Why is anthracite less commonly used for home heating than it was in the past?

Anthracite is less commonly used for home heating today primarily due to its limited abundance and relatively high cost. Furthermore, the widespread availability of more convenient energy sources, such as natural gas and electricity, has largely supplanted its use for domestic heating purposes.1

In the past, anthracite was a preferred fuel for homes because it is clean to the touch, burns slowly, and emits relatively little smoke. Despite these advantages, it remains the least plentiful form of coal, making it less practical for modern heating needs compared to more accessible alternatives.1