Residents Make Changes To Avoid Buying Oil
Pellet-Stove Sales Up 1,000 Percent, Officials Say

Faced with higher heating costs, Yvonne Scott said she’s looking at purchasing a pellet stove.

She said she figures the move will save her money in the long run.

Pellet-stove sales are up 1,000 percent, officials said.

Store manager Scott Vernier said customers are looking for alternative heating sources like pellet and wood stoves and buying log splitters as they prepare for winter.

Officials said the price for home heating has nearly doubled since last winter.

For example, the average bill per month in winter 2007 was $210 per month. In winter 2008, bills are expected to rise to $400 per month.

Oil supplier Dick Gada said replacing old thermostats with modern timers and servicing or upgrading furnaces will save money.

Scott said she’s done paying higher oil prices and converting to wood.

continue....