Southwest of Fargo, ND sits a one level ranch-style home that knows the vengeance of upper Midwest winter. According to Mark Beaton, homeowner, it’s not unheard of for “the weather to be thirty degrees below zero some nights”. When Mark moved into his home, it was using base-board electric heat and he had the heating bills to prove it. Mark knew there had to be a better solution for his country home, but many of the options he explored were simply too expensive. He initially thought he’d find a supplemental heating solution and allow his electric heat to be his primary source. However, in 1999 he came across his Countryside pellet stove and switched his focus. Since he installed his Countryside stove, he made it his primary source of heat and delegated his costly electric heat to back-up only.

This decision has saved him money and made a huge difference in the warmth of his home during the coldest months of winter. The flexibility of fuel is something he likes. “I burn corn in the extreme cold temperatures, but start and end the season burning wood pellets. I’ve actually found that corn burns so hot, that we have to switch to wood pellets” during periods of milder temperatures.

Mark’s home is 1,600 square feet, so the Countryside is usually able to provide all the heat it needs, supplemented rarely with the electric heat. “People who stop over and see our pellet stove are impressed. It’s so warm and attractive.” He likes that the fire is seen through the glass in the front, but smoke never enters the home. “For a tiny bit of work hauling in fuel and emptying the ash pan, I can save a lot of money. If your life style demands total convenience and you can’t spare a couple minutes a day, then opt for traditional heating and keep writing out the checks!”

Mark is a fan of Countryside pellet stoves for over thirteen years. To read more stories from people who’ve opted to switch to renewable energy, visit our customer stories.