Size Matters... (Stove Height, That Is)

Hello all,

First off, GREAT forum.. very informative. I'm located in Connecticut, considering a coal stove (hand fired) as a supplement to my current oil furnace. I like the even heat, don't mind tending it ever 12 hrs. or so, and don't want to be tied to an electrical hookup.

Ideally, I'd like to use my existing fireplace chimney (will I need to add a liner?)..... But here's my real question, most stoves seem pretty large (in height) for the available space. (Yes, I know that's why they make inserts, but I just prefer the look of a freestanding unit) The existing fireplace opening is plenty wide, but offers 32" in height....most units I've seen are at least that in height. Any suggestions? I'm thinking I may have to look at locating a separate chimney elsewhere in the room... or reconsider an insert... Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

-Dave

If you have a oil forced air unit why not consider a wood/coal furnace like the US stove 1600G. Put it in the basement and vent it with a seperate chimney. You can then use your existing hot air duct system, unit claims to be able to run without power under wood and coal

Tom

Its not too safe to run them without power. When the power goes out the plenum temps rise and you need a certain space between the plenum and joists. I have a US Stove furnace and its worthless for anthracite coal. I would look into a Harman or an eneryking add-on furnace. Something about the usstove they just don't like hard coal.

Hello CTcoal. Welcome to the forum.

There are quite a few coal stoves that have flue exit low on the back of the unit. All that I can think of right now are stoker stoves, requiring electricity, but I'm sure there are hand feed stoves that have a low flue exit.

You do not need to line your chimney as long as it is in good shape and has a clay or terracotta liner. Masonry chimneys last for centuries, stainless steel liners for a decade or two depending on fuel used and maintenance.

If you have a good chimney with good draft, a stove could be put in front of the fireplace instead of into the fireplace.

Take a look through the stove manufacturers websites and look for a hand feed stove with a low flue location.

Take care, Greg L

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Hello CTcoal, I took a quick look at the Harman site:

http://harmanstoves.com/

In the list of hand feed stoves Harman offers there is a fireplace insert, it has a rear flue exit, with the top of the flue at ~24" .

The other hand feed freestanding stoves have rear flue exits with the highest exit measuring ~24-32" .

So depending on the clearance you have through your fireplace opening, you could install a freestanding stove in front of the fireplace and vent through the fireplace opening.

I will be important to completely close off the fireplace opening, usually with a steel plate or door. with your flue going through and up into the chimney. All air going up the chimney must be from the coal stove, none from the room

Hope this helps, Greg L

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Thanks for the input. I appreciate the advice.

Hey CTcoal!

Welcome!

I have the Harman insert you see on the website.
Lookee here:
Here's My Harman Insert (Pics)...

And, though I haven't posted much in the past two weeks, if you were to look through my posts, you'll see that I LOVE this stove!
I have a 2,300sq/ft split level. Stove is downstairs and I have no registers or vents cut. This thing really cranks out heat! I'm in skivvies and a T-shirt all the time.
With the zero to sub zero temps we've been having, I'm burning three buckets (1.5 morning & 1.5 night) of nut with the draft open 3/4 to nearly one whole turn.
WOW! Don't stand near it! Outside temps are 400-430 degrees and not even the cats are curled next to it....they've retreated back a bit but still stretched out with tummies towards the box!
On days in the 20's, I can easily get 18hr burns. Now that it's cold and I'm drafted more, I give 'er a touch @ 14hrs.

The only thing is that since this isn't exposed on all sides like a stand-alone, the air jacket blower fan must be kept running. No matter to me cuz the kids own the downstairs (playroom) and my 'puter is down there. The noise WOULD irritate me if it were in the upstairs TV room.

Any questions you have about it, I'd be glad to answer!

If you are married, put a coal furnace next to your existing unit and tie it into it. Nice even heat, no mess, taller chimney, happy wife.