Even though I have lived in Massachusetts for more than 15 years, this is my first year with a home that uses wood for heat. I have been giving North Idaho Energy Logs a try and they are not working out very well for me. I am looking for reputable sources of seasoned firewood in Central Massachusetts. I'd really appreciate any recommendations anyone has. So far I am considering "Putnam Services" (aka Woodbusters?) in Rutland, MA or "Central Mass Tree" in Westminster, MA. If anyone has used these companies, it would be great if you could let me know how it went for you. Thanks!
jeffery7 , most wood sellers will sell "seasoned" wood, but that does not mean it's dry. Invest in an inexpensive moisture meter, take it with you, and check the freshly split wood they want you to buy. Ask them how long it's been split........more than likely, it was fairly recent. Anything over 20% or so, isn't dry. Might burn, but you'll waste an awful lot of BTUs boiling out the water instead of helping to heat the house, while also potentially creating a creosote problem. Pretty tough finding dry firewood this time of year. This is from the first link.... "Seasoned firewood has been in our yard at least one year (usually longer) before it is sold. The logs are cut and split onto the concrete pad in January and February. That gives the wood seven months of split time before the burning season." More than likely inadequate drying time, depending on wood species. This is from the 2nd link.... "Our premier Massachusetts seasoned firewood sits cut and split on pavement at our facility for 14 months in a teepee configuration", (AKA, a big pile). More drying time.....I'd try that one first, depending on price. The first one is pretty expensive, and I would expect the 2nd to be similar. At $320/cord, you're looking at about $4500/year. And that's for less than ideal wood. Wow. Sorry for the essay.
Not at all, that is very helpful, thank you! When I was a kid, my parents used wood to heat our house, but I never had to worry about the details and it's been a very long time since then. Using wood for heat is new for me this year, so I am learning all these new details.
How's the insulation situation in that house? I'd spend some money on sealing/insulating, (I'm doing that as we speak/type) as well as getting firewood put up in advance. That's the best "bang for the buck" option. Makes a huge difference in comfort. We tend to preach the "3 year rule" here, but it's not always necessary depending on wood type. Meaning, put up 3 years worth of wood in advance and get it dry. You'll use less wood and it'll produce more heat. More benefits than aggravation. If you don't have the room or inclination to do that, you're pretty much at the mercy of woodsellers. Hang around, I'm sure we can give you plenty more info, and hope it'll help your situation.
Insulation is completely insufficient or non-existent. Seems like this will need to be my primary focus if I wish to use less wood. Fortunately I also have 53 acres of which around 45 arcres are woods. I am hoping to get a nice rotation of wood and possibly even sell some.
jeffery7 welcome . Here in Mass your power company should have a program to do an audit of your home for FREE and also pay up to 80% of the cost to insulate your home. They also will replace all old light bulbs with led lights. Please look into this we all pay a little known tax on our energy bills for this so use it.
I have been using this guy from West Brookfield for the last couple years and I've been very happy with him. It's an older husband and wife team, very honest and good people. Just tell him you want the most seasoned wood he has and he will tell you when he split it and give you what he has. His name is Richard and his wife's name is Mary, tell them Dylan sent you. Here's his Craigslist ad. Give them a try or at least call and talk to him, very nice guy! Seasoned Firewood ( burn now )
He's a good guy, he also sells green wood as well so if you buy ahead you can save some money. Looks a little pricey right now but I would think that's because nobody else is selling actual seasoned firewood right now.
Those prices are very fair. If you want the good stuff you have to pay. Lots of guys selling wet wood for cheaper.
