Are any of you seeing a resurgence in pellet stoves?

Just based on the questions my neighbors are asking me, it looks like there is a slight resurgence of
interest in burning wood pellets. Most likely due to the ~$5.00/gallon heating oil prices.

 

Interestingly propane hasn't really increased too much for me (not like gasoline anyway). If I were to get a fill up today it would be $4.55/gallon and I previously paid $4.25/gal. I pay a high price because I use little (mostly for hot water) and only get a fill up about every 18 months.

HOWEVER, they sent a notice last week that they will start charging a rental fee for tanks at $39/year. I am unsure if that is per tank (which I have 2x100 gal tanks), or just as a whole (my home set up). Their wording is a bit ambiguous as the notice says:



Unfortunately I am still at about 65% level, so can't even look around for another supplier until it get a lot lower. If it is just $39/year total, then I can live with that to have it as emergency backup heat thru my FHW boiler. If it is $78/year, that makes me think a bit harder about it.

 

bogieb a 100 pound tank new a BBS are 160 dollars so for 300 dollars if they are yours usually any one will fill cheaper

 

She has (2) 100 GALLON tanks, not 100Lb. (actually I think they're 120 gal, but never get filled past about 100 Gal). Those tanks go for around $800 +.

 

Thanks but 2 quarter rounds (yes they are 120 gallons) for why have 2? Most suppliers here drop one..

bogieb look at electric hot water heater with a (like mini split) on top I have seen a rheem at Home Depot for 850$ As you have solar it might be cheaper with benefits of dehumidifier in basements

 

Ok jtakeman I looked, at them actually put one in rental units BUT to get rebates here had to be installed by Energy star certified And used 12 months out of year.. then unit was $3,850 and labor $125 an hour now that most rebates ended the unit is $850 with $300 electric company rebate so it can have reasonable payback period

 

I had 2 tanks installed, instead of 1, because my boiler is propane and is my 3rd option for heating (when temps are in single digits or below it is my 2nd option). I replaced the behemoth of a 500 gal propane tank years ago, when I changed from the original company that came attached when I bought the house. The two 120# tanks sit next to the house instead of in the middle of the yard too.

Old tank could be seen from road and backyard. Only place it couldn't be seen was from the opposite side of the house.




2 x 120# tanks


I'm not looking to get rid of propane. Early 2023, when my water heater failed, I replaced the 30+ year old boiler and water heater with a combi-boiler. So no pilot lights and the hot water is on demand. I gained a ton of space in the basement since the system is direct vent wall mount (ton of space meaning about 70 sq/ft - when you have a 650 sq/ft basement, that is a "ton"). I could run this system off of a small power station during a power outage if needed (it's on the same 120v outlet as the P61a). I also have a propane cook stove. So I'm not looking to get rid of propane

Old boiler on the left along the stairs and water heater on the right (not only gained space, but also got rid of the exhaust to the chimney across the opening, which I had to duck under.



Combi boiler

 

My wife won’t give up her propane stove either!

 

I would strongly recommend that you purchase your own tanks. It looks like you have 120 gallon tanks.

 

Sure, you cough up the money for the tanks ($800 each), regulators, testing every 5 years (after initial 10 year qualification), and I'll be happy to

I already looked at that when I changed providers years ago. It was expensive then, and even more so now. At the tank rental price of $39, I can cover the price of 2 tanks in just 40 years (which would put me at well over 100 years old).

 

Not that I use it often. But, in a power outage it is the best option for cooking/heating up food. Cooking with anything electric uses a high amount of wattage.