With the cost of energy going through the roof across the U.S., it is only fitting to look around for a cheaper and more efficient choice. Wood and coal have proven to be the most affordable sources of fuel in comparison to propane, oil, and electricity. They are mainly used to heat homes in the cold months. Anthracite coal is a more refined and higher standard variant of ordinary coal. It is both affordable and sustainable. Here is an in-depth anthracite coal vs wood comparison to help you understand why coal is the better option.
Easy to Transport and Store
Anyone will appreciate the easy storage and transport of anthracite. Fortunately, coal is much more effortless to transport and store than wood. Naturally, coal is much denser and will accommodate less space yet produce more heat than wood. In other words, coal allows you to store more fuel in a smaller area. It is a perfect alternative fuel source if your storage space is limited. On the flip side, you will need more wood to keep your house warm for a long time. That requires more storage space and transportation.
Additionally, anthracite coal will never rot, decay, or lose the amount of energy it contains. You can store coal anywhere, and it will not be affected. Coal also feeds nicely through augers, so filling the coal bin or the hopper of a coal stoker can be done effortlessly.
More Energy Content
When compared to wood, anthracite coal happens to contain more energy. Essentially, you will need only half the amount of coal to produce the same heat as wood. That affects a lot of things, including the cost. Say you buy 6 tons of wood pellets yearly; if you switch to coal, you will need only 3 tons. Moreover, you do not require a big storage bin for your coal.
Extended Burn Time
Another fantastic advantage of using anthracite coal is an extended burn time. Coal is packed with more carbon particles which take longer to burn compared to wood. Burning slower means you will not have to worry about refueling your furnace or stove as often. You can sit back, relax and enjoy more heat for longer. The same cannot be said for wood consumed much faster, meaning you must refuel your stove more often.
Burns in a Clean Manner
Anthracite coal is an environmentally friendly source of fuel. Unlike wood, it produces few traces of particulate matter, sulfur oxide, and carbon monoxide. Anthracite coal will never produce smoke, suet, or creosote, even if it is low-fired for long periods. Thus, it is sustainable, good for the environment, and safe for your health and well-being. No creosote means the risk of a chimney fire decreases dramatically, and the chimney cleaning interval decreases. That is coupled with the fact that most modern-day coal furnaces and stoves are meant to combust anthracite coal efficiently and cleanly.
Provides Consistent Heat
As mentioned earlier, anthracite coal burns at a relatively slower rate when compared to wood. Well, that is not all. Coal also happens to provide more consistent heat. Consistent heat implies that you will not have to constantly worry about getting your home overly hot or too cold. Wood burns quickly, so the amount of heat produced can change rapidly, creating temperature swings in the living space. That is not the case for anthracite coal. Moreover, consistent heat output is particularly ideal for colder climates where you need steady heat to stay warm and comfy.
Anthracite Coal is the Go-To Fuel Source
Coal and wood are excellent fuel sources that you can utilize to keep warm up your home. However, anthracite coal seems to have an edge on different levels. Besides being easy to transport, coal has more energy content, a longer burn time, and consistent heat.