?

Woodpellets.comIf your flame is weak, or “lazy”, you’re not experiencing the level of heat you should be getting. If it stays weak for an extended amount of time, your stove will likely just shut down. Causes for a smaller than usual flame are usually a part in need of replacement, incorrect air adjustments, or most common – an uncleaned/neglected pellet stove. 

Pellet stoves work off of pressurized air, which is drawn from the exhaust. Pet hair, dander, dust and lint are constantly sucked in. If all the passages within your stove haven’t been cleaned out, or your exhaust hasn’t been cleared of debris – air cannot circulate efficiently. Therefore, your flame will not be strong. Aside from occasional tired parts that need replacing, this is more commonly the answer to why you have a weak flame.

4. Should I be burning hardwood or softwood pellets?

Firewood burners prefer to use hardwood in their wood stove or fireplace, because it provides a longer burn compared to softwood due to wood density differences. However, regardless of the type of wood used to produce wood pellets, the pelletizing process produces pellets with the same density. Due to a higher percentage of resin content in softwood, more heat is produced per pound. Therefore, softwood pellets are typically the most popular among pellet stove owners.

5. Why am I getting so much ash?

Woodpellets.comCheck out the specifications on the wood pellets you’re purchasing, and look for the ash content listed. The higher the percentage, the more ash you’ll get, and the more frequent your cleanings will be. Higher quality pellets will have lower ash percentages, and therefore less maintenance.

On top of research, another great way to choose a fuel is by talking to your fellow pellet-burners to see what they’re using and why. Of course, you won’t know what you like for your home and your budget until you run your own tests. But if you’re buying the cheapest pellets with lower heat and higher ash specifications – you shouldn’t expect the same results as the higher quality options available.

 

Questions? Need to Place an Order for Premium Wood Pellets? Shop Online or Call 1-800-PELLETS to Speak to a Woodpellets.com Representative!

A Portable Outdoor Heater, Powered by Wood Pellets!

January 22nd, 2018 Pellet Stoves, Wood Pellet Heating
1 Comment

This kickstarter campaign recently launched in order to fund the creation of a portable wood pellet fueled outdoor heater, which is easy to take apart and re-assemble. The inventors claim it provides double the heat of a propane heater, at 1/10th of the cost.

According to their website:

“The Q-Flame heater offers an efficient alternative to standard propane units making Q-Flame the sensible choice for those seeking the latest in outdoor heat. As a manufacturer of wood pellet stoves and patio heaters, QSTOVES INC. is dedicated to designing and developing new heaters and stoves that perform better than industry competitors and better for the environment.”

The Q-Flame may be used for outdoor activities, backyard party heat, or even as a helpful tool when the electricity goes out. It’s inexpensive to operate, uses no electricity, and is environmentally friendly. Could you see yourself using a product like this?

To learn more, or make a purchase, see their kickstarter page here: http://kck.st/2ERM8R5

 

The Effect of Snow on Wood Pellet Stoves

January 12th, 2018 About Wood Pellets, Pellet Stoves, Wood Pellet Heating

Pellet Stove Vent BlockageHeavy snow buildup can definitely affect your pellet stove’s venting and your burn experience. Wood pellet stoves operate through a system of air intake and exhaust. If this system is hindered by a blockage (or a gasket leak) proper combustion of the pellets can’t happen. Unlike wood stoves, pellet stove venting can be either horizontal, vertical or both.

One of the ways a pellet stove burn exhaust can be set up is horizontally, straight through the exterior wall. (See Fig. A) The exterior vent allows proper air flow within the stove, and the exhaust to escape. If it’s blocked by dense snow – your stove’s ability to ignite and/or stay burning efficiently could be hindered. If your wood pellets aren’t burning through fully – this blockage could be the reason. (See Fig. B) 

A similar kind of venting is through the wall with a vertical rise (Fig. C). Vertical piping raises the exhaust further up the exterior wall. This kind of setup holds less risk of snow blockage. However, strong snow drifts (or very high snow accumulation) can still create blockage.

Pellet stoves can also have exhaust vents exiting through the roof – with some variations (Fig. D). If your roof has heavy snow piled up that hasn’t slid off or been pushed off, the vent could be blocked. Make sure to check for blockage – no matter how your stove is vented.

A whole other way your burn experience can be affected by snow is through delivery obstacles. 

Our Woodpellets.com delivery trucks park on the street, and bring your pallets up your driveway with a forklift. Of course, there is nothing you can do about large snowbanks taking up space on the road, but you can make sure your driveway is plowed enough for our 8 foot wide forklift. This will help the driver make a successful delivery – and help you avoid delivery delays. 

Please let us know if you have any questions. Call 1-800-PELLETS to speak to an expert!

 

 

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