About Coal Stoves

When it comes to choosing a fuel-efficient and cost-effective heating system for your home, a Coal Stove would be an intelligent option. Therefore, it comes as no surprise why coal stoves have been used for hundreds of years, in hundreds of homes throughout the world, in one form or another. With abundant, coal reserves, particularly in Eastern Pennsylvania, coal stoves are still extremely popular, although the age old, bulky and traditional, versions have given way to smaller, lighter, more stylish and safer models today.

Identification

Coal stoves are small, compact systems used mainly for indoor heating of homes. Coal is the primary fuel used, although some models are designed to perform with other materials, such as wood or pellets. There are several versions of coal stoves available, ranging from stand-alone units, to those that can be used as fireplace inserts. Apart from the larger, indoor coal stove versions available, there are also other smaller, lightweight models which are popular for outdoor use, such as for camp sites, log cabins, or holiday homes in the countryside. Standard, or traditionally designed, coal stoves, can be easily identified by the conspicuous chimneys which are fitted above them to expel smoke.

History

Perhaps, the need to heat tents or tepees was recognized eons ago, when food preparation by fire, as well as the other big, benefit in doing so, was first discovered the ambient, warmth felt when cooking or dining. When this happened, is anybodies guess, or, as archaeologists believe, it's possible both occurred simultaneously. However, as historical records suggest, 1490 was the year that witnessed the birth of the first all-brick and tile, open stove in Alsace, France.
It was not until the early 1800s when Benjamin Franklin invented the first chimney-less, iron furnace. It had a fuel chamber with a sliding door, and a grate that permitted cooking as well as heating, at the same time. Later in the 1790s, David Greenhouse redesigned Franklin's furnace an added a chimney. The very first practical, coal stove was invented by Jordan Mott in 1833. The rest is history.

Features

There are several different types of coal stoves that are designed for either domestic, industrial, or outdoor applications, each with features to match such applications. However, standard or traditionally, designed coal stoves have almost the same features as wood or pellet-fired, stoves. They consist of a fire/fuel chamber for burning any variety and size of coal; an air inlet below the grate, which permits airflow through the coal bed to facilitate efficient, coal combustion; a stovepipe and chimney, fitted above the coal stove to expel smoke, and an ash pot or pan for collection and removal of coal ash.
In addition to the above features, the latest versions of coal stoves also incorporate a stoker-feed mechanism that automatically feeds coal and removes ash. They are also fitted with thermostats and timers to control the intensity of the coal fire. Other features may include modern, contemporary, classic or vintage styling to suit the current, tastes of individual buyers.

Benefits

There are many benefits to gain from investing in coal stoves, but the manifold, benefits of coal stoves lie in the coal itself. As opposed to wood, pellet, electric or gas-fired, stoves, coal stoves have proved to be truly, cost-effective. For example, it has a far longer burn time than pellets or wood with combustion lasting for up to 24 hours, especially in manually-fed stoves.
A ton of "hard coal" (anthracite) produces twice the amount of heat generated by a pellet-fired, stove, and as much, if not more, heat provided by a chord (128 cu. ft.) of wood; it also emits no visible smoke; the latest, versions of coal stoves are more compact and light in weight making them easily portable and therefore, ideal for outdoor use, such as for camping and picnicking; coal stoves have also proved to be much safer than other types of stoves.

Warning

Coal stoves may be indispensable assets during the harsh winter months, but they do require thorough pre-inspection and regular maintenance when in use; check the stove pipe and chimney system for any sign of corrosion. This should be mandatory especially if they are made of stainless steel; a ruptured or choked, ventilation system can affect the efficiency of the coal stove; prolonged, exposure to sulfur and other carbons emitted by coal stoves can be harmful if inhaled; the ash pan must be emptied and cleaned regularly, otherwise it can restrict air inflow, affect combustion, damage grates, and impinge on the overall efficiency of the coal stove.