Pros and Cons of Heating with Coal Stoves

If you live somewhere that coal is an abundant resource (such as Pennsylvania), it's the cheapest heat source you can go with.  The fuel cost is inexpensive, starting at about $5 per M/Btu.  The price for coal stoves starts at about $1,300, with about $500 more for installation from a professional. 

As far as maintenance goes, coal burning stoves do require some.  You'll need to clean self-stoking models about once a week, using a stiff brush.  (If you go for a manually stoked unit, expect to shake the grates twice a day and shovel the ash once per load.)  Every six months or so, you'll want to check the vent pipes to make sure there is no corrosion.  And once a year, you should have a technician service the stove.

Let's take a look at the pros and cons now.

Pros of Coal Stoves

• They have a long burn time (depending on the model, you can get 18-20 hours per load).
• If coal is abundant in your area, this is the cheapest way to heat your home through the winter.
• You can avoid manually stoked models for "self-stoking" units that require less work.

Cons of Coal Stoves

• Coal is a non-renewable energy source and not as environmentally friendly as alternative fuels.
• It isn't available in all locations.
• Coal produces sulfur and fly ash that can corrode some metal pipes, so you need to opt for more expensive stainless venting.

Source: Sep. 2006 issue of Home Magazine

Comments

[Brooklyn]

i want to see pictures!

[Dave (WNY)]

We and many other use Coal to heat our homes with here in teh Northeast since hard coal (anthracite) is readily available. The price of natural gas, oil, propane have increased dramatically, you can get good even heat and warmer heat with coal at a much lower heating cost. It costs us less then $150/month to heat our 2500 sq. ft 1890 Victorian keeping it much warmer than with gas and cheaper. Gas would cost be tween $300-400/month to keep it 60-62 degrees. We keep it 68-70 now!

[Erica]

I have an old circa 1930 Swedish Coal stove called J & G E Bollingers made in Stockholm, Sweden. I would like to know how to use this stove. does anyone have any info on this? Erica, South Africa

[Ray Glass]

I have been heating with a coal stove since November and have been very pleased. However, I am concerned about the amount of ash that is left and how to safely dispose it. Are there any suggestions?