economics

Even as the price of corn increases, corn heating units are economical and are a very cost-effective alternative to heating with propane or electricity, or even wood. To heat a 2,000 square foot home would require approximately 250 bushels of corn a year. The chart "Comparisons of Heating Options" done by Dr. Chris Schilling at Saginaw Valley State University in April 2008, compares various heating methods. For a more detailed comparison, click here.

The chart "Burn Corn or Propane" illustrates the breakeven points of when it is more economical to heat using corn or propane. As the chart shows, if the price of corn is $1.60 per bushel, propane would have to be priced below $0.40 per gallon in order to be more economical than burning corn.