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Before adding further fuel, be sure to leave a red
spot of glowing coals in the center of the firebox to
insure that the fire has not been smothered and to
help ignite the gases given off by the new charge. A
deep charge will give a more even heat and a lon-
ger fire, but it may take one to two hours before the
whole bed is fully ignited.
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 par-
ticular 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 origi-
nal 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.
Bulletin rc454
a guide to Burning coal in your furnace
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 let-
ting it go out. Follow the same procedure as for refu-
eling. 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 lit-
tle), refuel.
DO NOT burn coke, charcoal, high volatile bitumi-
nous coal, sub bituminous, lignite or cannel coal
(sometimes called channel coal or candle coal).
NEVER burn wax or chemically impregnated saw-
dust logs - their intended use is for fireplaces only.
NEVER fill the stove or furnace above the firebrick
or cast iron liner.
