Source: Pellet Fuels Institute Pellet Heat

Natural gas to jump 8.2% followed by home heating oil at 6.6% in 2011, according to a recent U.S. Energy Information Administration report, leaving homeowners with high-priced home heating for the coming winter months. For those looking to contain their home heating expense, economical and environmentally-friendly pellet-fuel is the answer to the winter doldrums.

Unlike fluctuating oil, natural gas and propane prices, plus the dependency on foreign imports that affect pricing, pellet fuel costs have historically remained stable. In the past few months, on average prices are lower than they were in 2009, with a ton of pellets priced between $219 and $279. Consumers can plan now for the heating season and better manage their home heating costs by switching to a pellet-fueled heater and purchasing pellet fuel this spring.

Homeowners looking to stay within their household budgets can further cut costs by practicing zone heating. Turn down the central furnace and let a pellet appliance heat the room or rooms where the family gathers. And, pellet burning appliances qualify for a 30% up to $1,500 tax credit in 2010. Visit www.pelletheat.org for more information.

Over 3 million tons of pellets warmed American homes in the 2009 heating season, and more homeowners are expected to utilize pellets in the upcoming season, particularly when the cost of fossil fuels fluctuate due to probable economic recoveries.

“With over 100 pellet mills throughout North America, pellet fuel is becoming a major heating resource, readily available and economically priced for consumers looking to manage the high cost of heating their home,” said Don Kaiser, executive director of the Pellet Fuels Institute. “If you’re looking for a heating alternative, visit your local pellet appliance retailer. There are many brands, sizes and styles to choose from.”

Pellet fuel is the perfect choice for people who often experience striking ups-and-downs in their home heating bills due to fluctuating energy costs. More efficient and convenient than regular cordwood, pellet fuel is made from sustainable sources and its low moisture content allows for maximum burn and minimum smoke exhaust.

Pellet heating appliances are efficient home heaters that burn pellet fuel with minimal wood smoke, making pellet appliances the lowest emission solid-fuel burning heating product available today. While generating heat from the wood pellets, the appliances operate on a small amount of electricity, which according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, will only rise 2.1 percent in the 2011 heating season, making pellet fuel and appliances a win-win heating system.