Winter heating: How much will families spend on pellets, firewood and electricity?

Although daytime temperatures remain warm, for thousands of families in North Macedonia, September marks the beginning of preparations for the cold season. Households are checking pellet and firewood prices, servicing their inverter air conditioners and calculating the impact of heating costs on their family budgets, INA reports.

At the end of August, pellets are selling at indicative prices ranging from around 14,500 to 22,000 denars per tonne. Based on this range, a 15-kilogram bag costs approximately 218 to 330 denars. However, the retail price also depends on the manufacturer, the product grade and the quantity purchased.

A house or apartment of around 65 square metres with average insulation may consume between three and five tonnes of pellets over the entire season. The cost of this amount is estimated at between 43,500 and 110,000 denars.

Consumption may be even higher if the house is poorly insulated, the heating season lasts longer or a higher temperature is maintained continuously. Total expenses may also include transport, pallets and unloading if these services are not included in the stated price.

A lower pellet price does not automatically guarantee lower costs during the winter. Pellets with higher moisture, dust or ash content may burn less efficiently, increase consumption and cause more frequent boiler problems. Therefore, before purchasing the entire amount needed for the season, buyers should check the grade, product declaration and how the pellets perform in their particular stove.

Firewood remains the cheapest option. Current listings offer oak and beech firewood at prices starting at around 4,200 denars per stacked cubic metre. However, in most cases, the price reaches 6,000 denars, or more than 100 euros. The cost depends on the delivery location, the type and dryness of the wood, and whether transport, cutting and splitting are included.

Heating a house with an area of 60 to 70 square metres may require six to ten stacked cubic metres of wood. In this case, the seasonal cost of purchasing firewood alone would be around 25,000 to 60,000 denars.

The total may increase if the wood needs to be cut, split and delivered to the house within a short period. In addition to the cost, a suitable storage space and sufficient drying time are required. Wet wood produces less heat, creates more smoke and leaves more residue in the chimney.

Heating with an inverter air conditioner does not require fuel to be purchased in advance, but the cost is spread across monthly electricity bills.

For a house of around 65 square metres, additional consumption during the season may be approximately 2,000 to 4,000 kilowatt-hours. In a well-insulated home, where the unit is appropriately sized and operates efficiently, the additional electricity cost may remain at around 20,000 to 35,000 denars per season. For houses with larger spaces, meanwhile, monthly expenditure may reach 15,000-20,000 denars. /INA/