U.S. Stove 2500 sq ft Hotblast Coal Burning Furnace with Twin Blowers - 1500

Best Coal Types for Heating: Anthracite vs. Bituminous

When most people think of coal, they think of soot-the black, dirty ash result of burning soft bituminous coal that dirties your fingers when you hold it. Bituminous coal is a low cost, commonly available form of coal produced across the United States. For residential use, however, bituminous coal is less efficient than alternatives-generating less heat and being far dirtier than its more fit for residential use counterpart, anthracite coal. Bituminous coal use has a long history in the United States, seeing use from railroads to industrial plants to electricity generation.

Burning quality anthracite produces nearly 25 million gross BTUs per ton. It can conveniently be used in areas where wood stoves are banned or restricted due to factors such as air pollution or forest fire risk from chimney embers. Anthracite has both a higher relative energy density than bituminous, as well as a lower percentage of volatile matter. It has a higher percentage of fixed carbon, stemming from the fact that anthracite has a longer development history than bituminous. Its chemical composition also results in even heat output. When this is accompanied by good stove design, high heating efficiency will follow.

Coal has been a steadfast source of energy in the United States for over 200 years.

How much coal to heat a house?

Coal is one of the cheapest sources of stable energy. Looking at the cost, wood may seem more economical at first glance. However, coal is typically around $250 per ton and can be delivered to your door. Wood is typically $250-$350 per cord. It takes 1.3 cords to get the same heat as 1 ton of coal, ($350 x 1.3 = $455) so you are looking at wood costing $450 and coal costing $250 on average. Not to mention wood may need cut, split, and stacked. A typical home uses 2 - 8 tons of coal each winter. Generally speaking, coal stoves can burn significantly longer than other fuel stoves that includes wood. Yes, coal stoves can sometimes generate heat for up to 48 hours (TLC 2000), which is longer than the average wood load can do.

What's the difference between a wood burning stove and a coal burning stove?

Burning quality anthracite produces nearly 25 million gross BTUs per ton. It can conveniently be used in areas where wood stoves are banned or restricted due to factors such as air pollution or forest fire risk from chimney embers. Anthracite has both a higher relative energy density than bituminous, as well as a lower percentage of volatile matter. Wood is both a renewable and sustainable fuel source, and the price for wood is relatively stable. Plus, when engineered properly, wood stoves emit fewer pollutants into the air which is a huge positive for environmental conscious individuals (as we should all be). Not to mention, biomass is a carbon-neutral fuel source. Finally, wood is relatively inexpensive, especially when sourced on your own property. On average, it costs less per BTU than oil, gas, or electricity. Utilizing a wood stove can still save you hundreds of dollars on your heating bill per year. If you are not sure a coal stove is the right fit for you, a wood stove is a great option!

US Stove Company

When some people look at a crackling fire, they see more than a cozy atmosphere. They see freedom. Freedom from dependence on energy they can't get, or don't want. Freedom from modern life's uncertainties. Freedom to live in the way they choose, in homes that are more truly their own.

That's what we see, too. For over 150 years, US Stove company has been empowering that spirit of freedom with heating appliances that keep Americans warm and self-reliant. As America's hearths transformed from nation-building necessity to proud symbol of independence, we've remained obsessed with inventing and building the heating appliances that make it possible.

As we look forward to our next 150 years, that's one thing that won't change. US Stove company will continue to perfect biomass heating so that it has a clean, safe, renewable role in the energy-secure future we all want. Because we know what keeps America's home fires burning.