Coalpail.com Forum

Hi! I am looking to buy a house in Beaver Meadows, PA, right outside of Hazleton.

This would be our first house, and it's a fixer upper and we've never dealt with coal. So before I put an offer on the house I would like a better idea of what kind of coal heating/stove this is, how it works, maintenance, etc.

I am a TOTAL newbie, so please no shorthand because I won't understand! I think I attached a photo to the post.

It about 2600 total square feet, but I think it's 1800 Sq ft of living space, the basement is partially finished. House built in 1944.

Welcome to the forum... No picture attached to your post

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Ok picture now uploaded! Attaching it here too

Welcome to the Coal Pail forum''

That is an EFM coal stoker boiler,it looks like a 520,but others will better be able to tell you if it is a 350 or 520.

EFM is a very good unit,parts are readily available & the unit requires little input from the homeowner & generally only light maintenance each yr.
You will be amazed at the low cost of heating with this unit.

Around here we call that a "WIN!"

It looks neat and well maintained too.

Go to search box--top right-- type in EFM 520 coal stoker boiler--give ya some reading. Even if it's a different model, it'll give ya some basics

freetown fred wrote: ↑

Mon. Dec. 25, 2017 5:58 pm

Go to search box--top right-- type in EFM 520 coal stoker boiler--give ya some reading. Even if it's a different model, it'll give ya some basics

Thanks! I'll be doing that now. I am actually estatic that it's coal heat. I was a little fearful of going from a small 2 bedroom apartment (electric central heat) to a 6 bedroom house, but it seems that coal should make that upgrade affordable. I also feel like it may be a turn off to other buyers which I hope gives me a leg up on my offer.

What you have there, some call the ultimate in automated coal burning appliances. The real part of the deal is the house you are looking at is in the Hazleton area. That means you are in the heart of coal burning country. Plenty of delivery options available. That is the good parts. What is important is that you get the back covers off and see if there has been any leakage from the domestic coil area. That is the killer with these units. By first sight I would say that it was kept in very well maintained condition by an elderly couple that has lived there a long time. That would explain the well kept original look. No rust on the bottom of the covers. Nice looking boiler.

Scottscoaled wrote: ↑

Mon. Dec. 25, 2017 7:02 pm

What you have there, some call the ultimate in automated coal burning appliances. The real part of the deal is the house you are looking at is in the Hazleton area. That means you are in the heart of coal burning country. Plenty of delivery options available. That is the good parts. What is important is that you get the back covers off and see if there has been any leakage from the domestic coil area. That is the killer with these units. By first sight I would say that it was kept in very well maintained condition by an elderly couple that has lived there a long time. That would explain the well kept original look. No rust on the bottom of the covers. Nice looking boiler.

Thanks!I'm going to see the house again in a little over a week, I'll try to take a peak. It's actually the first time the house is on the market, built in 1944 by the great grandfather.

I'm having trouble knowing where to start reading. Most of the posts about this model are way past my knowledge base. Can someone link me good basic/intro posts?

I've been browsing periodically all day and I've managed to gather that coal can come in bags or delivered by the ton and they come in different sizes, and there are also different types of coal with anthracite being the best. As you've pointed out, I've also realized I live in the ideal area for coal burning.

I'm trying not to get too excited about this house. But it's a great space for my family that would normally be outside our budget and it's been on the market for 2 months now with no offers.

Most used size coal for this unit would be "rice",some use "buck""which is a bit bigger, i use a mix of rice & buck,sold by Gale Coal Mining as large rice.
I burn about 22 tons/yr thru mine,it makes domestic hot water for 2 houses yr around,heats the 2 houses & my full time repair shop.
I knew nothing about the EFM coal boiler b4 joining this forum in 2013. I don't really know where to direct you.

I suppose the more questions you ask,the more material you will be directed to.

Gosh WH, Ya might of left out your large coal appetite, you're going to scare the poor lad off for good!

McGiever wrote: ↑

Tue. Dec. 26, 2017 12:56 am

Gosh WH, Ya might of left out your large coal appetite, you're going to scare the poor lad off for good!

This lady isn't quite scared off yet.

Well, I'll keep reading and lurking. Our goal is to make an offer in about a month or so. If they accept I'm sure I'll be back with many questions!

Good luck with it C. The answers are here for the asking!