Coal

[Dune]

I didn't see a clear question, which is why I asked.
From my experience;
Coal is much less labor than wood, even if you buy processed wood. The heat from a coal stove is more even than a wood stove.
I stopped burning coal years ago because;
a. I had to buy it.
b. I became convinced that burning wood is better for the enviroment.

The down side of coal is the dust. I kept my coal bin in an outbuilding and brought in a hod full every day. To keep the dust down, be sure to brush off the top of the stove after every fill.

When emptying ash, move slowly, it makes a huge difference.

 

[Pallet Pete]

Being locked into a set price market is a coal killer for me. The cost varies a lot around here and there are no sales. The woods are everywhere and full of good dry dead fuel. The ultimate question is where do you want to spend your money. Wood though cheaper is not free whereas coal though more expensive is less labor. They both produce ash however coal is a bit messier but not enough to rule it out. You will get a mess either way ! They are both excellent heat sources and provide a very warm environment to live in. Wood takes more space and drying time coal takes less space but needs a safe place to store at. They both have ups and downs. The best part about coal would fit your need well is the less work needed aspect and there are very good coal stoves out there too !

Pete

 

[corey21]

For me burning wood is much cheaper i checked into buying 5 tons one time and if went that route i just as well use electric.

 

[ddahlgren]

For me burning wood is much cheaper i checked into buying 5 tons one time and if went that route i just as well use electric.

Well in CT the cost of electricity is crazy high. My house is set up for oil and that is just as bad. The wood suppliers do not have seasoned wood. I do not have any place to get it other than buy it as well. My wood stove is small and only gets about a 4 hour burn so every morning is a cold one and a relight from cold and start over again. From what I am finding coal is about half or the price of heating with oil and will burn 12+ hours before I need to do something and only shut down about every month to clean the stove. The coal does cost about one third more than the wood but the no hassle it seems like it might be worth it.

I did do some searching and there seem to be more coal dealers around here than I thought but the are not listed on the web or have a web site of any kind.

 

[nate379]

How can coal be a high price, VA is coal country!

 

[Hogwildz]

Man this read goes great with the popcorn. ;-)

 

[ArsenalDon]

Man this read goes great with the popcorn. ;-)

Most entertainment here in a week...wow..politics, suspense, drama....good stuff

 

[corey21]

Sorry about that Mods i can get to babbling when coal and politics are in the same discussion....

 

[begreen]

The coal bin ain't too far from the ash can.

 

[Pallet Pete]

This is pure entertainment now lol!

Pete

 

[KaptJaq]

Why don't you guys start a coal thread in the ash can? You can trash anybody or anything there without polluting the rest of the forums. Then we can clean this thread up to answer the OP questions/concerns. I can just see a lurker looking for information and finding this squabble and I would hate to see the good information here moved to the ash can.

KaptJaq

 

[ddahlgren]

Why don't you guys start a coal thread in the ash can? You can trash anybody or anything there without polluting the rest of the forums. Then we can clean this thread up to answer the OP questions/concerns. I can just see a lurker looking for information and finding this squabble and I would hate to see the good information here moved to the ash can.

KaptJaq

Thanks KaptJaq I just need a sensible plan to heat my space where I am and responsible enough to not do anything silly to the air my house or neighbors that live very close by. So to everyone if 'I hate coal' 'coal is dirty etc' is your answer please just save it to yourself. If there is a drawback in payoff or cost or sensibility please share. Moderators if you would like to trim this to the facts that are in line with my original question please do.
Dave