hcarlow wrote: ↑Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 1:36 pm
I burned 80 lbs. in my coal boiler in the last 24 hrs. with temps -8 with no wind this morning . I heat about 2500 sq. ft. , basement , 1st and part of 2nd floor , but that includes my hot water also .
Thanks for the info. I appreciate it!
Rob R. wrote: ↑Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 3:20 pm
Very reasonable, especially if a heated basement is not included in your 3000 sq ft estimate.
I have about 3000 sq ft above ground and 1200 sq ft of basement, all heated very evenly. I burn about 1.8 lbs per degree day.
Thanks for the input!
My 3000 sq ft estimate is probably a little conservative. We have a 2300 sq ft footprint ranch with a full basement. About 1000 sq ft of the basement is finished. The slab and block foundation walls are uninsulated. The walls in the finished part are 2x4 with with fiberglass insulation set 1" from the block to promote airflow between. We spend most of our time in the finished basement because that's where the kids toys are. I have the basement registers adjusted to keep it about 72 degrees in the finished area. The rest of the basement doesn't have direct airflow from the furnace but my man cave stays around 68 to 70 and the mechanicals room gets up to 75 from the radiant heat. The upstairs stays right at 70 degrees. Much warmer and my wife is uncomfortable, she has a 3 degree comfort range!
Rob R. wrote: ↑Wed. Feb. 10, 2021 3:23 pm
The better something is designed to burn coal, the worse it burns wood. Sure, you can burn wood if you have to, but it will be a smokey experience.
I'm happy with my furnace, it burns wood really well. With properly seasoned maple I can get a nice 6-8 hour burn. I don't like slowing it way down due to creosote and smoke. The problem is then I'd have to load her up 3-4 times a day to keep up in this weather. I can't do that because of work and because I don't feel like waking up at midnight to stoke the fire. Then the furnace isn't as efficient because of heating up all the fire brick and steel so it takes an hour before it starts heating again. When the highs are in the upper thirties or higher I can easily keep up when burning it twice a day. The house temp then swings around from 70 to 73-74 degrees.
I've been looking at the Kozy King by DS stoves. The literature says it has a secondary combustion system. That leads me to believe it was initially designed to run wood as well as coal. (we all know anthracite doesn't need much secondary combustion) I'd really like the shaker grates! Poking and slicing works well but is hard on the knees. I'd also have the water heater coil added so there would be some savings on electricity for me. 5 people on an electric water heater is expensive!
Here's what I woke up to this morning. -4 with 8 mph NW wind. House at 70 degrees. Furnace at 340 degrees face temp, 190 degrees flue temp, mano at .04, 118 degree duct temp. Poked it and sliced it and added about 30 lbs. I'm happy with the performance I'm just looking for something easier. The problem with that is all my savings on propane over the last ten years will be gone!
Thanks again for all your input!
Lee