In my old home, I initially heated with propane. However, I quickly realized how expensive it was to maintain, prompting me to switch to a pellet stove—a more cost-effective alternative. At the time, pellets were approximately $200 per ton, and during an average Michigan winter, I burned 3–4 tons, meaning my annual heating cost was around $600–800.
While the pellet stove was more affordable, it relied on an electric auger and ignition system to feed the flame and light the fire. One particularly harsh winter night, the power went out—and with it, my pellet stove. I was left scrambling for alternative ways to heat my home.
This experience raised an important question: What will happen to those relying on pellet stoves, propane, or natural gas in a true TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It) scenario where the power grid fails for an extended period?
The Solution: Invest in a Wood Stove Now
If you want a reliable, grid-independent heating source, purchasing a wood stove before hard times arrive is your best option. Brands like Drolet and Jotul offer solid choices. Even if you currently heat with natural gas, having an airtight wood stove or fireplace insert as a backup is essential.
Key Features to Look For in a Wood Stove:
• A large firebox – Small fireboxes require constant refueling, which can be exhausting, especially overnight. I learned this lesson firsthand while hot tenting.
• No reliance on electric add-ons – Skip optional extras like electric blowers—they become useless in a grid-down situation. Once you purchase and set up your wood stove, learn how to use it efficiently and even cook on it.
Stock Up on Firewood
Calculate your winter firewood needs – Determine how many cords of wood your home typically burns in cold months. Choose the right wood type – Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, maple, ash, birch, beech, and black locust burn hot and long. Start fires with softwoods like pine, which work well for tinder and kindling. Prepare firewood properly – Chop logs into manageable pieces, around 3–6 inches in diameter, ensuring they fit in your firebox. Season your wood – Let firewood dry for 6–12 months to reduce moisture, ensuring hotter flames, less creosote buildup, and minimal smoke. Store wood correctly – Keep firewood covered and well-ventilated. Ideally, stack it inside a shed. If a shed isn’t available, use tarps—though not ideal, they are better than exposing wood to the elements. Avoid wood rot – Never stack firewood directly on the ground, as it will eventually rot. Signs of rot include discoloration, softness, moisture retention, crumbling texture, and a musty smell. Lay down two parallel boards or use old pallets to elevate your wood stack for better airflow.
Prepare Before the Grid Fails
Stock up on wood now, before a crisis forces you to rely on manual labor under tough circumstances. If you wait until the grid goes down, cutting wood will become a draining, calorie-intensive task—and you may run into serious issues:
• Chainsaw maintenance – What happens when you need a new part or repairs?
• Chainsaw injuries – In TEOTWAWKI, dealing with wounds from a chainsaw could be life-threatening.
The solution? Cut and prepare your wood now while resources are still available.
If you’re serious about survival, take action today. A properly stored and managed wood supply will ensure warmth, cooking ability, and security when modern heating sources fail.