considering coal fired heater

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

It should be easy enough to check prices online, but I have my doubts as to if you can get it that easily in GA.

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.