Low heat. House at 66*

Scott in nwct · Post by **Scott in nwct** » Tue. Jan. 11, 2022 2:24 pm

I got up Sunday morning came downstairs to find the temperature at 66*. I checked the Gentleman Janitor boiler and it was at 152*. The EFM S-15 stoker was cranking away. The barrel 3/4 full of coal. Fire looked lazy but not terrible. Settings are 4 and 4. I raised the low limit to 160. This had little affect. Outside temp was about 26*. By 10 o’clock I realized things weren’t going to change so I better dig into the barrel. This system has been perfect with no problems. It easily kept the house at 71*. Near the bottom of the barrel around the worm were 2 potato sized chunks of coal. I also found several smaller chunks of wood there. I then checked the worm and pot. I pull the fines lever every day for 15 sec. With the lever open I could get my finger in and found fines caked inside the pot. I use bagged coal and dump it in a 5 gal bucket to try and dry it before it goes in the barrel. Today the morning outside temp was 3* and it was 71* inside. Thank you lord! The lesson is that this coal system works so well I got complacent. The excuse is that the barrel is in a dark corner and I didn’t see what I was doing. Scott in NwCt. thinking the hand fired guys are probably laughing , I’m going to hang a drop light in the corner.

McGiever · Post by **McGiever** » Tue. Jan. 11, 2022 2:37 pm

Nice catch!!

Pacowy · Post by **Pacowy** » Tue. Jan. 11, 2022 2:51 pm

If the coal you get regularly has "potatoes", chunks of wood or anything bigger than buckwheat coal, you might consider pouring it through a piece of hardware cloth when filling the drum. Best to do with damp coal so you don't make dust.

Mike

Holdencoal · Post by **Holdencoal** » Tue. Jan. 11, 2022 5:16 pm

What about a screen or bbq grill on top of the barrel?

Pacowy · Post by **Pacowy** » Tue. Jan. 11, 2022 5:53 pm

Yes I'm talking about a screen made from like 1/2" hardware cloth on top of the drum when filling.

Mike

Post by **Rob R.** » Tue. Jan. 11, 2022 5:56 pm

Even chicken wire would be a lot better than nothing.

I have been burning damp coal for 10 years without issue, but I do try to stay a few days ahead with opening the bags.

RON1958 · Post by **RON1958** » Sun. Jan. 30, 2022 6:32 am

Dang, I was thinking on feeding out of a large coal bin, tons. If that would happen that's a lot of digging ?

Hambden Bob · Post by **Hambden Bob** » Sun. Jan. 30, 2022 6:47 am

RON,That's The Dilemma! Whether you're operating out of bags,or a Triaxle Trailer full of bulk,the chances are always good that a "Trouble Maker" is in your Coal... It comes down to deciding if your going to do the work of screening your Supply,or do the work of chasing a jam and possible breakage to go with it!!