Coal Stoves Can Be Energy-Saving Option

15 February 2008

You may think of coal stoves as some relic of the past, but there are parts of the country where coal is a readily available fuel source, making it cheaper than natural gas, wood, and other home heating options.

A commenter on this fireplace blog mentioned that coal is a very feasible choice in the northeast part of the United States:

“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!” (via Pros and Cons of Heating with Coal Stoves)

And if you think coal stoves are old ugly behemoths that belong in the basement, you might not have seen some of the new contemporary models. As you can see from the stove pictured here, you can get units that are just as attractive as modern wood-burning stoves or gas fireplaces. You shouldn’t have any regrets about installing one of these in the family room.

Of course, you’ll want to check the prices and availability of coal in your area (not to mentioning gauging your willingness to tend a fire for household heating purposes) before making any decisions.

The model shown here is the TLC2000 Coal Stove from the Harmon Stove Company.