Reload Questions

Its getting ready to get cold here, when it does I will switch from wood to anthracite coal. When It comes time to reload, Will I lose temps when I reload it? Is there a way to reload and keep the fire temps up. I have a wood/coal furnace. I'm afraid I will smother the fire. I know to reload with a good hot bed. I don't want the firebox to drop temps too much for the house then will cool quickly.

Just add a 2" layer of anthracite coal at first, once it is burning well, then add as deep a layer of coal as you can. 6-9" at least.

The fresh coal will be solid black, but within about five minutes you will see thin blue/white 'ghost flames' on the coal.

You will see a short term temperature drop when the coal is getting going. But it should soon be back up to temperature.

Greg L

Alright. Once I have it burning where I want it I shouldn't have to change the settings at all right. Im ready for the cold snap, got me 12 bags to burn on the cold nights. The rest of the days I burn wood since its free.

You may have to keep an eye on 'er as your wood may bur differently than the coal.
I never really play with the draft too much on my Harman insert. If we're in a warm spell, I'll draft it low and keep it there. But now that a cold snap is coming, I'll burn it a bit hotter.

I'd rather tell my family - "Then stop yer whining and go put shorts on!" that tell them they'll have to put a sweater on!