9
RC454
A Guide To Burning Coal In Your Furnace
When the fire is well established and the room is becoming warm, partially close the dampers. Some experimenting
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 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.
