"HeyBub" wrote in message
m...
"Coals vary in quality, but on average, a ton of coal contains about as
much potential heat as 146 gallons of heating oil or 20,000 cubic feet of
natural gas, according to the Energy Information Administration. A ton of
anthracite, a particularly high grade of coal, can cost as little as $120
near mines in Pennsylvania. The equivalent amount of heating oil would
cost roughly $380, based on the most recent prices in the state - and over
$470 using prices from December 2007. An equivalent amount of natural gas
would cost about $480 at current prices. "

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/27/bu...pagewanted=all


Maybe I'd consider it if I was 30 or 30 years younger. I used to burn wood
until about 5 years ago. I find it much easier to write a check for oil than
haul all that wood and ash around. Coal is even worse with the ash ratio.

I do recall the coal bin when I was a very young kid and the ash truck that
came around once a week to empty the cans. I imagine technology has helped,
but for now I'll pass.