Coal was more commonly used here (than wood) until the natural gas pipeline went through 50+ years ago. Chain saws made it easier to cut wood, but it's still labor intensive. A few people have the outdoor wood furnaces. And, enough people bought wood pellet stoves last year that there was a shortage of pellets and the price doubled. It might be a different story if wood was the primary heat source, but my insurance company is ok with wood stoves.