Emergency Pellets

[DBNH22]

I went to the Home Depot down the street from my office today to grab a few bags of pellets. Lately I've been buying 15 bags at time and throwing them in my car on my lunch break. HD has the best price and I don't pay the delivery fee this way. They were sold out and said they should have some more in soon. That made me think. This is my first season heating with pellets and I've never heard of pellet shortages or drastic pellet price increases like we see with other fuels but I'm thinking it might not be such a bad idea to have a ton or two in storage at my home for emergencies.

I currently have two tons in my basement sitting on pallets that I had planned on burning this season. Now I'm thinking I may just push them to the side and keep them in reserve for emergency situations. I can probably finish this season out by grabbing bags every few days at HD like I've been doing.

Has anyone else set aside a emeregency store of pellets? My basement never gets wet so I would think they'd be safe to store over long periods of time.

 

[ZBrooks]

This is my first season, as well. I plan on stocking up if the price is right in the spring. I have the space for it, so I might as well. I'm a prepper by nature, so it just makes sense to me.

 

[ScotL]

Summer is the best time to buy pellets.

 

[DBNH22]

Please pardon the ensuing dumb question but as I said it's my first seaon heating with pellets.

Do most dealers continue to stock them throughout the summer and do the prices drop significantly?

 

[moey]

Places run out and sometimes it can be a week or two before they get more. Dont read into it more then that. Good idea to have a ton or so on hand.

 

[DMKNLD]

Please pardon the ensuing dumb question but as I said it's my first seaon heating with pellets.

Do most dealers continue to stock them throughout the summer and do the prices drop significantly?

It seems like we typically get spring sales after warmish winters, when suppliers are trying to move their unsold stock.

I'm guessing with this unusually harsh winter and a corresponding increased demand that we probably won't see much price drop this spring, perhaps unless suppliers ramp up production and then we get a milder 2nd half of winter and / or an early spring, and suppliers have a glut of pellets come April.

But I'm not holding my breath for that......

 

[Boil&Toil]

I think it's better to rotate stock than to maintain a "strategic reserve" and burn new pellets, all other things being equal. Put 15 bags into the "reserve", take 15 older bags out and burn them. If your storage conditions are "perfect" this shouldn't matter much, but few things are perfect, so....

 

[Fish On]

I think it's better to rotate stock than to maintain a "strategic reserve" and burn new pellets, all other things being equal. Put 15 bags into the "reserve", take 15 older bags out and burn them. If your storage conditions are "perfect" this shouldn't matter much, but few things are perfect, so....

It's wood it does not go bad..

 

[jackman]

I purchase all of mine in the summer when the price is low about 4 tons with plenty of reserve. IAbout 5 years ago there was a fire at one of the pellet mills which caused a supply shortage.

 

[BigJohnfromCT]

In August of 2013 I bought this winter's stash. The price was a little lower and so was the delivery charge AND I was assured of having them.

 

[CygnusX1]

Supply and demand. Everyone want pellets in the winter, therefore high prices. I buy mine in the spring when prices are lower.

 

[mepellet]

I purchase pellets in the spring. I buy enough to start the fall with at least 4 tons. That way I am sure to have enough for the whole year. Haven't used more than 3 tons so far. This year might be different though....

 

[Hoot23]

Goal is to have at least 3 ton in the basement before October.

 

[fmsm]

He who has the most pellets wins.......

 

[Madcodger]

While price is less volatile than other fuel sources, pellets are still a commodity subject to supply and demand. If you can store them in a dry, secure area it pays to buy when prices are low and to have enough reserve to ride out shortage periods. I wish I had purchased more Hamer's in the summer!