How Green Is Solid Fuel Heating? Comparing Wood, Coal, and Waste Oil
With energy costs and environmental concerns on the rise, many homeowners are rethinking about how they heat their homes. Solid fuel heating - using wood, coal, or waste oil - offers energy independence and cost savings, but how do these fuels stack up in terms of environmental impact?
| Fuel Type | Renewable? | Emissions | Efficiency | Sustainability Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood |  |
Medium | High | Carbon-neutral if sustainably sourced |
| Anthracite Coal |  |
Low-SO₂ | Very High | Non-renewable but long-burning |
| Waste Oil |  |
Medium | High | Reduces landfill and waste streams |
Environmental Pros and Cons
🌲 Wood
- Pros: Renewable, carbon-neutral, widely available
- Cons: Requires proper seasoning; higher particulate emissions if burned improperly
- Best Option: High-efficiency wood gasification boilers. The Wood Gun.
🔥 Anthracite Coal
- Pros: Very low sulfur emissions, burns cleanly with minimal ash
- Cons: Non-renewable; mining impacts
- Best Option: High-efficiency stoker coal boilers. The Coal Gun.
🛢️ Waste Oil
- Pros: Recycles used motor oils; prevents landfill waste
- Cons: Emissions vary by oil type; must use certified appliances
- Best Option: High-efficiency waste oil boilers like AHS’s units
EPA & Emissions Compliance
- Most states follow EPA Phase 2 guidelines for emissions
- AHS boilers are built to exceed many of these standards (especially for wood and waste oil)
- Some boilers (like the AHS Coal Gun) may qualify for exemptions when used in commercial applications.
- Burning coal as long as you are under 1,000,000 btu/hr has no restrictions.
Sustainability in Practice
- Wood: Harvest firewood responsibly, rotate cutting cycles, and store properly
- Coal: Use locally mined anthracite (e.g., Pennsylvania coal)
- Waste Oil: Partner with garages or collection services to maintain a clean, safe supply
Choosing the Right Eco-Friendly Heating System
✅ Best Overall: Wood Gasification Boiler
- Cleanest emissions when used correctly
- Carbon-neutral cycle
♻️ Best Reuse Option: Waste Oil Boiler
- Ideal for shops or garages with a steady waste oil supply
🔥 Best Heat Output: Anthracite Coal Boiler
- Longest burn, minimal sulfur
- Potentially more hands-free than wood.
Conclusion: Eco-Friendly Heating Is Possible
Solid fuel heating can be both cost-effective and environmentally responsible when paired with the right appliance and practices. By understanding the emissions, renewability, and sourcing of each fuel, you can make a smart, sustainable choice.
Additional Information
For additional information, see The Ultimate Guide to Heating with Anthracite Coal.
Talk to a Heating Expert → Contact Alternate Heating Systems
Updated July 2025 — This guide combines and replaces previous blogs on waste oil heating and the environmental impact of wood and coal fuel.