Pellet Use and Other Ramblings - Through November

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Wilbur Feral

Minister of Fire
Aug 24, 2014
600
Eastern Pennsylvania
Well, the unusually mild weather in the east is certainly helping us save on pellets. I just figured out my use to date. Across two stoves, a Quad MVAE freestanding and a Quad Sante Fe insert, I projected that I would use 6 bags in October, but I actually used 4. For November, I projected 36 but we actually used 22 (granted we were out of town for about 5 days, but the weather was so nice I think we would have burned no more than 3 bags during that period).

Bottom line: 26 bags actually used, against a projected 42.

I projected 46 bags for December, but through today (already filled the stoves and have partial bags left over), I'm on track to burn only 36. Weather looks downright balmy for the next 10 days, so that's probably not far off.

It will be interesting to see what happens when we install the new shed next week, and I move the old Whitfield out there, giving me a third stove that will operate only on weekends and holidays when I feel like puttering around out there. The Whit chewed through pellets faster than the replacement Santa Fe, largely because it didn't have a thermostat. The Nest- and home automation system - connected Santa Fe has been a pellet sipper to date, and that's even with me "tricking" it into running on low after it hits the target temperature on the Nest, to prevent frequent cycling and ignitor use. That may burn a few more pellets, but it seems to be the best way to keep steady temps and extend the ignitor life.

Will be interesting to see what the rest of the winter holds... How does it look for you so far?
 
I've been through 45 bags so far this year. I did the LBT back in September because I was lazy and didn't get it done in the spring. Just did the LBT again, and the stove is happily purring along. Might have to shut it back down later, no thermostat here and it's almost 50 degrees out (no thermostat on this old beasty).
 
With the Santa Fe's puny room fan and long warm up I can see why when things are a tad colder to just let it burn.
We are projected to be 20 degrees warmer than average here for at least a week and if we see the sun will be able to shut down the corn eater for half dozen hours a day if we want to. Really don't want to go and get any corn if I have to and use shed space for the gravity box. I was told that a local with their own propane tank filled for mid seventies a gallon and that would be cheaper than corn even.
 
77 bags so far but I'm running two stoves and heating 3800 square feet. Our consumption is certainly lower this year. (Edit: I mistyped the original figure)
 
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I have used about 30 bags since September. Since this is my first year, I am not sure if this is a low number or not, but I am thinking yes since Nov was mild. Last night and today is the longest I have burned the stove on setting 2 out of 5.
 
I'm over a ton - probably around 60 bags or so since October 3. Heck, might be close to 70 since I have bought a few bags here and there, and rearranged my stacks so I can't look at pictures taken on 10/3 to see exactly what I have burned. Doesn't help that I am being more picky on what I feed the P43 since it has a smaller as pan than the P61 (the reason a couple of stacks were rearranged).
 
About 30 bags since Oct 1, Warm weather has been helping , Will probably shut down today and do a full cleaning seeing as how it's going to be 45-50 deg. F..,might as well while it's warm, hoping not to get slammed with payback in Jan. but have to expect it here ...
 
My pellet consumption is way down so far vs. last year. I like and welcome the milder temps. Hope they stick around all winter. I have not even used a ton since October. I have used 40 bags and the stove is off today. This time last year I was finishing up my second ton.
 
Dumped in bag #26 yesterday. Another mild week of December coming up!
 
9 bags. The heat pump is providing heat and great savings while it's around 32F outside!
 
Only 6 bags so far, burnin' oil most of the time 'cause it's been so warm.......... put my last 74 bags in today, 274 for the winter .....

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