WES Blog

A few years ago we witnessed the same dramatic increase in home heating oil prices that we are seeing right now. As forecasters predicted a constant slow increase over that summer and into the winter, we saw a dramatic increase in the spring and summer sales of pellet stoves. You may remember hearing this as pellets and pellet stoves were being bought and installed at record rates. Well, forecasters are again predicting the slow and steady rise of oil and gas prices. Home heating prices are up 30% at an average of $3.85/gallon. And we are seeing an increased interest in information about pellet stoves and inserts.

Pellet stoves are an efficient and simple way to supplement your home heating needs. The Heritage Pellet stove, with high-end aesthetic design in cast iron and stone, is both beautiful and efficient. This stove technologically advanced and is certified by the EPA as one of the cleanest burning and most efficient pellet stoves on the market.

This is truly one of the best wood pellet stoves. We have this stove burning daily in our store for you to see. Let go of all of your preconceptions about pellet stoves and pellet flames. This stove is beautiful to look at with an oversized viewing glass; you can enjoy one of the prettiest pellet flames in the industry.

The Pellet making factories have been built and pellets are sold on line and at most hardware stores and are easy to store with no mess. So as heating prices rise, gather your information now, so you can make the best decision for your home before everyone else decides to do the same.

Many people have been coming into our shop lately and inquiring about pellet and gas stoves. However, once they see our beautiful hearthstone wood burning inserts, they begin asking questions about wood. I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you a couple of the pros and cons about all three types of fuel for inserts, fireplaces and stoves.

Gas heating appliances are easy to use, more economical than you would think, and they can be connected to a thermostat for a consistent heat. Also, many come with a remote control, so literally, at the touch of a button you can be sitting in front of a roaring fire. However, gas is not a renewable source of energy, and you will still pay the high fuel prices. Though they are a more efficient way of heating; gas stoves, fireplaces and inserts are generally a convenient secondary or supplemental heat source for your home.

Stoves and inserts that use wood pellets for fuel can produce quite a bit of heat. They are very efficient and for the most part, are mess free. The pellets can be stacked easily in the garage or shed in bags and they burn very efficiently. Pellet stoves can be used to heat your whole home throughout the winter. And though they do not have the pretty flame we are used to with burning wood, manufacturers today are making more attractive pellet stoves to suit more needs. Probably the biggest drawback to a pellet stove or insert is the need for electric power to run. In a snowy Nor’easter, if there is no power, there is also no fire.

Wood makes a beautiful fire; wood is a renewable fuel source -so no more huge heating bills; and wood burning fireplaces, inserts and stoves can heat your whole home all winter. Manufacturers of wood burning heating appliances have much higher standards making stoves, inserts and fireplaces that are more efficient with higher EPA ratings today than in the past. Therefore, pollutants are reduced and efficiency is increased. So then what are the drawbacks to wood? Wood requires storing and lugging. As opposed to gas and pellet, when you get home from work, you cannot just push a button and have a fire to relax in front of.

All of these fuel sources have a place based on your lifestyles, your home and your needs. At West Sport, our goal is to help educate you on all the fuel sources available. We want you to make the right decision for your home and family so that you can get the most enjoyment out of your new fireplace, stove or insert.

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and with the New Year the home energy tax credit expires. We can help you. You have until December 31, 2010 to purchase your wood or pellet burning fireplace, fireplace insert, or stove if you want to take advantage of this tax credit. At West Sport Grill and Fireplace Shop, we have everything you need to take advantage of this money savings. But, we are also offering $200 off every Hearthstone pellet or wood burning stove, insert or fireplace. We feel that Hearthstone will meet or exceed your expectation which is why we have decided to offer this additional money savings. Burning wood is one of the most romantic, beautiful and satisfying ways to heat your home.

Wood burning stoves, inserts and fireplaces can be very economical, while also offering the additional benefits of a beautiful flame, relaxing warmth, and a romantic ambiance.
Environmental concerns and strict EPA regulations have helped wood stoves grow in popularity. EPA-certified stoves now burn 72-82% more cleanly than those of the past. Wood has a much higher BTU capacity than gas, and wood is also a renewable resource. The tax credit is being offered for all hearth appliances that use renewable energy- this means wood or pellet burning. You can count on wood and wood pellets being around as a reliable and clean source of fuel for years to come. With rising fuel and gas prices, wood stoves are a much more economical way to heat your home. And you will stay warm even if your power goes out.

Happy Holidays from West Sport, this is our gift to you, as our neighbors. Come in and save $1500 dollars before December 31.