Is Firewood a Low Cost, Economical
Way to Heat Your Home?

Are You Tired of Paying High Fuel Bills?

By Nick Greenway | Updated: April 11, 2024

As the price for fuel and energy continue to rise, many people are turning to firewood as a low cost, economical way to heat their home.

We've all been there.

It's the middle of winter, the heat is turned down low, everyone is complaining of being cold and you're dreading the thought of your next heating bill.

It's at this point you realize something needs to change.

Of course everyone wants to be comfortable and stay warm, but how can you do it at a reasonable cost?

What are your options and where do you start?

Believe it or not, firewood might be your best answer.

It's an abundant natural resource that provides affordable, low cost heat.

Harvested by our ancestors for hundreds of years, many people have grown to appreciate the warmth and beauty of a natural fire.

Recently the price of natural gas, propane and fuel oil have been anything but predictable.

Global conflict, the stock market and natural disasters all impact what we pay for fuel.

The one thing that remains the same from year to year is the price of wood.

Typically, wood can be purchased for the same price every year eliminating the stress and possibilities of skyrocketing fuel prices.

Or, you can cut your own firewood (which is my personal preference) and save even more money!

It seemed like every year I would stress over purchasing propane.

Should I save up a bunch of money and try to pre-pay for the propane and get it at a reduced price?  

How much should I buy?  

How much will I need?

Unless you have a crystal ball, no one knows the answer.   

Burning Firewood Sounds Great But Where Do I Start?

Many years ago as a new homeowner, I asked this same question.

I made it through the first winter in a new home and realized the cost of propane was just too much for me to afford.

So, I decided to look into heating with wood as an alternative heat source.

One of the best lessons I've learned is to have more firewood than you think you'll need, and plan ahead so your wood has plenty of time to dry.

Wet wood does not burn very well and it's a hassle unless it's dry.

On average, firewood will need 6-12 months to season and some species like red oak can take up to 2 years to fully dry out and burn effectively.

Now, almost 20 years later (with a little trial and error during the first couple of years) I can enjoy a warm comfortable home during the coldest winter months and can rest easily knowing it's costing me basically nothing.

Why Firewood?

I've always been fascinated with it!

I grew up cutting firewood, helping my dad and grandfather at a young age.

Since then I have made it my passion to learn as much as possible about this natural resource.

So what does all this mean?

Through research, personal experience, success and mistakes, I have created a guide to share this valuable information.

By doing this, I hope that everyone can realize affordable heating is possible and you no longer have to dread your monthly heating bill. 

What This Site Has To Offer For You!

Take a look at this site to find all you need to know about stacking, storing and burning firewood.

There's over 350 pages of content, guides and resources to help you along the way.

You too, can reduce or eliminate those dreaded heating bills, just like I did many years ago.

About the Author

Nick Greenway

Obsessed with firewood, Nick is behind over 350+ of Firewood For Life's articles, as well as countless reviews, guides and YouTube videos to help readers like you reduce heating costs and create the perfect fire.