16
ing will have to take place with each particular setting of
all dampers and controls as the chimney provides the draft
necessary to not only exhaust the smoke, but to pull com-
bustion air into the heater as well - and no two chimney’s
perform the same. Under ideal draft conditions, one should
be able to turn the secondary air supply below the feed
door (some models) to a near closed position - but leave
the ash pit damper at least partially open to prevent the
fi
re from going out. Adjust the stove pipe damper to reduce
the draft on the
fi
re. With anthracite there will be short blue
fl
ames above the coal, except when the
fi
re is started or a
new charge is added. If, however, there is no
fl
ame then
the
fi
re needs more air from the bottom (unless it is near
the end of its burn cycle and needs to be recharged).
Only when the coal is burned down to half its original
depth it is time to add fresh coal. When doing so, open
the stove pipe damper and turn the thermostat damper to
high, which will allow the
fi
re to burn off any accumulated
gases. Open the feed door, and with a small rake, hoe,
or hooked poker pull the glowing coals to the front of the
fi
rebox. Try not to disturb the
fi
re too much. Next, add a
fresh charge to the back being careful not to seal off the
top. Close the feed door, but leave the spin damper (or
thermostat) open for a few minutes until the volatile gases
have burned off. It is not necessary to shake down the
ashes each time you refuel the furnace. Experience will be
your best teacher.
BANKING THE FIRE
For extended operation, such as overnight, the
fi
re will
need to be banked. To do so heap coal up along the sides
and back of the
fi
rebox so that the
fi
re gradually burns it
over a longer period of time. The intensity of the
fi
re will
also be reduced without letting it go out. Follow the same
procedure as for refueling. If possible, avoid shaking, as a
heavier layer of ash will help reduce the intensity of the
fi
re
during this time. After loading, let the
fi
re establish itself for
about 30 minutes. Then close your damper and automatic
control to the point where the house does not become too
cold. It is important that you begin banking early enough
before retiring or leaving that you can make necessary ad-
justments after the
fi
re is well established.
To revive a coal
fi
re that is almost out, (1) open the ash
door and stove pipe damper and close the spin damper
under the door to get a good draft through the grate. (2)
place a thin layer of dry coal over the entire top of the
fi
re. DO NOT POKE OR SHAKE THE FIRE AT THIS TIME!
(3) after the fresh coal has become well ignited shake the
grate (just a little), refuel.
DO NOT burn coke, charcoal, high volatile bituminous
coal, sub bituminous, lignite or cannel coal (sometimes
called channel coal or candle coal).
NEVER burn wax or chemically impregnated sawdust logs
- their intended use is for
fi
replaces only.
NEVER
fi
ll the stove or furnace above the
fi
rebrick or cast
iron liner.
BULLETIN RC454
A GUIDE TO BURNING COAL IN YOUR FURNACE
