When Do You Light up?

ShawnTRD · Post by **ShawnTRD** » Mon. Sep. 08, 2014 1:27 am

My KA6 Boiler should be installed this week. Just wondering when you normally light you boiler. I will have DHW so there will be a benefit to starting early, but there's only two of us. So I can't imagine I'll save money using coal 24/7 over propane as needed. I'm thinking I will need something like 55f to 60f days that turn to upper 30's at night before making it practical. I do have two of those infrared heaters that I might use as needed. Never noticed much of a hit on the electric bill from them.

Post by **Rob R.** » Mon. Sep. 08, 2014 4:49 am

Your system will be full of fresh water, you need to fire the KA-6 up immediately after the install and get everything up to temperature. I would let it run and enjoy the hot water and warm basement.

blrman07 · Post by **blrman07** » Mon. Sep. 08, 2014 7:54 am

With every new install there is always a learning curve and at least one surprise somewhere. Best to go ahead and fire it up and idle it. Will you save money on your DHW? Probably not but you might. A KA6 on idle will probably run you about 1/2 bucket of rice coal a day. I don't know what your spending on coal but is it cheaper than propain?

Rev. Larry
New Beginning Church
Ashland Pa.

lzaharis · Post by **lzaharis** » Mon. Sep. 08, 2014 9:08 am

Hello Shawn,

The biggest worry is condensation in the combustion chamber which you can solve by either firing up the boiler and heating the water with the coal or parking a drop light with an incandescent bulb to keep the combustion chamber dry and free of moisture when the boiler is unused.

Did get the chance to talk to your mason about having an anchor bar placed around your chimney and attached to the peak of the house due to its exposure to the wind?

Leon

ShawnTRD · Post by **ShawnTRD** » Mon. Sep. 08, 2014 9:27 am

lzaharis wrote:Did get the chance to talk to your mason about having an anchor bar placed around your chimney and attached to the peak of the house due to its exposure to the wind?

Leon

Yes the one that built the chimney and the one that was going to build it both say I have nothing to worry about. So if I do have a problem I will be talking to the builder and or my insurance company. Thanks for your concern though.

Dirty Steve · Post by **Dirty Steve** » Mon. Sep. 08, 2014 9:55 am

Come on. New toy. Light it as soon as you can to get used to the pin timer, draft settings, and all. Plus, burning black rocks is cool!!!!

Post by **Lightning** » Mon. Sep. 08, 2014 2:45 pm

I agree with rob and the Rev.. you don't want cold water sitting in it.. condensation will happen..