Post
by crowsnest2002 » Mon. Jan. 04, 2021 10:19 am
Just updating after using this system for quite some time. One, I didn’t bother with a programmable thermostat. After doing some figuring, it didn’t seem as much of a big deal cost wise due to the coal stove idling a majority of the time anyway. Also coal prices in my area were around $245 per ton delivered from Franklin Feed, Chambersburg, PA. The delivery is nice and I usually reorder once I get to 1 ton in my bin. Coal usage per season of course depends on the temperatures. Most I’ve used so far is around 6.5 tons in one season. The stove has been a great performer. Small amount of surface rust inside the box from sitting over summer, but not major. House still remains at 72*. I don’t usually go above 40-45 setting on the feed rate even in peak - temps. In fact I would think going above that rate into the 50-60 range would cause less efficiency with the single feeder. The reason for this would be the coal would have not burned completely before going into the ash hopper. The clinker and ash is kind of an issue. My yard is not very large, and I just spread it out in an area behind our house where we burn debris. (Old Christmas trees, brush, cardboard, leaves). I’ve been debating on getting a small compact tractor with loader here in a year or so, mainly for cleaning this up, mulching, snow removal, driveway repair, and whatever projects. So keep this in mind when purchasing a coal stove. What I do works for me, but could be a problem for others with a smaller yard, and more populated area. The only thing I’ve ever really thought about adding would be a hot water coil in the stove. The only thing that keeps turning away is a possible break in that coil which would turn into a big mess real quick. I wanted to thank all you folks again for the insight. This has truly made my winters much more enjoyable, and it is kind of nice sitting in my warm home and not freezing my butt off cutting firewood, and all the other chores that go with it.