Global warming must account for the fact that my Uncle used to use 4 to 5 tons of coal in Eastern Utah, the snow got rather deep there also.
We had an Earth Stove, which is essentially a sealed Franklin Stove with brick liner. Used standard wood but would heat the home very cheaply as we cut our own firewood. Furnace would finally kick on about 2-3 am. Saved us big bucks every month vs our neighbors.