can you burn coal in a fireplace insert

• Coal fireplace inserts can provide 10 to 12 hours heat and burns stronger and longer than other fuel types
• This can be a cheaper means of heating your home instead of using an electric fireplace or a gas fireplace
• Other benefits- there’s no moisture issues with coal (especially anthracite) like there is with wood (you need seasoned wood)

Full Answer

Why convert a traditional fireplace to a gas fireplace insert?

Warm air can be pulled up the chimney, resulting in heat lost within the room your fireplace is located in, as well as additional rooms. As a result, only 15% of the wood in your fireplace’s energy is actually converted into heat. In comparison, a gas insert can get up to 80% heat efficiency and properly heat your home.

What is the best wood for a fireplace?

• Alder (Red)
• Aspen
• Cedar (Red)
• Cottonwood
• Hemlock
• Pine (Lodgepole and White)
• Redwood
• Spruce (Sitka)

Which is better a gas or wood-burning fireplace?

Pros of Wood-Burning Fireplaces A wood-burning fireplace delivers more flames and heat than a gas fire. Nothing beats the feeling of sitting next to a cozy fireplace with a book or a cup of coffee. ... You can use your wood fireplace at all times, including when you have no gas or electricity supply. ... You have a variety of choices in the type of wood you want to burn in your fireplace. ... More items...

How to light a fire in a wood burning fireplace?

Top Tips for Starting a Fire in the Fireplace

• Clean Out the Ashes. An important step to knowing how to work a fireplace is to make sure all ashes are cleaned out of the firebox before you start stacking ...
• Choose the Right Wood. ...
• Check the Damper. ...
• Prime the Flue. ...
• Build Up Balls of Newspapers. ...
• Add Some Kindling. ...
• Arrange the Logs. ...
• Keep the Fire Small. ...
• Grab an Igniter Log. ...
• Add a Fireplace Guard

Can you burn coal in a fireplace?

Can you use anthracite in a fireplace?

About this website

Can I burn anthracite in open fireplace?

Hard fuels such as anthracite will simply not burn on ordinary open fires or on many types of closed stoves. Mineral fuels will not burn at all in flat-bed wood burning stoves with no grate or low-level air supply, such appliances burn wood very effectively, but they will even extinguish burning coal.

Can you burn coal in a wood heater?

Why can't you burn coal on a wood-burner? Coal burns much hotter than wood, so coal-based products can damage a wood stove. Wood stoves are not designed to burn as hot as multi-fuel stoves (ones which can burn either wood or coal).

Can you burn coal inside the house?

- Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided. - Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

Does coal give off more heat than wood?

Coal is an energy dense fuel, meaning it burns efficiently, and produces more heat per ton. It also means a coal burning appliance is capable of producing 2x more BTU/hr. than a wood burning appliance. Essentially you can burn less coal for longer, giving you more bang for your buck.

Is it legal to burn coal?

Coal and briquettes: It is against the law to burn coal in London. Burning coal and briquettes also contributes to human-induced climate change.

How do you burn coal without a stove?

2:015:03How To Light Charcoal Without Fluid or Chimney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna go ahead and try the second method and that one is using twigs if you have dry twigs.MoreWe're gonna go ahead and try the second method and that one is using twigs if you have dry twigs. You won't need the paper in our case ours. We're a little bit wet.

Does burning coal give off carbon monoxide?

Anything that disrupts the burning process burners or results in a shortage of oxygen or burners, can increase carbon monoxide production. Wood, coal, and charcoal fires always produce carbon monoxide, as do gasoline engines.

Does charcoal create carbon monoxide?

Consumers may not realize that burning charcoal produces large amounts of carbon monoxide and that it only takes a small amount of CO in the air to produce symptoms of CO poisoning and even death. Opening a window or using a fan will not assure that CO gas will be reduced to safe levels.

What is difference between coal and charcoal?

So the main difference between the two is that coal is a mineral and charcoal is the ultimate form of burnt wood.

Is it better to burn logs or coal?

If you can buy enough wood cheap enough then it's great. But if you have to buy your wood Kiln Dried, by the bag' you are almost certainly better off with coal. Coal is concentrated wood. Coal burns at a higher temperature and for longer.

Does burning coal create creosote?

Cleaning chimneys and stoves is important, and it adds to the cost of burning wood. Coal, in contrast, generates no creosote.

Is burning coal cheaper than gas?

