Fall Heating Trends: Pellet Stoves, Tax Credits, Thermostats

Pellet stoves are definitely more than a trend, but it’s nice to see more people exploring their renewable heating options this fall. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, “The use of cord wood and wood pellets as the primary residential space heating fuel has increased by 33% since 2005, to about 2.6 million households in 2014.” So, we are definitely seeing a rise in the use of pellet stoves as a reliable and energy efficient heat source for homes, cabins, businesses, and outbuildings.

Another aspect contributing to the rise in pellet stove heating is incentives by local and state entities. In addition to specific change-out programs in areas across the country, the $300 tax credit is available for people purchasing a qualifying pellet stove in 2016. You can find more information about the $300 tax credit here. To find out if there are incentives and programs available to you in relation to buying a newer, more efficient heating appliance, check with your city, county, energy cooperative, utility company, etc.

Programmable thermostats are becoming more popular, as people take steps to more efficient heating and saving money. A programmable thermostat helps you manage traditional furnace heat when you aren’t home for long periods of time or other circumstances that require managing heat. Many people are surprised to learn that a pellet stove can be hooked up to your home thermostat, and the MagnuM brand pellet stoves offer this convenience. You can read more about hooking up your MagnuM pellet stove to a thermostat here, or you can speak to one of our heating specialists by calling 1-800-495-3196.