Summer consumption rate to date

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sat. Aug. 31, 2019 2:57 pm

I'm presently at a pretty reliably predictable 14.3 lbs. per non home heating day this season.

In past years this figure has variably changed from 12 to 13.5 lbs. per day, with 12.75 lbs. per day a good average for 7 previous summers. So it seems that this summer my consumption is the worst I've experienced, and about 1.6 pounds per day above my average.

The ash tubs have been heavier also, with more partially burned evident. And I'm swapping out ash tubs more frequently this summer as well.

Post by **coaledsweat** » Sat. Aug. 31, 2019 5:15 pm

I would have to say the coal you are using isn't as good as in the past. More ash, less heat?

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sun. Sep. 01, 2019 5:48 pm

Last night I lost the fire in the Coal Gun. Got it back up and running again this morning. Not having the best summer.

McGiever · Post by **McGiever** » Sun. Sep. 01, 2019 7:12 pm

Shallow fire and incomplete combustion as a result of that as well results in lots of unburnt coal pieces in a heavy ash pan.
Make hot coals layer thicker.

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sun. Sep. 01, 2019 8:55 pm

McGiever wrote: ↑
Sun. Sep. 01, 2019 7:12 pm
Shallow fire and incomplete combustion as a result of that as well results in lots of unburnt coal pieces in a heavy ash pan.
Make hot coals layer thicker.

I've already moved ashing initiation up from 105 degrees to 120 degrees to deepen the fire. Didn't get out-fires in previous summers while set at 105-110. Have had it at 120 for a good while now.

McGiever · Post by **McGiever** » Mon. Sep. 02, 2019 12:16 am

lsayre wrote: ↑
Sun. Sep. 01, 2019 8:55 pm
I've already moved ashing initiation up from 105 degrees to 120 degrees to deepen the fire. Didn't get out-fires in previous summers while set at 105-110. Have had it at 120 for a good while now.

I'll recommend the same to you, implement a dip-stick or steel rod to measure your hot coals position and layer thickness. A necessary tool to know current conditions irregardless of any setting of days gone by.

Yep, we all know that you'll have to remove your tombstone in order to do this...