Stuck in pellet analysis paralysis...

Just venting. There's so many options and I think I know not know enough to make a good decision and too much to make a stupid one. So, I'm stuck. Does that happen to anyone else? It's like I"m paralyzed so I just ignore it and hope the answer will come to me (FYI: it hasn't)

I'm in Western CT, on the NY border. This will be my 3rd season burning. 1st season, we got 4 tons of sommersets. Last year, we had so much love for the 'sets, we bought 6 tons. Half a ton left at the end of the season.

We have a harman and an old clunky kozi...the harman eats everything and burned the 'sets well. We've experimented with a few crappy brands, before I started researching, and also burned a few bags of Barefoot and Hamers. So, now, I have search for months for a local "deal" on somerset. They are no where this year. I don't have ability to pick up, so I"d need delivery. My husband and I can stack, we just don't have a truck for 5 or so tons of pellets. We are finally on the last 2 bags of sets from last year and I still don't have my pellets for this year! I just can't make a decision...it's driving me crazy. Everytime I sit down and start researching, I get stuck obsessing over the price, the BTUs, whether or not to use oil. I wish this was easier

My local store has some great options at (what I think) are ridiculous prices. I picked up a few bags to get us through the week and hopefully I can make some kind of decision soon. 3 bags of Okies - Douglas Fir (he's asking $375, I think), Okies - Platinum or Curran ($335), or Curran Blend. In 2 weeks, he's getting in Blazers @$375. Ugh. That is so hard to swallow...considering my 'sets were $240/ton last year. He also can't deliver more than 3 tons at a time and I'd have to pay 2 delivery fees of $100 each. That's just silly. anyway, I picked up a mix to see how I liked them. I then went to BTpellet and CT pellet to check them out and I got overwhelmed again - so many more options! My local TSC doesn't deliver. Lowes and Home Depot are carrying CRAP.

Think I'll give up and start again over the weekend. I'm just afraid I'll fall in love with the DFs.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone - stay warm and thanks for letting me vent . I feel better now...

Jen

 

Looks like maybe you should be burning oil at those prices.......

And Happy Thanksgiving to you!

 

my thoughts exactly. That is what has kept me from buying...the price dropped (not as much as some of this board though. We are still over $2/gallon. Some people are getting it for less. We do have an older home and don't need to heat the whole thing and, for now, only have one heating zone. So, I'm stuck in a loop. For now, oil is winning a bit but I don't want it to. I want it to!

 

I've decided to burn these pellets (b/c I know they are better than what is at HD), start my Thanksgiving by cracking open some wine and beer, and figure this out on Sunday when I get back from my parent's house. There's enough stress in going there for the holiday - no need to add pellet troubles on top of it

 

I was in HD in Danbury today - they had ThermaGlo (I think that was it) and another brand I didn't even recognize. They couple in front of me was picking up the last bag, so I didn't catch the name. No FSU. Maybe I should try the New Milford one this weekend. I'd go for some FSU to help us through the winter. I just keep thinking of last Feb...so many below zero days and the 'sets were really warm. I'm afraid that whatever I buy cheap won't be warm enough....*sigh*

 

Nice to see you again too I think it would be easier if i had less options. I was even dreading stopping by this forum b/c I knew that not much has changed since the last time. Kinda like outta sight, outta mind. Somehow, 5 tons of pellets are magically going to appear.

I'm a bit obsessive - and I think Sandy from Somerset Pellet knows my voice b/c I call weekly to see if any new delivery locations have been added.
I miss burning wood - we had an old Vermont Castings stove at our old place. The landlord did a horrible install so it took forever to get started but once you did...wow. There is nothing like wood stove heat!

 

Husband is working, so I've decided to drink beer and paint the dining room. What could go wrong??

 

Thanks, jtakeman! You always have great advice! I saw the LaCrete's at BT and had them on my lists of good pellets. My list of "don't buy" pellets just seems to get longer. Maybe I will look into them as an alternative to the 'sets and Okies. I was going to go with Barefoot b/c I know how they burn in both stoves and I know the distributer but they sold out a while ago at my local stove shop. I wasn't thrilled with them, esp when I got the 'sets for cheaper and didn't notice much of a difference between the two.

I'll be checking out bt this weekend

 

Looks like the prices have changed a bit but all still reasonable. I'll give them a call and check on delivery fees. Thanks, jtakeman !
LaCrete:$305
NC: $290
Platinum: $280

Price List

 

I have been burning those. My stove isn't fussy. They burn HOT and fairly clean. I would get MWP at Walmart for less, but at HD, I just go to the desk, pay for them and they load them up and put them in my van. I am thankful for their help.
I've tried to tip them but they won't accept a tip.

 

I've done that before , but some how the open paint can fell down the stairs $ 350 later for new carpeting F it chit happens

 

I guess it wasn't so funny at the time though lol

 

Jen slow your roll girl friend take a deep breath open a Beer ,feel better already I do

You got a Harman and you know they eat everything and squeeze out every btu
get what ever HD has and some Crete's for the Kozy & burn dino juice what ever is most cost effective for you . Open another Beer and call it a day

 

No it wasn't I think I invented a few new curse words that day

 

Are you sure that wasnt your honey trying to get a new carpet and pinning on the obvious suspect?