Q: Is coal clean?
A: This is the big question. Yes, but it requires a little work. See our Helpful Hints. All of the questions and answers below are referring to Anthracite Coal (hard coal).

Q: Who Burns Coal?
A: Most coal is consumed by utility companies to make electricity and also by steel mills. On Long Island, most coal is consumed by free standing coal stoves in a home as a secondary source of heat. 

Q: Can you cook with coal?
A: Absolutely. There are several pizza restaurants and bakeries around that use coal.

Q: Is coal clean?
A: This is the big question. Yes, but it requires a little work. See our Helpful Hints.

Q: Will sun or inclement weather cause coal to go bad?
A: No, coal will be fine in direct sun and if exposed to the elements.

Q: How do I store coal?
A: This is another big question and an important one at that. Coal can be stored just about anywhere in just about anything.

Q: How does that delivery of coal get done at my home?
A: There are basically 3 ways to execute a delivery. a) With a high lift scissor body coal truck and a chute. b) Carry it in on hand carts (Sounds worse than it is). c) The use of a conveyor in construction .

Q: How do I light the coal fire?
A: There are several different methods. See our Helpful Hints. Never, ever use gasoline, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, blow torch, charcoal lighter fluid or any other dangerous, highly flammable substance to start a coal file.

Q: Is coal safe to burn?
A: Coal is very safe to burn in a properly installed and appropriate stove/appliance.

Q: Do you need electricity to burn coal?
A: Most likely, no, but check with your appliance manufacturer. Sometimes there wil be a blower for pushing heat off the appliance and into the room. There also could be a blow to induce draft that would require electric. So when purchasing a coal burning appliance, ask if electric is necessary.

Q: How often do I have to tend to my stove/appliance?
A: Another great question. We asked this to many of our customers and also from our personal experience. It is about 2 times a day. In the morning, just stoke the coals. In the evening, most people stoke/rebank or fill the hopper and remove ashes. Be very careful when handling ashes as they are very hot. See our Helpful Hints on how to handle ashes.

Q: How much coal do I need?
A: Most users burn between 2 and 3 tons per heating season. There are many factors that determine how much you'll need such as how much space you are heating, the desired temperature, the condition of the building and the condition of the appliance.

Choosing A Stove
Shop around. Know how much space you want to heat. Have a budget in mind. Know how much space you have to work with in the room the appliance will be installed. Choosing an exterior wall is usually the easiest way to go if you don't have an existing stove or fireplace. Make sure that whoever installs your appliance does so according to all state and local codes. It's your home and your life, and also the lives of your loved ones, that are at risk if short cuts and improper procedures are done.

You've purchased the stove of your dreams, and now it's time to order the coal.
We at Bethlehem Coal Company Inc. will deliver only the finest, deep mined anthracite coal. If I were purchasing coal, I would want someone with many years of experience. In the early 80s, many inexperienced coal companies popped up and delivered inferior products. This hurt the industry a lot. Homeowners felt cheated and figured they would cut their loss and not use the stove. We don't want that to happen again. We've seen it first hand. Check with the stove manufacturer and/or dealer as to what size coal would be optimal to burn. Call and schedule a delivery date.

Your bin is built, stove is installed and the nights are getting colder.
You ordered the coal and the day has come, the coal man is here. The trucks are big and impressive. Your bin location is key for the delivery process. If a big pick up truck can get within 10 to 12 feet of the bin, we most likely can get in. The truck can lift the body about 14 feet into the air. Large tree limbs and overhangs will have to be taken into consideration when choosing your bin location. Also, dry wells, cess pools, lawns and cobble stone need to be protected.

Make sure that your chimney is free of bird nests.

Birds may decide that your chimney is a good place to build a nest. If you have birds living in your chimney, you will most likely hear them. Bird nests are flammable and can completely block the flue. This can either start a fire or cause Carbon monoxide poisoning. Always have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.