Another reason I love coal!

[BobUrban]

No need for all the bickering. Be adults here please. This is/was one of the few places on the interweb w/o machismo bickering for a long time. Let's try to keep it that way.

For the record I appreciate the coal burning information and find it interesting and a nice alternative to some of the repeated information. Thanks for the post.

 

[AmbDrvr253]

I am curious what this smell of coal is? I burn wood and coal. Never had any sort of smell in the house from coal. Maybe outside, after a fresh load, there is a hint of sulfer in the air. That is the only way anyone would know I was was heating with coal.

 

[AmbDrvr253]

I am curious what this smell of coal is? I burn wood and anthracite
coal. Never had any sort of smell in the house from coal. Maybe outside, after a fresh load, there is a hint of sulfer in the air. That is the only way anyone would know I was was heating with coal.

 

[tarzan]

I don't have first hand experience with anthracite but bit coal does have a smell (all outside if your setup is right) when burning. It burns with smoke, unlike anthracite. Despite the name "bituminous" lumping it all into one category there is different grades of bit coal. Some are better suited for house coal than others but none burn as cleanly as anthracite. The term steam coal, meaning suited for power plant use, and met or metallurgy, meaning best suited for steel production, is often used when describing different grades of bituminous coal. Metallurgy coal is best suited for house coal and some low grade coals do have a high sulfer content that probably does have a smell even when unburnt, to sensitive noses.

The smell of burning coal has never bothered me. I actualy get a warm feeling if I'm outdoors and smell it since I grew up around coal heat.

If you have a hopper fed stove such as a Hitzer you can only use Anthracite coal unless you take the hopper out since burning bit coal will result in the coal waiting in the hopper to catch Fire prematurely.

Should add that Hitzer does make a couple non hopper fed stoves in simular sizes as hopper fed but if I couldn't get anthracite coal (and I basicly can't) I just wouldn't use coal for heat in my home.

 

[kennyp2339]

These coal post are very interesting to me also, I live just outside the coal belt in NW Jersey, I have lurked in NEPA coal website, just reading about different coal burners.
Im in the process of upgrading my current living arrangements, I've accidently stumbled on a reality website and found a log cabin house right on a lake that I use to fish when I was a kid, the property is significantly smaller than my current lot but the trade off is a larger log home *newer kiln dried, that's lake front, my wheels are turning as I type this because Im very excited (never thought I would actually do something like this)
Anyway back on track I know I can store approx. 6 cords of wood but not much more, so figure 2 year supply, now if I switch to coal its a smaller foot print storage wise and it seems as though the stove technology has come a long way since the old ben franklin days. The house has a stove fire place pretty much center (I would install a wood insert there) the basement is a full type although unfinished, I can insulate it and that's were I would put a coal stove, I really have to add up costs and delivery viability, I would hate to install a total coal appliance and 5 years later see the price of coal go through the roof. Thanks for reading my rant lol

 

[tarzan]

These coal post are very interesting to me also, I live just outside the coal belt in NW Jersey, I have lurked in NEPA coal website, just reading about different coal burners.
Im in the process of upgrading my current living arrangements, I've accidently stumbled on a reality website and found a log cabin house right on a lake that I use to fish when I was a kid, the property is significantly smaller than my current lot but the trade off is a larger log home *newer kiln dried, that's lake front, my wheels are turning as I type this because Im very excited (never thought I would actually do something like this)
Anyway back on track I know I can store approx. 6 cords of wood but not much more, so figure 2 year supply, now if I switch to coal its a smaller foot print storage wise and it seems as though the stove technology has come a long way since the old ben franklin days. The house has a stove fire place pretty much center (I would install a wood insert there) the basement is a full type although unfinished, I can insulate it and that's were I would put a coal stove, I really have to add up costs and delivery viability, I would hate to install a total coal appliance and 5 years later see the price of coal go through the roof. Thanks for reading my rant lol

Price should be a big consideration as the coal market is down. The coal market has allways experienced its ups and downs but with crack downs by the EPA and cheap natural gas it is looking like the beginning of the end for coal in the US, in particular the Appalachian region.

How this will effect the much smaller Anthracite market, I don't know but that would be something to carefully weigh before hitching your wagons to it.