However, it is the only fuel that is 100% efficient in your home....Comparing fuel prices: is wood cheaper than electricity, gas, oil and coal?FuelCost (pence/kWh)Gas4.49Oil5.87Coal3.69Wood4.291 more row•Nov 20, 2012

Can you burn coal and logs together?

Burning coal and logs together can produce a gorgeous fire, with the aroma and long flames of a log fire, combined with the high heat output and longevity of solid fuel. Your fire can burn hotter, and for longer.

Can you burn coal in a outdoor fire pit?

They also burn hotter than Hardwood on average and this can cause damage to fire pits. Coal burns at a very high temperature and this can very easily cause damage to even a high-quality fire pit, with thick steel. We would not advise burning coal in a fire pit, as this will shorten the fire pit's lifetime usage.

Can you burn coal in a multi-fuel stove?

Only anthracite coals should be used in multi-fuel stoves – as with wood, softer dirtier coals will burn too fast and fierce. Your local coal merchant should be able to offer good advice as to which makes are locally available. It is perfectly acceptable to run a multi-fuel stove with a mixture of coal and wood.

Can you put coal in a pellet stove?

Install a Carbon Monoxide monitor about 10 feet away from the wood or pellet stove. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter, or propane torches to light the fire. Never use charcoal in a stove or fireplace. It produces an excessive amount of carbon monoxide.

How to Burn Coal in a Fireplace? | Bituminous Coal Heating General ...

you won't find Lignite anywhere on the east coast. it's not really found east of the mississippi. you may be able to find bituminous in connecticut. blacksmiths associations will have stockpiles or access; you will probably pay a premium.

Burning coal in fireplace | Hearth.com Forums Home

it is possible, you will need a heavy, small grate, with some ability to shake the ash, usually the grate will be bolted into the back of the firebox about 12" from the bottom of the fireplace with a lever coming out the right side of the fireplace to rock the grate back and forth and drop ash from time to time. what i described is common for bituminous burning in open fires and should allow ...

Can you burn wood in a coal stove? | Hearth.com Forums Home

Hi, I haven't searched the forum for this question yet, but i thought i'd ask it anyway. My Dad recently offered me a coal stove, free of charge. I have not checked it out yet, so i don't know the make, model, or manufacturer. But, in general, can you use wood in a coal stove? I figure the...

Can I burn coal in my fireplace?- Save Your Real Fire & Stove

It is not illegal to use your open fireplace or stove in England unless you usually burn house coal in a Smoke Control Area.We urge those concerned to contact their local Environmental Health Department for more information about Smoke Control Areas.Alternatively, telephone or email the Solid Fuel Association who can advise on fuels and appliances that can be used in Smoke Control Areas. sfa ...

Coal Fireplaces Are Generally Outdated

Coal fireplaces aren’t as common today as they used to be in the past.

Is there a Way to Still Use a Coal Fireplace?

We’ve made it clear that coal fireplaces are outdated as newer and more efficient heating methods have emerged.

Only Use When A Liner is Installed

Having a chimney liner is very important. Recall we made mention of the many benefits attached to its use. Buildings or structures with coal fireplaces are more likely to be over a century old.

Call For Maintenance

Your coal fireplace may require maintenance especially if it hasn’t been used for a long period.

Alternatives

When it comes to coal fireplaces, there are options to consider when you need to make modifications. You might want to install an insert into the space to use alternative fuels. It all depends on what works best for you.

How to burn bituminous in a fireplace?

it is possible, you will need a heavy, small grate, with some ability to shake the ash, usually the grate will be bolted into the back of the firebox about 12" from the bottom of the fireplace with a lever coming out the right side of the fireplace to rock the grate back and forth and drop ash from time to time. what i described is common for bituminous burning in open fires and should allow anthricite to burn decently as well, the key is having the grate high enough from the bottom to allow sufficient underfire air through the coal bed. good luck.

When did people learn how to ignite coal?

No one even knew how to ignite hard coal until the 1800's - that's how hard it was to learn.

Does burning coal reduce dust?

not true; most people who burn coal do not have black coal dust throughout their home, it's all in the way that it's handled, wetting it before shevoling it in or having a top loading stove where one just dumps a bucket in eliminates any trace of dust. also washed coal will substantially reduce the amount of dust/fines in the coal before it ever reaches your home.

Do stoves have to be shovel fed?

