Winter & Heating Costs

As winter approaches, many families will feel the impact of rising energy costs. Pressure to keep central heating use low is increasing as gas and oil prices continue to fluctuate, making budgeting more difficult.This has led to an increase in demand for solid fuels.  Irish households are using central heating alongside their wood-burning stoves and open fires to have more control over energy bills.

Why Solid Fuels Give You More Control of Your Energy Usage

Solid fuels give you more control over where, when, and how much heat you use. With solid fuels like WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes, you have greater control over where you are heating. Lighting a stove in the living room, when the family is gathered around enjoying an evening together, is ideal because you are burning fuel in the only room in use. With central heating, you may be heating the whole house, including bedrooms and hallways. This often means you are spending money heating spaces that aren’t being occupied.

Conscious About Energy Consumption

Using solid fuels encourages people to be more conscious about their energy consumption. Adding fuel to a stove is tangible. You can see exactly how much fuel you are using and then decide if you need more. In comparison, when you turn on your central heating, it’s a simple push of a button, and many people have very little insight into how much energy they are using and the associated cost.

Using Solid Fuels Alongside Central Heating

You don’t need to choose between oil and gas or solid fuels. The best savings come when consumers understand their energy usage and needs. With this understanding, consumers can make informed decisions about which fuels work better during different times of the day. For example, in the morning, when the family wakes up and is preparing for their day, central heating is usually the better choice. During the day, when the house is empty, the heating can be turned off. Early evening, when the family returns home and is preparing dinner or perhaps completing homework, it may be a good idea to have the central heating on, as many different rooms are in use. Late evening, when the family is all settled in the living room, is an ideal time to use the stove.

Budgeting Oil vs Solid Fuels

Buying solid fuels such as WillowWarm briquettes or logs can be helpful for budgeting. WillowWarm briquettes can be purchased in various quantities, such as bags, bales or pallets, depending on your family’s needs. Households can also bulk-buy solid fuels when there is an attractive offer. Having the choice to order a small or large quantity can be particularly useful before payday. You can simply purchase the amount you need at the time. This allows you to manage your budget without committing to a large expense.

With oil, consumers are generally required to purchase a larger quantity in one delivery, which means a significant expense all at once and can make it more difficult to manage the household budget. With the ever-changing price of oil, you also have to pay the price at the time you need your tank refilled. By comparison, with solid fuels, you can choose how much you buy and when you buy it, giving you greater flexibility to manage your spending and heat your home according to your needs.

Enjoy Warm, Cosy Winter Nights with Solid Fuels

Lastly, using solid fuels during cool winter nights creates a warm and cosy environment for the whole family to share quality time together. These simple moments can create magical memories for the whole family to treasure. WillowWarm Carbon Neutral Briquettes are a fantastic choice for your solid fuel needs. They are 100% Irish and made from a blend of renewable forestry and biomass. The high-quality briquettes have a low moisture content, meaning they produce powerful heat and burn for about 180 minutes.