WES Blog

The Middle East Conflicts have created a lot of concern over the prices of heating oil and gas. The price per barrel of home heating oil jumped 4% today. And depending on what happens there this week, oil prices could go higher. Although investor concerns about the unrest in the Mideast and North Africa are legitimate, considering they account for 35 percent of the world's oil supply and reserves, so far oil production and exports have not been affected.

Even those who are traditionally unconcerned with their heating bill have given thought to the price of heating their homes for the remainder of this winter. Combined with the fact that oil and gas prices only go higher in the summer, we cannot avoid the conversation about oil prices. With the tightening of our financial belts these last few years, we have seen ourselves cut back on going out to dinner, entertainment, the family get away, and much more. But in the cold weather, who wants to cut back on home heat.

No one wants to turn the heat down when it just seems to keep on snowing.Wood heat is the answer. With a wood burning stove or insert, you can avoid the oil and gas bill or at least supplement it. With wood burning inserts that can heat a 2000 sq ft home and burn for 10 hours, heating your home is not just inexpensive, it is easy.

Wood burning fireplaces, inserts and stoves are all great ways to supplement - or even replace - the usual gas- and oil-fired furnaces we use to heat our homes. With our record breaking snow and cold that we have been having many of you have burned a few cords of wood this winter. Burning wood is very environmentally sound, but then the question arises, after cleaning your stove and removing the ashes with your ash bucket, what to do with the ashes? At West Sport in Sudbury, we have a couple of suggestions. Of course, you need a metal receptacle to store the ashes in first.

Has your dog been skunked? Well, rub a couple handfuls into his or her coat, this neutralizes the lingering odor. Their coat color may be a bit different, but it is worth it to get the smell to go away.

If you have been painting near the driveway or walkways, and you’ve got paint spatters, drop a handful of ash into the wet paint and rub it around with your boot or shoe.

This blends the color into the concrete. Keep a can of ashes handy when you’re painting near the driveway or walks.

Before the organic mix is applied to soil, Ashes enhance soils potassium content; sprinkle some ashes into your organic mix before you add it to the soil. But don’t over-do it. Ashes raise the soil’s alkalinity, so avoid using them around acid-loving rhododendrons, azaleas and junipers.

This spring spread some ashes evenly around garden beds, ash repels slugs and snails. Dusted over growing plants, it keeps beetles and caterpillars at bay. But keep in mind that you need to re-apply; ashes will wash off in the rain.

Wood ashes add traction, and the dark color absorbs solar heat to melt ice without hurting the soil, pavement or concrete underneath.

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.