Stocking up on fuel for winter
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I recently discussed our favourite multi fuel stove fuels and whilst I covered the cost and ecological implications of each fuel type I didn’t mention what we actually chose for last winter (2017/2018) and how long it lasted us. So, let’s take a closer look. |
Fuel prices for heating home in Orkney
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We called Orkney Aggregates, a local builders merchant based in Kirkwall and discussed the availability and prices for various fuel types. Wood was about twice as expensive as coal and peat was really cheap so we decided to go with coal and peat. Here is what we ordered.
Firstly, we ordered one pallet of coal. Coal is packaged into 25kg green bags and we ordered 20 of these which, in weight was ½ tonne. This cost us in the region of £200-£250 and it arrived on the island on the 1st September 2017.
Heating costs in the UK
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We also received one pallet of peat. Peat is packaged into 30kg white bags and we had 18 of these which in weight was just over ½ tonne. Peat was cheaper than coal and cost us in the region of £150-£200. Peat arrived on the island on the 8th September 2017. Fun fact about all this is that we didn't actually order peat, only enquire about it, but it arrived on the island anyway and we weren't complaining! Yes, we had to pay for it, but it was lovely to have peat in the house last winter!
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A pallet of wood would have set us back by close to £400 so we decided to avoid it this year. The previous year we called a wood company and ordered a tonne of wood at a more reasonable price. They took our details, we paid them and that was that. A week later we had a phone call saying that they didn’t realise we were on such a remote island and that the delivery was not possible. We complained and, long story short, had the wood delivered but it was a one-time-only deal so we couldn’t repeat this again last winter. Our only option was Orkney Aggregates and we weren’t willing to pay such a high cost for a bit of light that wood provides.
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As you can see, the fuel arrived at the start of September 2017. How long did it last? Well, we were pretty careful burning it and used a lot of free pallets whenever we could. However, we just emerged from an exceptionally cold winter which had even the locals shivering and complaining. Whilst James worked away, Dee was hugging the hot water bottles and was snuggled under an electric blanket! That meant we had to burn even less of our fuel. So, with all that in mind, how long did it last?
Well, the supplies started dwindling around March time and completely ran out in April 2018. We are now thinking that we will be doubling our coal order for this coming winter and often wonder if the peat was worth the trouble and expense - but, we always come back to a conclusion that the smell and homeliness of peat was lovely to have when the storms were raging outside, so the order for this year will include 1 pallet of peat as well as 2 needed pallets of coal.
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