An anthracite stoker stove. Very cheap heat, Clean, Simple, Thermostatically controlled, and easy.

Safe- does NOT require constant cleaning and attention like pellet stoves to operate properly or safely.

Clean - dump a bag or bucket of coal in the hopper and forget it, no messing with firewood, dirt, dust, bugs etc.

Cheap - anthracite coal in PA will be the cheapest source of heat you'll find short of cutting your own trees.

Many people have switched from other fuels to anthracite and prefer it for these reasons and more, check out the coal home heating forums for more information than you could want: http://nepacrossroads.com/

The only problem with a coal stove is that when you light it, it stays lit for the winter. It can be fun trying to set rocks on fire.

I lived in northeast PA for a number of years and I had a few friends who had coal stoves, and that was the unanimous opinion. Once it's lit, it stays lit. And many times the windows are open on warmer days just to get the heat out.

Also, since the home is a rental, can you place a stove in it with a chimney, etc as you don't already have one?

Berlin - Thank you for your insight - I definitely appreciate your words of wisdom and will check into the anthracite stoker stove.

Christopher H - Yes, I too, have heard that coal can be extremely warm! However, I'd rather be hot than cold and letting in the fresh cool air as needed is actually a good thing. I've always been one to like my bedroom window opened a crack even in the winter. A chimney already exists and was used by the homeowner last winter when he used the woodstove.

Thank you again!