Time to Start Cutting Firewood
A reminder post: It is time to start cutting next season's firewood to save money on your heating bill (A real frugal move). You may also want to check your heating oil levels and consider getting a fill-- it is cheaper now, then in October. I have some leftover wood, but I need a good two chords of seasoned firewood by late October-- the time to start getting it ready was yesterday.
This weekend I will be cutting some wood and maybe doing some splitting.
My approach is to organize the cut wood in large bursts (a few hours of work) and then do the splitting in short bursts of a hour at a time.
If you will be joining me in this quest this weekend, here is a checklist of things to do to prepare:
- Check and clean your chainsaw
- Sharpen and tighten the chain
- Check that your fuel-- do you have enough?
- Find and organize your safety gear (Gloves, goggles, etc.)
- Identify your target wood
- Prep your work area
- Drink plenty of fluids in the heat
Good luck and be safe.
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Website Recommendation: Woodheat.org
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Splitting Wood and Simple Living
The Four Key Ways We Save on Heating Bills
Firewood Offsetting Oil Usage
Oil Heat and a Low Tank-- Short Fill it!
Categories: Free Resources, Homesteading, Self Sufficiency, Frugality, Money Savers, Firewood, Green Living, DIY, Simple Living
Tags: Tips Tricks Techniques Free Resources Homesteading Self Sufficiency Frugality Money Savers Preparedness Frugal Firewood Simple Living How to ideas DIY Green Living
You're absolutely right on the frugality of heating with wood. It's a bit inconvenient to haul wood in and ashes out, but it can replace most if not all of your heating bill, and that's the single largest utility for nearly everyone.
You're right that a early start on this task in the spring allows wood to season sufficiently for a hot burn in the winter. My piles of wood are scrap, so they don't need any seasoning. I focus on spring and fall for wood cutting simply to stay out of the summer heat.
This type of activity is truly an investment. The return on investment is warmth, security, economy and the romance of a crackling fire. If you're a fire bug like me, then it's all the more fun.
To keep myself motivated, I simply think of all the heat I'll get from the wood as I cut and stack it.
Clair
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The real outdoor heat around here is July and August . . . and I go use a good sweat right now.
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