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More and more people are learning to use coal to heat their homes. Coal is less expensive then wood, oil, gas or electricity making it a very economical choice.
Here are a few basic instructions in "How to use coal burning stoves.”
- Start a small fire with paper and kindling. Once these have started to turn to wood coal, it’s time to start adding your MULLINAX COAL.
- Scoop coal out of your coal hood and add one layer to the kindling fire. After this layer ignites and the coals begin to glow, you can add another layer. Don’t add too much coal at once when the fire is first starting as you can suffocate the lit coals. Coal needs as much air as possible to establish a good glowing fire. Keep in mind during the start-up phase you are working to establish a bed of very hot coal coals about 3” deep.
- Keeps the coal burning by adding coal every couple of hours, depending on the fire’s burn speed and room temperature. Remember, the coals must be deep and hot to establish a good fire. Coal should never be added unless there is a reasonable hot fire. The coal bed should be bright and vigorous. If you have a modern stove with a hopper you won’t have to feed the coal into the stove.
- Rake the coals a few times a day to keep the fire burning evenly. Use a fire tool, such as a rake or poker to do the job. Do not rake with a low fire.
- Adjust the air vents depending on desired temperature. Leave them open to increase combustion or close them to slow down the burning.
- To keep coal burning overnight, load it up layer by layer, then close air vents to keep the coal fire burning throughout the night.
- Ashes should never be allowed to accumulate in such a way as to impede airflow. This will restrict the combustion air and reduce the units output. If ashes come in contact with the grates they can act as an insulator, intensifying heat causing the grates to warp.
Tips & Warnings
*Make sure to empty the ash tray when full.
*Keep air vents wide open when starting a fire.
*Stove should never be left unattended with the ash pit door open.
*Coal, like all fossil fuels, contains gases that are toxic.
*Keep the area around your stove clear of kindling, paper and debris for safety.
*Waste ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight fitting lid on a noncombustible floor outside the dwelling, well away from combustible materials.
*Check/Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms weekly and change batteries often just in case.
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