Isn’t coal dirty to heat with? Anthracite Coal is NOT the same coal that many in the Pittsburgh area are familiar with. Anthracite Coal is 85% carbon, so it burns hot, clean, evenly and without the dirty smoke, soot and tars that soft coal and wood have and there is no build-up of tar, creosote, carbon, etc. in your chimney. You have probably burned anthracite and did not even realize it. Most brands of charcoal contain a significant amount of anthracite coal which improves the heat value of the charcoal while burning cleanly.
Aren’t wood pellets more economical? It takes 71.4 lbs. of wood pellets (almost 2 bags) to generate the same amount of heat as 40 lbs of anthracite, making anthracite much more economical. Plus, there will be NO problems with the availability of anthracite unlike the difficulty many are already experiencing in obtaining wood pellets. **Ten reasons to choose anthracite coal over wood pellets**
How long does a bag of coal last? During a very cold winter day, the automatic stoker stove could burn approximately 40 lbs. (one bag) of coal, generating over 500,000 BTU’s and leaving about 4 lbs. of ash. On a more typical winter day, you will use less than a bag to heat a well insulated 2500 sq. ft. house.
What would it cost to heat my house with anthracite coal? A modern 3 or 4 bedroom house with about 2,500 sq. ft. of living area can be heated for one year with 2 to 2½ tons of anthracite coal. That would be a fuel cost of about $360 to $450.
Do I have to tend the stove frequently? The stoker stove needs tended only ONCE a day. The coal hopper is refilled and the ash pan is emptied (requiring about 15 minutes or less) and the stove is ready to operate for another 24 hours. You do NOT shake this stove, it’s all automatic. If you go away for the weekend both stoker stove models from the Reading Stove Co. can operate for 2 ½ days without tending when using the lowest setting.
How do I vent the stove? Normally the stove is vented in an approved flue or a power vent can be used which eliminates the need for a chimney. See your Reading Stove dealer for details.
Where do I get the coal? Parts? Accessories? HEET, Inc. is the local authorized dealer for Reading Anthracite & Stove Co and Keystoker furnaces & fireplace inserts. We will maintain a steady inventory of bagged anthracite coal and stove parts. Reading Anthracite & Stove Co. is the ONLY company the produces BOTH stoves and coal.
Can I use anthracite in my wood/coal stove? Anthracite nut coal can be used in any wood/coal stove or furnace that has cast iron grates with good airflow and control. Anthracite nut coal will burn smokeless, longer than wood or soft coal, and will create a very hot, even heat. Try a bag or two in your stove/furnace and see how it performs.
