FAQs – Wood Pellets and Coal

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Do hardware pellets last longer than softwood?
No, pellets with the greatest BTU's per pound last longest. This mistaken belief stems from the fact that softwood always burnt fastest in the cordwood stoves that used to be commonplace (as well as burning a lot dirtier). This impression has followed over into the pellet stove era. Pellets are densified during manufacture to a standard density whether hardwood or softwood so in terms of heat output hardwood vs. softwood is a non-issue.
 
Do softwood pellets burn dirtier than hardwood?
Maybe, depending on your stove and the pellet being burned. We have heard this comment from our customers often.
 
Do pellets produce creosote?
In most normal circumstances, pellets should not produce creosote. In any high quality stove, pellets are burnt with a much greater efficiency than in cordwood stoves. When pellet stoves do produce creosote it is usually a malfunction of some sort in the airflow or attempting to burn damp pellets.
 
Will standard grade pellets burn in my stove?
In our experience, a higher ash pellet burns well only in Harman brand stoves or other stoves which are fed from the bottom. Top fed stoves do not generally burn standard grade pellets well as they tend to clog up the burn pot quickly.
 
Can I burn corn in my pellet stove?
Consult your manufacturer. Some stoves are specifically made to burn corn, other stoves can burn some percentage of corn or other grains mixed with pellets. Corn has a high sugar content and burns with a greater corrosiveness. How this affects your stove or venting depends on the make and model.
 
Can I store my pellets outside?
Yes, it is usually not a problem, but if they get wet they will turn to sawdust. We recommend stacking them sufficiently off the ground so that melting snow cannot get the bottom rows wet. We also recommend an additional tarp over and around the pellets.
 
How long can I store my pellets?
Indefinitely as long as they don't get wet. Keep in mind that they will absorb ambient moisture (in basements etc.) even where there is no visible moisture. Dust content of the bag will increase with exposure to ambient moisture over time. As a general rule, we recommend buying 1 season's supply of pellets in the spring or early summer as the availability is high and the price is probably lower than in-season.
 
What is Squier's best brand of pellet?
Our best brand of pellet is the brand that works best in your stove and which is most cost-effective. We offer many brands so that you, the customer, can pick the brand that works best in your stove.
 
Can we put pellets in your shed, garage, backyard or basement?
We strive to be as accommodating to our customers as possible. In some areas we offer a pellet stacking service for an additional charge. Call for details. We try to accommodate any customers request to place product where you want it under the following conditions. As judged by the driver it must be possible to do with the forklift, and it must be safe to do so. Please be aware that if you request that we leave your driveway, our forklift WILL damage your lawn for which we cannot be held responsible. If this concerns you please do not ask our driver to leave your driveway.

 

When will we get our pellets?
To be as efficient as possible with our deliveries in order to keep the delivery charges as low as possible it can take several weeks for us to deliver your pellets primarily during the busy pre season. We generally group our deliveries by the area to ensure a full truck. During cold weather we tend to be a lot quicker. If you have a concern, please call the office.

 

Is there a pellet shortage?
With any growing industry there can at times be a mismatch between supply and demand. It has always been a good idea to purchase your pellets as early as you can (generally in April). Our customers who have done this have never had a problem obtaining pellets and have benefitted from generally lower pricing. Going forward, there is a tremendous amount of new capacity coming on to serve New England and barring any unforeseen difficulties, there should be an excess of product going forward. Buy early and buy your entire season's supply is generally a good strategy.

 

What is a wood pellet Mill Direct truckload?
A mill direct truckload is a full truckload, the quantity of which varies depending on the mill, which comes directly from the mill or distribution hub to your location. You are responsible for unloading the trailer in less than 1 hour. You must have a forklift with at least 3500# capacity and a pallet jack if the load is coming in a van truck. All product must be the same manufacturer. We offer substantial discounts because we never touch the product and so only incur very small expenses in brokering these loads. You are responsible to pay for the freight from the load's inception point to your location. We can quote this for you.

 

What is a 14 ton truckload?
A 14 ton truckload is a full Squier's truck of pellets either delivered to your location or picked up here at our location. We offer a discount on full loads because it facilitates our delivery process. Different brands can be mixed on the same truck provided we have them in stock at our yard. You save with the full load discount and also save on freight costs which can be as little as $5 per ton.

 

Can I pick up a Mill Direct truckload at your store?
No, because in order to offer you the lowest price possible, we cannot handle the product at all. Frequently the quoted price per ton is less than our landed cost particularly if you are closer to the mill than we are.

 

How is freight figured for a Mill Direct Truckload?
Each mill's freight cost varies. Some have a set price, other's charge by the loaded mile. Please call the office and we should be able to quote your freight depending on the brand that you are interested in.

 

Can I use my own truck to pick up at the mill?
In most cases it is acceptable for you to pick up at the mill. We must fairly closely coordinate with the mill for the date and time of your pickup and your equipment must be able to handle the full load.

 

-Squier's Pesky Pellet Policies
"Below are our pellet policies and procedures that all of our customers should be aware of prior to purchasing from us."

-Squiers can deliver full pallets only as it is the only safe way to transport.
-All pickups must be completed within 30 days of ordering
-All pellet and coal deliveries are curbside deliveries, however, we will make every attempt to place your pellets where you want them providing our forklifts can get there and, in the sole determination of the driver who is experienced and trained, it is possible and safe to do so. If you ask us to leave your driveway please be aware that our forklifts WILL damage your lawn, the severity of which depends on the lawn, the season and the conditions. Do not ask us to leave your driveway if that concerns you.
-Squiers considers a 'delivery" to be one drop at one location. We are more than happy to try to accommodate those customers who wish to share delivery costs with their neighbor and pool their orders. If in the sole determination of the driver, we require remounting the forklift to the truck and moving the truck it will be considered another delivery and be subject to another delivery charge. Call for details.
-Squiers will warrant any delivered pellets or coal to be free from damage for 3 weeks after you take delivery of the product. Notification of any damaged product must be made within 3 weeks of delivery. We understand this may be difficult but please examine your delivery and let us know of any problems within 3 weeks.
-Squiers does not sell any product we don't have in stock. We STRONGLY recommend that you do not buy from anyone who is selling pellets that they do not have. A low price on a ton of pellets that does not exist is not a bargain. Any of our customers who are waiting for delivery can, at any time, pick up their pellets or receive a full refund.