Seems as though I'm going through more than expected to with all this cold, so decided to move a 1/3 cord of Maple that was scheduled for next year up to the shed. So, I'm worried about running short and needing to get into the Oak in the back. Don't want to do that if I can help it. Of course, with the wind chill, it's a bit chilly. Got about 1/2 done and had to go in the house. I'll go back out and finish once my toes thaw.
I'm thinking about covering another stack of good hardwood, like your area, it's been colder this year compared to last year.
I screwed up when I loaded the shed....sort of. There's an extra 1.5 cord of Oak in there, but I was planning to use that next year. I normally put in 5 cord plus an extra 1/3-2/3 for good measure, but for some goofy reason stopped at just over 4, maybe hoping for an easy winter. I have to say though, the plan was working just fine until the end of last month. Thinking about it, when I first got here, and up until about 2010, I was using almost exclusively Oak. The last couple years, I've been using Pine and Maple more and more. A little Poplar/Aspen. Fewer BTU's/lb., so I'm actually not using as much, but it seems like it. A cord is not a cord, is not a cord. Make sense? So, I'll use the Maple until the overnighter, then it'll be Oak. Should make it through (I hope) the end of the month this way, then get back into the Oak full time. Just put 3 splits in of Maple, a slight sizzle on one piece, and now it's running quite well. This is the stuff I put up in Oct. '12.
Just think once you get the new stove you'll probably only need 3 cords for the season. How much have you burned so far this season? I'm about 2/3-3/4 of a cord in, if this cold stays like it's been I'll also be using more this year.
So far, I am using a lot less wood. Part of it is insulation, the other part is that I am not playing with new stoves.
Good thing you chose this year to insulate and stop those drafts. That has got to make a major difference in the amount wood used and your level of comfort as a payback for all your hard work. Do you have a double entry you use most often? That makes a big difference in the amount of heat lost. I put on a glassed in porch and found it really helps. Especially nice when coming back in when you are covered with snow.
rdust, about 1.333 cord so far. 1/2 cord pine, same Maple, just shy of 1/3 cord Oak. Started burning middle of Sept. Savemoney, I've thought of enclosing the front porch, but haven't done it.
I am a little ahead on usage then I normally am and way ahead of last year. It is a good thing I didn't take my foot of the throttle scrounging last year or I would be playing catch up this year. This year I plan on going heavy again. It's a sickness. I started this year almost 4 years ahead and I don't want to give up any ground even though I want to try and keep my supply confined to the same size area. Guess I need to stack higher.
BBar, don't remember exactly, but I think about 12 4 & 1/3 cord last year. Usually, we burn about 5. 4-6 years ago, it was all Oak. Now, it's about 3 Oak, with the rest Maple and softwoods. I've fine tuned quite a bit, but, well, it's an old stove...............
You could try first with some plastic and hold it down with wood strips. You have your plate so full now I wouldn't want you to take on anymore for a while. We all have to pick our battles.
You know, that's not a bad idea. But, you're right about having a lot on the plate right now. Brother and I finished building my sis-in-laws "breezeway", and now need to get back over there to install her new HE furnace and ductwork. It's been pretty cold though, and my brother hunts, so that's put things at a standstill. I still have a bunch more insulating to do. I redid the stops on the front door instead of replacing the door (helped a lot), not to mention daily living. That tends to get in the way and I ain't gettin' any younger either.
You live in Northern Michigan & you don't own a pair of warm boots ? Better stay inside by the fire till Spring. Winter has arrived. Come on Man!
I'm with ya, last year was my first year. Burnt 1 cd of Oak and 2 cd of aspen. I have 2 cd of ash and 1.5 cd of aspen left for this year. If these temps keep up, I'll have to switch to gas in March...
I've burned around half of my uglies, which wasn't too much and then around a half cord of what I have set aside for this year, which is around 3.5 cords. Not too bad, but the official first day of winter is just under 2 weeks away.
Oh, I do Dave. Didn't feel like lacing the dang things. Lazy. It was nice coming in the house to a nice warm stove and talking to my wife for a few before going back out. They were actually one of the first things I bought when we got here.
Well folks, we may very well get another warmup or too. Way too early for predictions on how much wood we'll use.
I am worried about not having enough seasoned wood to get through the year, mainly because we are having January temps a month early.