I suppose I could come up and we could throw some lines in the water and discuss it over a cooler of beer

 

[Squisher]

Being dependant on a supplier is what would make coal a nonstarter for me. Seems from a quick peak around anthracite is pretty limited in its distribution and probably will only become more so that way, atleast that's how it's gone so far. The other forms of coal seem less than desirable to burn in a home. But mostly not being able to go out and get a few truckloads yourself would make me never consider it even if it was available.

 

[Michael6268]

I am curious what this smell of coal is? I burn wood and coal. Never had any sort of smell in the house from coal. Maybe outside, after a fresh load, there is a hint of sulfer in the air.

Exactly! I dont even think he is aware of the difference between anthracite and bituminous. .

 

[Squisher]

Michael. I have no idea why you seem hell bent on picking a fight with Bholler. He's a great contributor here that is constantly taking the time to help people out. I hope posts like yours don't discourage his participation.

 

[venator260]

Being dependant on a supplier is what would make coal a nonstarter for me. Seems from a quick peak around anthracite is pretty limited in its distribution and probably will only become more so that way, atleast that's how it's gone so far. The other forms of coal seem less than desirable to burn in a home. But mostly not being able to go out and get a few truckloads yourself would make me never consider it even if it was available.

I think I live in a good area for coal, as I know of three places within 20 miles to obtain coal. I'm also, thankfully, not dependent on coal, as my stove does a decent job with wood as well and I have a decent supply on the ground for future years. I don't have much dry, so that's another reason for me to get some coal this year, it will strech the wood I do have seasoned and give the rest another year to dry out.

I don't ever see myself purchasing a new coal stove, as you're right, I don't want to depend on the future prices of the coal market. My next move will be to a new wood stove, probably one of the cat stoves, and combine that with insulation efforts. Hopefully this cuts my wood consumption down significantly and allows me to weather the coldest nights and work days without too much of a temperature drop.

 

[Michael6268]

Being dependant on a supplier is what would make coal a nonstarter for me. Seems from a quick peak around anthracite is pretty limited in its distribution and probably will only become more so that way, atleast that's how it's gone so far. The other forms of coal seem less than desirable to burn in a home. But mostly not being able to go out and get a few truckloads yourself would make me never consider it even if it was available.

Ive read many articles that say anthracite will never go away. But who knows.
Right now all they are concerned about is soft/bituminous coal.
Thats the nasty stuff.
Supply is an issue for many. I live in NH and its still fairly easy to get up here. It is more costly than if you are close to coal country though.

 

[Squisher]

It's interesting to me how widespread it seems to have been in the past. I know my parents house, that my grandpa originally built had a coal burner in the basement at one time but my dad barely recalls it.

I would love to see one in action someday, just to check it out.

 

[Michael6268]

Michael. I have no idea why you seem hell bent on picking a fight with Bholler. He's a great contributor here that is constantly taking the time to help people out. I hope posts like yours don't discourage his participation.

Read my post. Then read his.

Its quite the opposite.
Everytime I mention coal he does everything he can to discredit coal by making up lies and stating things that are just wrong and not true.

 

[Squisher]

I'll leave it to you two to sort. But it would seem if there's some sort of disagreement or you believe he is misrepresenting the facts on coal that it would be more constructive to discuss it than just attack him personally.

I suspect coal discussion is not really what Hearth is about but it's not up to me to decide what flys and what doesn't. That being said I suspect that if the conversation is kept civil it has a much better chance of being allowed to run its course rather than being swatted down by a moderator.

 

[Highbeam]

Read my post. Then read his.

Its quite the opposite.
Everytime I mention coal he does everything he can to discredit coal by making up lies and stating things that are just wrong and not true.

I agree that he started it with you on this thread. I believe that coal is burned on your hearth and the hearths of many other folks so the post is very suitable for a hearth forum. Gas, wood, pellets, coal, and even oil stoves are all fair game. Skip the thread if you don't want to read about it.

