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CALUMET -- With temperatures quickly dropping in the U.P., many people are deciding how they'll stay warm this winter.

Every fall, George Oikarinen takes his old tractor down the road and cuts up fire wood by the trailerful, which he'll use to heat his home throughout the winter.  He says it'll take about five or six weeks to store up enough lumber, but Oikarinen doesn't mind--he's already looking forward to the fire.

"There’s a sense of tradition behind burning wood,” said Oikarinen.  “We've been doing it for years, and when you walk in the house, it's like a nice warm woman giving you a hug."

Dan-Mart in Calumet has been selling wood stoves to the Copper Country since 2000.  Their stoves come in a variety of sizes and cost about $2000.

They also sell pipes and other wood stove accessories.

"Business usually picks up after the first frost on the ground...people have a tendency to wait to the last minute," said sales clerk Joni Geiger.

But for Oikarinen, the preparation isn’t something to put off; it’s part of the fun.

"It’s really literally sweat equity and it keeps the heat cost down.  And it's really healthful and it's a beautiful day to be out in the woods," Oikarinen said.

For people still considering their heating options this winter, wood stoves may be the way to go.  They don't cost much to maintain after the initial investment and the newest models are about 70 percent more energy efficient.