Wood and Coal Stoves
Since time immemorial, people in all civilizations has been using wood and coal for producing heat for various domestic as well as commercial and industrial applications. As the civilization has advanced, we have gone from burning coal under the blue sky to using specially designed wood and coal stoves for a wide range of purposes. These stoves are heat-producing appliances, which are used for domestic heating or for cooking purposes, besides a host of other industrial and commercial applications. Most commonly used wood stove is the pellet stove that uses sawdust pellets as fuel. On the other hand, coal stoves use coal in the form of either anthracite or lignite. Between wood and coal stoves, a coal stove is much cheaper than a wood stove. A coal stove comes within the range of $20 and $200 but a pellet stove can cost around $2500 and a wood stove sells for $2500 or $3000. Either ways they are a cheaper alternative to counter high fuel prices and more expensive appliances that use oil, gas and electricity for heating.
Wood Stove Features
Wood stoves for domestic heating applications are available as fireplace inserts or stand-alone devices. They not only provide warmth and help in cooking but also add aesthetic beauty to the surrounding. There are numerous designs of a wood stove available for different uses. They can be engraved into the wall or can be made as a single standing structure. One of the biggest advantages of using a wood stove for domestic heating is that they are very safe. Wood stoves extinguish automatically when not in use and the fumes can go out of the house through a pipe. This reduces pollution and using wood as fuel means that you are being ecologically responsible. According to an EPA study in Boise, it was found that Idaho neighborhoods had PM10 levels (particulate matter) because of the wood smoke. It was matter of concern because the indoor levels of smoke were 50% to 70% of outdoor levels when people were not using wood stove. Therefore now it is mandatory to use an EPA approved wood fireplace and stove. Burning wood can lead to several health problems and the smoke can lead to asthma or other respiratory problems. Using a wood stove can help avoid such situations. However, while using a wood stove you should always keep enough ventilation for the smoke to be emitted out. Avoid using a chemical accelerant like lighter fluid. You should regularly clean and maintain the fireplace or stove. The chimney should be cleaned annually to help prevent fumes from coming back into the house. Coal Stove Features
The coal stoves on the other hand are also good for cooking and providing warmth. However, the major drawback of coal stoves when compared to wood stoves is that starting a fire initially is a tough job. Once you have ignited the coal, then it can burn hot for a longer duration. Coal stoves require maintenance and you have to keep a check on the glass, grates and gaskets more often than the wood stoves. You have to take care of the fact that the fly ash should not clog the heat exchangers. Most of the European and some American coal stoves use a hopper to hold coal, which is then fed onto the fire. In a standard coal stove, coal is filled into the hopper on the top of the stove. Some of the coal goes from the upper chamber to the lower chamber. Due to the airflow design the coal in the lower part of the firepot will burn. When this coal has completely burnt out and turned to ash, then new coal will take its place. You will have to rake/shake the grates to help new coal reach the lower pit. Now that you have a basic understanding of wood and coal stoves you can take a decision regarding selecting the right wood or coal stove for your needs. Overall, wood and coal stoves are convenient to use, efficient and economical.
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