If you own a multi-fuel burning pellet stove or are considering buying one to lower your heat bill, a common question newer stove owners have is burning wood pellets vs corn. The ease and flexibility that a multi-fuel pellet stove provides is something long-time owners have grown to really appreciate. We continually hear stories from our customers like this one from Wes Friesen of Michigan. “I have owned a Countryside for nine years and couldn’t be happier. Being the owner of an old farmhouse, I know that the cost to heat with fossil fuels would probably drive me into bankruptcy! This morning I woke up to the sound of my propane furnace running; I had let the stove run out of fuel. It was about 19F this morning; not a really cold morning for central MI, but enough to make the furnace work for its keep. I timed the sequences (time running versus time off) of the furnace, and discovered it was running approximately 4 minutes for every minute it was off. At 80,000 btu, that calculates to using 15.36 gallons of propane every day! At a statewide average of $2.33 per gallon on Jan 10th, that means I could be paying $36 per day to heat with propane. Ouch! I looked at the thermostat when I got downstairs and the furnace was barely holding the temperature at 66 degrees. I started up the stove, and within 45 minutes the temperature was up to 74 degrees. I figure that I am using around $7.00 per day to heat with corn or wood pellets. Thanks for the savings!”
Wood Pellets vs Corn: Which to Use & When
You Decide: First, it’s always a stove owners choice with a multi-fuel stove to burn what you prefer, have available, or is least expensive the day you are making the decision. Second, you have the flexibility to switch at any time and mix fuels when you have a MagnuM or Country Flame brand appliance from American Energy Systems.
Deals and Savings: Take advantage of local deals, sales and other cost saving measures and buy what makes sense for you and your family. Do pay attention to the quality of fuel you’re putting in your stove. One customer had purchased lower quality fuel and was struggling when they contacted our office. We provided some higher quality pellets, and they immediately noticed the difference. “I started burning the pellets you had sitting for me by your front door at AES in Hutchinson, MN. I cleaned out my stove, took all the xxxxxx (brand) pellets out, then put the Indeck Energy Pellets, WOW! They burn hot and clean, A big bright white to yellow flame, no black soot at all! When I open the door to look inside, the ash is bright white!” Trust us when we say that quality fuel matters. Here’s a video we produced to explain fuel selection in more detail.
Burn a Mixture: Many of our pellet stove owners report that they love burning a mixture of corn and wood pellets. Corn helps lessen the ash that wood pellets can create, and corn burns incredibly hotter than wood pellets. You get the best of both worlds.
Do you have a question our heating specialists can answer for you? Don’t hesitate to ask. We love helping people stay warm, save money, and buy the correct appliance for their needs. 1-800-495-3196