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Post by New To Coal » Thu. Aug. 28, 2008 7:09 pm

Here in New Hampshire, like the rest of the country, oil prices have forced me to consider alternative heat sources. I happened across a Hot Blast Heater made by US Stove Company. It is a wood/coal unit and has never been fired. What are the recommendations out there? Use this to heat with or not? I have never burned coal. I just joined this site today as I have been trying to read up on this before trying to use it. This heater is in the cellar and I wonder what kind of heating capacity it has. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for reading.


 
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WNY
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Post by WNY » Thu. Aug. 28, 2008 8:24 pm

Use the Search on US STOVE on here, there are quite a few posts about them..it would probably help supplement your heating costs. Make sure it has the shaker handle/grate, you will use the lower air adjustments, coal need air from BELOW and wood needs the air from above. some may need a blower for under the coal, depending...

Here the link to their site with the Hotblast furnances
http://www.usstove.com/products.php?cat=4

 
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Post by New To Coal » Thu. Aug. 28, 2008 8:41 pm

Thanks for the input. My unit is older, I'm not sure how old. I'll check out the other posts. Thanks again.

 
TimV
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Post by TimV » Thu. Aug. 28, 2008 9:05 pm

Tractor Supply has sold tons of the "Hotblast" I would say that the older ones are probably a lot better than the newest ones >US Stove has a way of buying up stove companies and chaniging things that are "tried and true"
Never heard anything bad about a Hotblast and I know in NH you need a lot of heat.Lived 10 miles from Canadian Border(Colebrook) and minus 35 was pretty common temp
Burning $4 oil will be brutal even on a rich mans pocketbook.
I have a Energy King which is similar to a Hotbalst and it will get my old 12 room farm house up to 90 at -20 outside burning wood if want to keep it opened up. Burnig coal wil do same and maybe more if you opened it way up but no need to with the coal . Coal makes a nice more even heat than wood but I like it warm so either is fine with me and the added benifit from coal is when its warm outside you can shut it down to a nice slow burn without making creosote.
Wood is cheap as fresh air in NH coal probably a tad more expensive if you figure in trucking

 
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Post by BIG BEAM » Fri. Aug. 29, 2008 3:58 pm

I installed a hotblast furnace 2 years ago(from TSC).It burns wood better than coal but I burn coal in mine.My house is in upstate NY and is a drafty(old windows) 1500 sq.ft. cape.The small one I got 1000.00 bucks or so does a fine job heating the whole house.It is connected to my exsisting duct work.It took me 2 or 3 mo. to learn how to use it.Do a search on us stove or hotblast,One guy on this board can tell you just what they like to burn well.There are better furnaces out there but not even close to the hotblast in price.They are well built(7 ga. steel) and should last a long time.All in all a very good furnace for the price.If you are thinking about the bigger hotblast I would consider a hitzer furnace instead,The larger hotblast is 2000.00 ish and I think for that much money I would look at other furnaces.Parts are also fairly priced for the hotblast.

You will read some post in this fourm stating that the hotblast is not that good,take them with a grain of salt,I own one and this will be my 3rd year with it.
good luck
DON

How many BTU's is that furnace?

 
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Post by BIG BEAM » Fri. Aug. 29, 2008 4:09 pm

You say it's a heater,Is it a stove or furnace? I just assumed it was a furnace but, you know what they say about assume.
DON

 
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Post by New To Coal » Fri. Aug. 29, 2008 9:06 pm

Ok, I'll try to catch up. I have a heater and not a furnace. It is a hot blast heater model 17fb made in 1980. It has never been fired. So, I guess the next question is....Is it worth hooking up for a secondary heat source in the basement? I have a 1200 sq. ft. living area. Would this be worthwhile or should I look for a more recent coal burner?


 
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Devil505
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Post by Devil505 » Fri. Aug. 29, 2008 9:38 pm

Can you post a few photos of it?

 
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gambler
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Post by gambler » Fri. Aug. 29, 2008 9:45 pm

I think some one else had one of those recently on the forum. I seem to remember them posting pics of it.

ok, found the thread. Hot Blast 20FB: Coal/Wood? What Size Coal?
Is it worth hooking up for a secondary heat source in the basement? I have a 1200 sq. ft. living area. Would this be worthwhile or should I look for a more recent coal burner?
I would give it a try.

 
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Post by New To Coal » Sat. Aug. 30, 2008 7:13 am

Thanks for the thread! Yes, that picture is the same type that I have. There isn't a BTU output listed that I can find. It is just small and "non rugged" looking. Either I keep sipping coffee and staring at in on early mornings or I hook it up and cuss until I've learned to burn coal. I'll except votes at this point. Seriously thanks to all who are responding. I've been reading posts here for a month or so before joining. It's great!

 
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Devil505
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Post by Devil505 » Sat. Aug. 30, 2008 7:24 am

Kinda looks like the "Chubbys."

 
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CoalHeat
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Post by CoalHeat » Sat. Aug. 30, 2008 7:32 am

Connect it and start it burning!! :D

 
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Post by stovepipemike » Sat. Aug. 30, 2008 7:47 am

Now that I see the picture of it,I used a similar one in the shop for many years. Same design, but mine was labeled: Sears. I found it to be a simple,reliable, no nonsense, friendly to use unit. If you are new to the alternative heating concept,make sure you get all the safety elements addressed [clearance to combustibles,proper venting, etc.] before you strike that first match. The frost will be on the pumpkin before we know it. Regards,Mike

 
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Post by sharkman8810 » Sat. Aug. 30, 2008 8:43 pm

Oh you have to hook it up; how could you not. If nothing else to figure out if it will burn or not, how good etc. and report to us with pics. Just be sure to let your insurance agent know. Mine was actually helpful. If you need help with the hooking it up part, the Heating, venting and plumbing guys there are good, and that forum is an excellent read.

 
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Post by CapeCoaler » Sat. Aug. 30, 2008 9:07 pm

Bunch of coal stoves based on that similar design.
Good burning, holds lots of coal, cook top for pans and efficient round grate.
Hook it up!


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