 

[Highbeam]

These coal post are very interesting to me also, I live just outside the coal belt in NW Jersey, I have lurked in NEPA coal website, just reading about different coal burners.
Im in the process of upgrading my current living arrangements, I've accidently stumbled on a reality website and found a log cabin house right on a lake that I use to fish when I was a kid, the property is significantly smaller than my current lot but the trade off is a larger log home *newer kiln dried, that's lake front, my wheels are turning as I type this because Im very excited (never thought I would actually do something like this)
Anyway back on track I know I can store approx. 6 cords of wood but not much more, so figure 2 year supply, now if I switch to coal its a smaller foot print storage wise and it seems as though the stove technology has come a long way since the old ben franklin days. The house has a stove fire place pretty much center (I would install a wood insert there) the basement is a full type although unfinished, I can insulate it and that's were I would put a coal stove, I really have to add up costs and delivery viability, I would hate to install a total coal appliance and 5 years later see the price of coal go through the roof. Thanks for reading my rant lol

In a cat wood stove you can get very long burns from the compressed wood logs from companies like Neil. They are palletized and take up half the space as wood. No bugs, clean, and pretty cost effective.

 

[Squisher]

I missed where anybody said they didn't want to read about it? And as I said, I'll leave the moderating to the mods.

So coal. I've read a bunch of incidental things about smell? But from the coal burners on here there seems to be a consensus that anthracite burned in a proper setup is odourless. Are there conditions where it does produce odour? What sort of variables may cause that? Same as a wood stove? Draft issues and the like?

 

[jatoxico]

I too like to hear a bit about coal burning. Wouldn't mind having the option in my insert if it was possible. You can get by the ton here but not sure about the price. Have a friend who's a coal burner. Couple of spackle buckets every couple days. Pros and cons like anything else but BTU density and burn time surely must be nice.

 

[Michael6268]

Are there conditions where it does produce odour? What sort of variables may cause that? Same as a wood stove? Draft issues and the like?

The only time I get a "slight wiff" of sulpher is when its warm outside and you get a windswept downdraft after just adding coal to the fire.
And thats only outside.
No smell inside, and anthracite coal in the bag or bucket is oderless.
Its essentially like a piece of rock you find in your yard.

 

[Michael6268]

I suspect coal discussion is not really what Hearth is about

It is hearth related. When this forum started a long time ago. Before the current 2005 format, it was just one big duscussion. Since then its gotten segregated. I realize that was needed for organizational reasons, but people tend to frown upon others that are outside of those parameters. I think that is why things like coal are misundersttod and percieved as bad or not of value.

I enjoy most everyone one this forum and when I bring up coal, there usually seems to be a handful that are genuinely interested in it.
I used to burn wood and that is a big reason I joined this site and continued to stay. I'll still post some stuff about coal now and then. And if anyone ever has any questions feel free to pm me!

 

[Jags]

Lets keep it on track. (get it? Tracks, train - coal...awww come on, it was funny.)

Coal discussions are welcome and so are opinions. Lets keep it at that without getting personal.

 

[kennyp2339]

In a cat wood stove you can get very long burns from the compressed wood logs from companies like Neil. They are palletized and take up half the space as wood. No bugs, clean, and pretty cost effective.

Yup, I know, I got a princess, anyway looked at the house, no stove in the basement, its not worth the effort, def would rip out the fire place propane insert and stick my bk princess in there, true stone fireplace / lined w/ firebrick, looked at the yard again and I can see my 3 year supply sitting in the future shed.

 

[bholler]

Exactly! I dont even think he is aware of the difference between anthracite and bituminous.

Really you think that a pro sweep working in the middle of coal country doesn't know the difference between the two? I am sorry if I offended you I have no problem with burning coal. It is not for me the sulfur smell bothers me and i think i must be more sensitive to it than others i don't know. But i know it is a good fuel for many we work on many coal stoves and furnaces so i don't want to see it go away at all. The only issue i have is that it seems you gloss over the down sides of coal which there definitely are some.

 

[bholler]

No smell inside, and anthracite coal in the bag or bucket is oderless.
Its essentially like a piece of rock you find in your yard.

it is not odorless to me at all. To others it may be but the sulfur smell bothers me and it is always there for me. But if it does not bother you so for you it is not an issue obviously.

 

[Michael6268]

Lets keep it on track. (get it? Tracks, train - coal...awww come on, it was funny.)

LOL.
You just opened up my true passion. Trains! Used to work for the Railroad and have been collecting and running model trains for years! Mostly O-Gauge.