links to coal fired appliances and suppliers

buickanddeere · Dec 25, 2008

I've been looking for a reasonable alternate source of heat that a small generator/solar system can power. Something that can take care of it's self for at least a week between filling. And not subject to foreign countries etc.
Here's some links to stoves, furnaces and coal dealers.

http://www.woodandcoal.com/coalstoves.htm

http://www.readinganthracite.com/

Wardner · Dec 25, 2008

I burn coal in several hand fed coal stoves.

I doubt if you can purchase an automatic coal appliance that will run for a week without tending. Yes, you could make the feed hopper oversized but the stove will choke on its own ashes. Most stoves require manual ash removal everyday during mid winter. This is due to the 10% (more or less) ash content of coal. Debarked wood has an ash content of around 1.5%. I think you might be better off with a pellet stove for unattended stove operation but I know nothing about them.

Some coal "stokers" have digital controls for accurately controling feed rates and heated space temperatures. I think others can can be powered vented for additional control.

I suggest you go to the link below for a wealth of homeowner experience in matters regarding coal burning. Anthracite from Northeast PA is the way to go if you have neighbors. Bituminous is cheaper but very smoky. BTU per lb is around half that of anthracite. If you don't live within 300-400 miles of NEPA and want anthracite, it maybe unavailable or unaffordable due to shipping.
Coal forum

Bill(Wis) · Dec 26, 2008

You are right. Coal produces 8 times as much ash as wood. Wood ashes are excellent fertilizer for just about anything. Coal ashes will poison the soil for years.

John B. · Dec 26, 2008

Hello Buickanddeere,

I seen one of your replies that you were looking for a book titled; "Nebraska Tractor Tests", I see there are two on ebay now but the buy it now price is $203.94 for the original printing.

Ebay item number is; 170283962737

Hope this helps you out!

John B.
Highland,
Illinois

Gun guru · Dec 26, 2008

Thanks for the links to the coal and pellet sites. Very helpful.

JDemaris · Dec 26, 2008

I'd stick in a large propane tank with a non-electric gas heater (with mechanical thermostat).

Not coal, but very simple, cheap, and reliable. I have a remote cabin in the woods with that setup. Two 28K BTU propane catylitic heaters, plus a wood/coal stove that I use when actually there. Along with 720 watts of solar panels, 12 volt,battery bank, and a Trace/Xantrex mod-wave 2000 watt inverter-charger.

About the Nebraska Tests book by Wendel. You'd have to either be in a hurry, or nuts to buy one at a high price on Ebay. They turn up, now and then, for $50 or $75 on Craigs List, Abe Books, etc. I bought mine new for less then $50.

This place in New Jersey, USA has one listed at present for $135, which is still rediculous in my mind.
Vera Books at: 609 259 9056
Book number # 036163
One Hooper Court, Clarksburg, New Jersey, NJ 08510-1215
Email: [email protected]

buickanddeere · Dec 26, 2008

Thanks for the info on the book and coal forum.
We have an outdoor pool and while our planned solar panels would add some btu's. And we are planning on adding a heat exchanger from a future home heat pump installation. I would like to get completely away from LP for supplemental heat.
Maybe a coal, grain or biomass stoker boiler in the garage or shed to heat everything. During winter and other low outside temp days.
Harman has a hot air unit that will burn either biomass or grain.

morningwood · Dec 26, 2008

B&D,

If you have a good supply of wood, like to cut wood and out in a rural area you might want to look into a outdoor wood burner. I will do everything you are wanting to do. Depending on the model you get, how much you heat etc you will need between 5 - 10 cord a year of wood.

I am looking into installing one possibly next year to heat three buildings along with hot water.

Scott

buickanddeere · Dec 26, 2008

We need something that will run at least 3 days without attention, a week would be better.
The wood lot is pretty rough here. There is some slab from local Amish sawmills.
A previous owner in the late 1970's completely stripped the bush/forest/woods. If a tree could produce an 8ft 4X4, they cut it.
I'm trimming out thorns, alders, iron wood etc to make room for maple. The ash trees days are numbered. Some elm coming along.

morningwood · Dec 26, 2008

B&D,

Yeah that sucks. My woods ( 25 acres ) was logged out about 5 - 10 years ago by the previous owner. Luckily they left plenty of good wood.

Here is another furnace you might wanna take a look at if you have a cheap source of corn. Talked to a owner and they burn about one - two bushels of corn a day.

Scott
Central Boiler Maxin

cArNaGe · Dec 28, 2008

links to coal fired appliances and suppliers

buickanddeere

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Wardner

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Bill(Wis)

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John B.

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Gun guru

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JDemaris

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buickanddeere

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morningwood

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buickanddeere

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morningwood

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cArNaGe

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