Hotblast 1300, Owner'S Manual

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BULLETIN RC454
A GUIDE TO BURNING COAL IN YOUR FURNACE
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 combustion 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 fire from going out. Adjust
the stove pipe damper to reduce the draft on the fire. With
anthracite there will be short blue flames above the coal,
except when the fire
is
started or a new charge is added. If,
however, there is no flame then the fire 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 fire 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 firebox. Try not to
disturb the fire 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 fire will need
to be banked. To do so heap coal up along the sides and
back of the firebox so that the fire gradually burns it over
a longer period of time. The intensity of the fire 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 fire during this
time. After loading, let the fire 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 adjustments
after the fire is well established.
To revive a coal fire 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 fire. 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 fireplaces only.
NEVER fill the stove or furnace above the firebrick or cast
iron liner.