November 2013 Coal Consumption
- lsayre
- Member
- Posts: 21781
- Joined: Wed. Nov. 23, 2005 9:17 pm
- Location: Ohio
- Stoker Coal Boiler: AHS S130 Coal Gun
- Coal Size/Type: Lehigh Anthracite Pea
- Other Heating: Resistance Boiler (13.5 KW), ComfortMax 75
I'm projecting that I'll burn about 1,370 lbs. this November. 260 lbs. more than the 1,110 lbs. that got me through last November. An increase of 22.5%
HDD's measured here last November = 815
Projected HDD's here this November = 830
HDD's measured here last November = 815
Projected HDD's here this November = 830
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- New Member
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 9:41 pm
How do you know how much coal you are "supposed" to burn? I burned through almost 6,000 lbs of coal last year. I have a 1700 square foot log home and know that I am using too much coal. It was installed in 2009 and I've been running it myself since 2010. I had the chimney relined with the pipe insulation, vacuum it a few times during the time it runs and it's my only source of heat I choose to use. I know this is an open ended question, but really could use some feedback please!!!
- lsayre
- Member
- Posts: 21781
- Joined: Wed. Nov. 23, 2005 9:17 pm
- Location: Ohio
- Stoker Coal Boiler: AHS S130 Coal Gun
- Coal Size/Type: Lehigh Anthracite Pea
- Other Heating: Resistance Boiler (13.5 KW), ComfortMax 75
I track the daily high and low temperature projections for my area on Accuweather's monthly chart, and from the daily highs and lows I calculate (via a spreadsheet) the projected monthly total of HDD's (heating degree days). I know how much coal I typically burn per HDD, so once I know the total of HDD's, I also know about how much coal I should burn.Loghomegirl wrote:How do you know how much coal you are "supposed" to burn? I burned through almost 6,000 lbs of coal last year. I have a 1700 square foot log home and know that I am using too much coal. It was installed in 2009 and I've been running it myself since 2010. I had the chimney relined with the pipe insulation, vacuum it a few times during the time it runs and it's my only source of heat I choose to use. I know this is an open ended question, but really could use some feedback please!!!
6,000 lbs. of coal per season sounds great. I burn closer to 9,500 lbs. per heating season.
- 2001Sierra
- Member
- Posts: 2211
- Joined: Wed. May. 20, 2009 8:09 am
- Location: Wynantskill NY, 10 miles from Albany
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Keystoker 90 Chimney vent
- Coal Size/Type: Rice
- Other Heating: Buderus Oil Boiler 3115-34
I am definitely down this year. Started the Keystoker 90 11 days later this year. Last year used 5690 lbs. I always target 6000 lbs per year and over the years the left overs pile up, and that is what I am burning this year, need the room in the shed the left overs are taking up. 14000 lbs under a tarp in the yard. The stove is the only heat source turned on, heating 1100 sq ft to 68/69 degrees, and the basement same size heated to 72/73 degrees 24/7.
- Horace
- Member
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Thu. Sep. 18, 2008 12:15 pm
- Location: Central PA
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Harman ST8-VF8 / Frankenstove
I finally fixed my coal consumption/tracking database. It went wonky halfway through last season and I had to keep track on paper
My Season-to-Date consumption for the past five seasons is attached. A little warmer this season, but not too much. Getting colder lately. But, it seems that I am burning more efficiently (or something) since the pounds burned is equal to the number of heating degree days so far. Much better ratio. I'm wondering if I can keep that up for the whole year.
My Season-to-Date consumption for the past five seasons is attached. A little warmer this season, but not too much. Getting colder lately. But, it seems that I am burning more efficiently (or something) since the pounds burned is equal to the number of heating degree days so far. Much better ratio. I'm wondering if I can keep that up for the whole year.
Attachments
- Horace
- Member
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Thu. Sep. 18, 2008 12:15 pm
- Location: Central PA
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Harman ST8-VF8 / Frankenstove
There's no quick, easy answer to that one, I'm afraid. Just experience. I know that I felt like I burned too much the first couple of years but I think that that was because I had to carry it around. I generally burn between 5,500 and 6,000 per year in a similarly sized house.Loghomegirl wrote:How do you know how much coal you are "supposed" to burn? I burned through almost 6,000 lbs of coal last year. I have a 1700 square foot log home and know that I am using too much coal. It was installed in 2009 and I've been running it myself since 2010. I had the chimney relined with the pipe insulation, vacuum it a few times during the time it runs and it's my only source of heat I choose to use. I know this is an open ended question, but really could use some feedback please!!!
