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Wood vs Coal
I used local soft coal in the late 60's and early 70's when I lived in Colorado. Back then it was inexpensive, much more compact than wood, and would easily burn all night. You do need to take care to have a reliable draft and sound chimney as carbon monoxide can be a (deadly) problem. Stove was a cast iron rectangular front-loader. I found no creosote problems and less ash vs. wood, but if the fire goes out, you need to start it with wood. There is a dust (dirt) problem, even when it is 'oiled', you should keep it dry, and it does smell like.. coal.
If I remember correctly, the price skyrocketed over about 5 years, going from $3.25 per ton at the local lumber-yard to around $28.00 a ton at the mine. Cost rose from 15 to 40 cents per ton to have it 'oiled' to keep the dust down.
bliz
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Wood vs Coal
Years ago the cellar coal bin was very common, but cellars then were equipment space for the furnace. Hard coal has much less dust and odor than soft coal, but how either might affect the air-quality in a modern 'air tight' home is a question I can't answer. Storing only well seasoned wood in the cellar would eliminate your moisture problems and really reduce the annoying insects. Also makes the wood a lot lighter! As your sore back attests to, wood 'heats you three times'. I'm guessing that here in central Maine coal might be pricy, due to transportation costs and limited use. I'm considering an outbuilding for a wood heated hot water system, as oil/propane/electricity costs are very high and sure to increase.
FYI: 1 ton of coal approximately equals 2 cords of dry wood for steam.
Hard coal approximately 53# per cubic foot.
Soft capproximately 48# per cubic foot.
see also: www.nma.org/statistics/pub_fast_facts.asp
hearth.com/what/heatvalues.html
bliz
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Wood vs Coal
AC5ZO,
See link below.
`Abraham Gesner, a Canadian, developed a method for
extracting oil from coal and called his new product
"keroselain."`
A little later `carbon oil` was distilled from petroleum.
I don't think the oil was kerosene. If I remember correctly they heated it (steam) and sprayed it on the coal as it came down the chute into the truck. Wasn't any great amount, just enough to keep the dust down somewhat. Can't remember it having any special odor, perhaps a low melting point wax.
bliz
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Wood vs Coal
Hardwood,
Was that 89 cents a gallon for propane? I use around 800 gal/year and as of my last delivery it was $2.15 per gallon.
What a ripoff here in Maine, Spend tax dollars for State/Federal fuel assistance programs, then the suppliers raise the prices because the 'program' will pay whatever they ask.
With a little luck I'll be back to wood heat by the fall. Scroo all these 'support your local whatever' who rip off their customers. Will gladly pay the premium for 'low volume user' if I can get down to 100-125 gal/year. The dealer can eat 'losses' on the tank and regulators.
Ranting on...
bliz
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