Both stoves had to be shovel fed.

Can you burn coal in an airtight stove?

I believe that coal emits a lot of Carbon monoxide when it burns, I wouldnt recommend burning it in anything bu an airtight stove.

Do Stokers need dust?

quite simply if care is taken, and the equiptment is maintained there does not have to be ANY dust. period.

Can you burn coal in a fireplace?

I have seen a few old fireplaces that burn coal. Most the ones I saw were in Europe. But I myself would not burn coal in a fireplace not set up for it. Not to mention although wood in a fireplace does create dust etc. Coal dust will leave a black soot everywhere throughout your home. My parents had a coal burning furnace and their home had alot of coal dust everywhere. Even in the attic. Of course I don't claim to know tons about coal burning. But doesn't coal need like air fed or injected from underneath to burn good & hot?

How to get a coal fireplace going?

to get it going, build a small hot wood fire and begin placing large pieces of coal in a "pile" around the existing fire until you have a "heap" of coal; it will smoke much untill the coal begins to ignite, this process will take about 20 minuites.

Can you dump coal on a wood fire grate?

No trouble, real easy,start a wood fire and dump some coal on, after it catches dump on some more to fill the grate, holds over night, then throw a little wood on and then coal again, and off it goes. The bottom of the grate has a hinged bottom to dump the ashes.

Can you burn coal in a fireplace?

I would highly recommend trying out your bituminous burning experiment well before the holidays.. just to make sure that you have enough chimney draft, and that the coal from Flint is not too obnoxious to burn in an open fireplace. The smell of a high sulphur coal fire, even with a good draft will make your holiday guests think your house has a bad case of flatulence.

Is litnite a soft coal?

Lignite is very soft coal, between bituminous and peat sort of. The only coal that can be sold in CT is anthracite, this is due to the sulfur content limit imposed by CT-DEP. Canal coal can burn freely in a fireplace, it lights almost instantly without the problems faced with other coals. It produces wonderful colors and plenty of smoke. It also smells pretty bad so you want to make sure you have a good draft if you burn it in a fireplace.

What Happens If You Put Coal In A Wood Burning Stove?

If you use coal inside a wood burning stove then it won’t burn properly due to incomplete combustion.

What gases are produced when coal is burned?

Other forms of waste gases such as Carbon Monoxide may be produced as a result of the coal burning poorly. As coal burns much hotter than wood then burning coal in a wood stove can also damage it.

What is a wood burning stove?

As the name suggests, wood burning stoves are designed for only burning wood. Wood stoves are designed to specifically burn wood in the most efficient way possible. Wood burns best with a source of air from above, and so wood stoves are setup to supply air to above the fire. Our wood burning stove has one controllable air vent located underneath ...

What type of stove should I get for burning wood?

If you’re looking to burn both wood and coal in your home then a multi fuel stove is the type of stove you’ll want to look at getting.

What is the difference between an air vent and a multi fuel stove?

One air vent controls the supply of air to above the fire, while the other vent controls the flow of air to the fire from below. The air vents on our multi fuel stove. The bottom vent feeds air to above the fire while the top vent supplies air to below the fire (which coal requires to burn efficiently) This allows us to change between burning ...

What is a multi fuel stove?

Multi fuel stoves are designed to allow you to burn different types of solid fuel such as wood and coal. They are setup so that air can get to the fire from both above and below. While our wood burning stove has one controllable air vent, our multi fuel stove has two. One air vent controls the supply of air to above the fire, ...

Why do you need a grate on a wood stove?

You need a grate at the bed of a wood stove to allow ashes to fall through so that air can get the fire from below. Wood stoves don’t have a grate at the bed of the firebox and so any build up of ash from the fire would block the air from getting to the fire from below. Coal typically burns hotter than wood, and so using coal in a wood burning ...

Can you burn coal in a fireplace?

You can't burn coal in just any fireplace; coal requires more careful handling and more exacting ventilation than wood. If you have a working Rumford-style coal fireplace and the right fixtures, you're set. Otherwise, check with an expert to ensure your fireplace is coal-compatible. Advertisement.

Can you use anthracite in a fireplace?

Purchase anthracite or hard coal to burn in a fireplace, either in small chunks or in pellets that you can also use in a coal stove. Anthracite burns with much less dust, smoke and oily residue than bituminous or soft coal, and with a bright, clear, durable, hot flame. Your fire grate should be suited for coal;