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- Member
- Posts: 637
- Joined: Tue. Jan. 18, 2011 6:41 am
- Location: New Britain, PA
- Stoker Coal Boiler: WL 110
Last year down here Nov. was 735 HDD, this year is projecting to be 696.
Unfortunately, I quantify my coal usage at the end of the heating season.
I've also moved in some more folks, so I'm keeping the heat up and using a lot more DHW. This year will have to be a new baseline.
Unfortunately, I quantify my coal usage at the end of the heating season.
I've also moved in some more folks, so I'm keeping the heat up and using a lot more DHW. This year will have to be a new baseline.
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- New Member
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- Joined: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 9:41 pm
Thanks everyone- your posts were helpful. Not sure if this the correct forum to ask about blowers. How long should the motor last, on average? I really like heating with coal, just a lot to learn!
- SMITTY
- Member
- Posts: 12526
- Joined: Sun. Dec. 11, 2005 12:43 pm
- Location: West-Central Mass
- Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 520 Highboy
- Coal Size/Type: Rice / Blaschak anthracite
- Other Heating: Oil fired Burnham boiler
Keep it lubed and clean, and it should last forever .... but, this is 2013 ... so it's a crapshoot. Maintenance definitely helps, though.
- lsayre
- Member
- Posts: 21781
- Joined: Wed. Nov. 23, 2005 9:17 pm
- Location: Ohio
- Stoker Coal Boiler: AHS S130 Coal Gun
- Coal Size/Type: Lehigh Anthracite Pea
- Other Heating: Resistance Boiler (13.5 KW), ComfortMax 75
I just topped off, and my final November figures are now in:
852 HDD's for November
1,331 lbs. anthracite pea consumed for November
If I allow 120 lbs. of coal (4 lbs. per day) being used to supply the months daily average DHW demand, that leaves 1,211 lbs. of coal to heat the house.
1,211 lbs./852 HDD's = 1.42 lbs. per HDD for November
Previously (and in a different thread) I had calculated that my homes heat demand factor is 0.00068 lbs. of coal burned per square foot per heating degree day, for effectively 2,100 sq-ft being heated.
This calculates to a theoretical 0.00068 x 2100 x 852 = 1,217 estimated lbs. of coal to heat our home for November. 1,211 lbs. actual vs. 1,217 lbs. theoretical is a pretty good check. One of the best checks I've come across.
852 HDD's for November
1,331 lbs. anthracite pea consumed for November
If I allow 120 lbs. of coal (4 lbs. per day) being used to supply the months daily average DHW demand, that leaves 1,211 lbs. of coal to heat the house.
1,211 lbs./852 HDD's = 1.42 lbs. per HDD for November
Previously (and in a different thread) I had calculated that my homes heat demand factor is 0.00068 lbs. of coal burned per square foot per heating degree day, for effectively 2,100 sq-ft being heated.
This calculates to a theoretical 0.00068 x 2100 x 852 = 1,217 estimated lbs. of coal to heat our home for November. 1,211 lbs. actual vs. 1,217 lbs. theoretical is a pretty good check. One of the best checks I've come across.
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- Member
- Posts: 856
- Joined: Tue. Dec. 04, 2012 6:30 am
- Location: central new york (syracuse area)
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Furnace: Keystoker A 150
- Coal Size/Type: anthracite rice
Larry...
You are right on track then for your anticipated usage it seem....
All I know is the colder it is outside...the more coal I seem to use...idk
...but likewise...this November seemed to be colder than last year for sure.
You are right on track then for your anticipated usage it seem....
All I know is the colder it is outside...the more coal I seem to use...idk
...but likewise...this November seemed to be colder than last year for sure.
- lowfog01
- Member
- Posts: 3889
- Joined: Sat. Dec. 20, 2008 8:33 am
- Location: Springfield, VA
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Mark II & Mark I
- Coal Size/Type: nut/pea
Hi, where are you? If you fill in your profile on the board index we'll have a better idea of what weather you are facing. Does your stove have a barometric damper on the black pipes? Tells us a little more about your set up, maybe one of the coal wizards here on the forum can tell you a way to squeeze a little more heat out of your setup. We really like pictures in you have any. Welcome to the forum, LisaLoghomegirl wrote:How do you know how much coal you are "supposed" to burn? I burned through almost 6,000 lbs of coal last year. I have a 1700 square foot log home and know that I am using too much coal. It was installed in 2009 and I've been running it myself since 2010. I had the chimney relined with the pipe insulation, vacuum it a few times during the time it runs and it's my only source of heat I choose to use. I know this is an open ended question, but really could use some feedback please!!!