Blaschak Coal Corp. - Anthracite's Advantages

As a fuel source, anthracite has many distinct advantages over its better-known alternatives-gas, oil, electricity, cord wood, wood pellets, and propane:

Quality
Its even heat flow and high level of BTUs compared to other fuels, make anthracite the warmest, most steady, comfortable heat source available.

Convenient
Anthracite is very different from coal-burning of the past. When anthracite is used as the primary source of heat in a home or business, its modernized furnaces with coal-feeding and ash removal systems require little effort by the consumer. About ten minutes a day during the coldest months is all it takes to tend the furnace.

For supplemental heating via a coal stove or fireplace insert, anthracite is much easier to use than cord wood. Unlike a wood stove which needs to be refilled every 6 to 12 hours, a modern anthracite stove heats evenly without tending up to 36 hours.

40-pound poly bag To make things even simpler, Blaschak Coal Corporation packages anthracite in clean 40-pound, poly bags. These bags have a convenient handle and are ideal for use with coal stoves.

Another bonus with anthracite is that there is very little ash to be disposed of with no creosote build-up in the chimney. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces or stoves, annual stove maintenance is minimal and in most cases is provided as a service by the dealer.

Environmentally Sound
Anthracite's low sulfur and high carbon content makes it an extremely clean-burning fuel. It produces virtually no smoke or polluting emissions, a major problem with wood and wood pellet-burning stoves. In fact, it is a good alternative to wood stoves where wood burning is restricted due to air pollution problems.
Areas reclaimed and restored. Today, nearly all anthracite is mined from previously mined and damaged sites which were abandoned many years ago. After remining is completed, the areas are reclaimed and restored to pre-mined condition. Grass and trees are planted and wildlife returns to the area.
PA DEP Bureau of Mining & Reclamation Website
PA DEP Office of Mineral Resources Management Website

Even the small quantities of ash left over from burning anthracite can be used. The ash is excellent for aerating soil and as anti-skid material for icy driveways and walkways. In fact, many municipalities collect anthracite ash from industrial users, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars per year.

Economical
Heat is measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units. Using this measurement as a comparison, the cost of anthracite can be significantly lower than gas, oil, electricity, cord wood, wood pellets, or propane.