Winter is approaching and soon, the warmth of summer will be replaced with the cold and icy, negative temperatures of the winter months. The cold results in increased heating temperatures for homeowners. In many of the northern, colder states, homeowners are forced to run their furnaces for the majority of the day. They may be able to reduce usage minimally by using other sources of heat. These other sources of heat can help homeowners save on heating costs and reduce energy usage.

Increase insulation of the home. Many homeowners underestimate the usefulness of a properly insulated home. High energy costs are often associated with the exit of heat from the walls or the roof. Proper insulation in both the walls and the roof can reduce the amount of lost heat, and contains the efforts of the furnace or fireplace. The increased temperature of the rooms reduces the amount of energy the furnace must fuel. Insulation can be pumped into the walls to update reduced insulation levels.

Block off unused rooms. Larger homes require more energy to heat them. That is because the heat must travel from room to room, reaching the desired temperature. In very large homes, the furnace may consistently attempt to heat the home. Homeowners can save on energy usage and energy costs by shutting off rooms that do not need to be heated. This can be done by closing the vents and shutting the doors of rooms that are not used. It is also important to ensure that the thermostat is in the most used room, for an accurate temperature reading of the home.

Consider other types of heat sources. The furnace is probably the best working heat source. However, it is also the most expensive. Other sources of heat have the ability to heat rooms, or even multiple rooms of the house. A space heater can be used to heat the main room, allowing you to turn down the thermostat, thus saving on energy costs. A fireplace in the main living room or bedroom can also reduce the usage amount of the furnace. Depending on the size of the home, electrical heaters throughout the house can drastically reduce the home heating costs.

Use alternative burning techniques. Fireplaces are one of the most common alternatives to traditional furnace usage. However, wood can be difficult to come by all winter long. It can also be difficult to burn and difficult to achieve the desired temperature. Le crete wood pellets are a great option for those looking to heat the home alternatively and quickly. Le crete wood pellets are burned similar to firewood, but the smaller size makes it easier to achieve the desired temperature. Less pellet fuel and le crete wood pellets are also needed for one season.

Pellet wood is a great choice because it can save a homeowner hundreds, even thousands of dollars on heating costs. A typical homeowner uses 3 tons of pellets per heating season at a cost of about $825. At an average retail price of $250 per ton, pellets offer a fuel cost per million BTU of $19.05. To offer a fuel cost of $19.05 per million BTU, number 2 fuel oil and propane would have to be priced at $2.05 per gallon and $1.36 per gallon, respectively.

The efficiency rating of bulk wood pellets is more ideal that traditional furnace sources, as well. Direct thermal conversion of pellets has an efficiency level of approximately 80%. More and more United States homeowners are learning about the benefits of le crete wood pellets and are switching to this preferred source of heat. In 2025, North American?s demand for wood pellets is expected to amount to around 5 million metric tons.

The cold of winter is on its way. Soon, homeowners will be cranking their furnaces in an attempt to warm the home. The constant usage of the furnace for heat can get very expensive. Many homeowners are looking for alternative heat sources. Insulating the home, using fireplaces and electric heaters, and investing in le crete wood pellets can significantly reduce the cost of home heating.