Connecticut Residents Have Turned to Firewood for Heat

As heating oil prices climb, households are securing wood supplies that may take months to arrive.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Dogs

Screen-print poster illustration of a neatly stacked pile of firewood against a stone wall, evocative of winter heating preparations.
Connecticut households are increasingly turning to firewood for winter heating as rising fuel costs drive consumers to seek alternative energy sources. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Connecticut residents are increasingly purchasing firewood as a home heating alternative. With heating oil prices rising over the last two years, many local households are now stocking up for the upcoming winter season.

Why it matters

Rising costs for heating oil have led many families to pivot toward firewood to manage winter household expenses. This shift in demand has significantly extended delivery timelines for those securing fuel supplies.

A cord of wood, which holds approximately 600 logs, costs $300. Households typically require between three and six cords of wood to last through the full winter.

The players

Log Dogs

A Cheshire-based firewood supplier currently fulfilling residential heating fuel orders.

The details

Log Dogs in Cheshire manages high demand by delivering approximately 25 cords of wood to area homes each week. Because residents began requesting fuel as early as April, those placing orders now may face wait times stretching until Thanksgiving.

Timeline

  1. April 2026: First firewood requests for the winter season began arriving.

  2. September 29, 2026: The report on current firewood demand and heating costs was published.

  3. Thanksgiving 2026: This is the estimated arrival time for current firewood orders.

The Home Front

The move toward wood heat marks a response to the sustained, two-year increase in liquid heating oil prices across the state. This trend highlights how Connecticut households are adjusting their fuel strategies to mitigate escalating utility costs.

If you rely on firewood, calculate your winter needs now, as most homes require three to six cords. Contact a local supplier promptly to confirm delivery windows before the peak of the heating season arrives.

The takeaway

Securing a sufficient supply of firewood early is essential given the current delivery delays. Plan to have your full season's supply on hand before temperatures drop to ensure your home remains comfortable throughout the winter months.

Further reading

Learn more about local fuel alternatives and pet-safe heating setups in our Connecticut Dogs section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WFSB.

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Is it becoming more difficult for your household to afford heating your home this winter?