"Mike H" 1newsATstelliteDOTmailshellDOTcom wrote in message
...
I've been looking to replace my oil fired hot water boiler with a coal
fired unit. Prices for anthracite coal here in south eastern Pennsylvania
have been quoted to me at $180 to $195 per ton, bulk and delivered to my
home.
MikeH

Coal makes for a good heat. You just have to understand the workings of a
solid fuel setup and do some extra work.

Once a coal (or wood) fire is started, it can be kept going for the winter.
This is great in cold weather, but when you want to run the heat for just an
hour in mild weather, the coal is still burning even though you don't need
or want heat. For every ton of coal you burn, you have about 200 pounds of
ash to haul away. Some town regulate coal ash as it contains heavy metals.

A dual fuel setup would be more practical in milder weather.