Woodstove for interior Alaska cabin

[bholler]

From October 1st to May 30 is around 241 days.

You'll need at least minimum around 3.6 tons ( 7,239lb pounds) of anthracite coal if used as your primary fuel source daily for those 241 days.

Anthracite coal bought in bulk is usually bought by the ton (2,000lb pounds).

Anthracite coal cost is $300 to $490 per ton. Shipping cost is $100 to $200 per ton. Total cost $400 to $650 per ton.

Price Estimates for Interior Alaska (2025–2026)​

Fuel prices in rural and interior Alaska are generally higher due to transportation costs.

Anthracite Coal:​

• Price range: $300–$450 per ton delivered (Alaska premium due to shipping)
• 3.6 tons cost:
  • At $300/ton → $1,080
  • At $450/ton → $1,620

Cord Wood (Seasoned Hardwood):​

• Price range: $400–$700 per cord in Interior Alaska (higher than continental US)
• 6 cords cost:
  • At $400/cord → $2,400
  • At $700/cord → $4,200

Final Verdict​

📌 Monetary Cost:

• If buying wood at $500+/cord, 6 cords ($3,000+) is much more expensive than 3.6 tons of coal ($1,080–$1,620).
• Only if wood is self-harvested or very cheap (<$200/cord) does it become cheaper monetarily.

📌 Value and Convenience:

• Coal wins for hands-off heating, consistent output, and compact storage—critical in extreme cold.
• Wood wins only when sourced for free and labor is not valued.

✅ Conclusion:​

In Interior Alaska, 6 cords of wood are significantly more expensive than 3.6 tons of anthracite coal, both in direct cost and labor investment. Unless you have free access to wood and ample time to process it, anthracite coal is the more economical and practical choice for home heating.

I really dont understand the point of going off grid then relying on people for your fuel your maintenance etc etc etc. And 3.6 tons would absolutely not be enough for the year to heat a log cabin that size with those temps. I doubt 6 cords of probably soft wood will be either

 

[Log Home]

I really dont understand the point of going off grid then relying on people for your fuel your maintenance etc etc etc. And 3.6 tons would absolutely not be enough for the year to heat a log cabin that size with those temps. I doubt 6 cords of probably soft wood will be either

3.6 tons of coal for 4 months, not for the full year: Dec, Jan, Feb, March.

Wood logs for 4 months: Oct, Nov, Apr, May.

It doesn't stay -58 below zero all winter. In Fairbanks in Dec 2025 it stayed below -40 for 12 days. Usually it's 1 to 2 days in December it gets that cold.

 

[bholler]

3.6 tons of coal for 4 months, not for the full year: Dec, Jan, Feb, March.

Wood logs for 4 months: Oct, Nov, Apr, May.

It doesn't stay -58 below zero all winter. In Fairbanks in Dec 2025 it stayed below -40 for 12 days. Usually it's 1 to 2 days in December it gets that cold.

Yes i am aware it doesn't stay thst cold all the time. But 3 to 4 tons is average here in central pa with much milder temps heating for 5 to 6 months. I think.you are really underestimating the heat that will be needed for a log cabin that big in thst climate

 

[Log Home]

Yes i am aware it doesn't stay thst cold all the time. But 3 to 4 tons is average here in central pa with much milder temps heating for 5 to 6 months. I think.you are really underestimating the heat that will be needed for a log cabin that big in thst climate

Insulation will be a top priority.