As cold and nasty as the weather gets in most of the Midwest, the prospect of not having heat is a nightmare. Ask any plumbing and heating professional what their most desperate calls are, and you’re likely to hear about panicked homeowners waking up to no heat. Impending snowstorms and dropping temperatures are something everyone in the Midwest knows a thing or two about, and they all know to think ahead about their heating appliances and fuel sources.
When the propane shortage happened last year, many people were left frantic. The propane industry scrambled to meet the needs of homeowners, as their demands rose.
The Propane Shortage in the Midwest Last Year
The unusually wet fall forced the agriculture industry to use more propane than normal to dry crops. Immediately after that, the term “polar vortex” became a household name. The “polar vortex” quickly became synonymous with cranking up the heat. These two events, coupled together meant propane usage soared.
More Propane Shortage in the Midwest This Winter?
If you’ve been following the news, the Kinder Morgan Cochin pipeline no longer carries propane to the region it once did. What was once the largest source of propane to North Dakota and Minnesota, and a crucial supplier to Wisconsin and Iowa has dropped out of the picture and needs to be replaced with other sources.
There will be solutions to compensate, but it’s worrisome to wonder who, when, and how this will happen. Also, how much will it drive costs up?
One of the best solutions is to avoid relying on propane exclusively and explore renewable energy options that are cost effective and highly efficient. MagnuM brand pellet stoves and fireplaces are designed to burn a variety of renewable fuels AND keep homes warm during the worst winter weather. While many pellet stove owners will also keep their propane burning furnace, most will not have to use the furnace much, if at all during the coldest months.
“So far I’ve only spent $400 to heat the house vs the $1200 I was spending on propane.” Dean K.
If you have concerns about the cost of heating your home or would like to explore your options for heating with readily available, lower cost renewable fuel(s), give our heating specialists a call (800) 495-3196. American Energy Systems is known for taking the time to help homeowners find the right heating solution.
