United States Stove Company 1602R Installation/operator’s Installation & Operator's Manual page 17

When the fire is well established and the room is be-
coming warm, partially close the dampers. Some
experimenting will have to take place with each
particular setting of all dampers and controls as the
chimney provides the draft necessary to not only
exhaust the smoke, but to pull combustion air into
the heater as well - and no two chimney's perform
the same. Under ideal draft conditions, one should
be able to turn the secondary air supply below the
feed door (some models) to a near closed position -
but leave the ash pit damper at least partially open
to prevent the fire from going out. Adjust the stove
pipe damper to reduce the draft on the fire. With
anthracite there will be short blue flames above
the coal, except when the fire is started or a new
charge is added. If, however, there is no flame then
the fire needs more air from the bottom (unless it is
near the end of its burn cycle and needs to be re-
charged).
Only when the coal is burned down to half its origi-
nal depth it is time to add fresh coal. When doing so,
open the stove pipe damper and turn the thermo-
stat damper to high, which will allow the fire to burn
off any accumulated gases. Open the feed door,
and with a small rake, hoe, or hooked poker pull the
glowing coals to the front of the firebox. Try not to
disturb the fire too much. Next, add a fresh charge
to the back being careful not to seal off the top.
Close the feed door, but leave the spin damper (or
thermostat) open for a few minutes until the volatile
gases have burned off. It is not necessary to shake
down the ashes each time you refuel the furnace.
Experience will be your best teacher.
USSC
BULLETIN RC454
A GUIDE TO BURNING COAL IN YOUR FURNACE
BANKING THE FIRE:
For extended operation, such as overnight, the fire
will need to be banked. To do so heap coal up
along the sides and back of the firebox so that the
fire gradually burns it over a longer period of time.
The intensity of the fire will also be reduced without
letting it go out. Follow the same procedure as for
refueling. If possible, avoid shaking, as a heavier
layer of ash will help reduce the intensity of the fire
during this time. After loading, let the fire establish
itself for about 30 minutes. Then close your damper
and automatic control to the point where the house
does not become too cold. It is important that you
begin banking early enough before retiring or leav-
ing that you can make necessary adjustments after
the fire is well established.
To revive a coal fire that is almost out, (1) open the
ash door and stove pipe damper and close the spin
damper under the door to get a good draft through
the grate. (2) place a thin layer of dry coal over the
entire top of the fire. DO NOT POKE OR SHAKE THE
FIRE AT THIS TIME! (3) after the fresh coal has become
well ignited shake the grate (just a little), refuel.
DO NOT burn coke, charcoal, high volatile bitumi-
nous coal, sub bituminous, lignite or cannel coal
(sometimes called channel coal or candle coal).
NEVER burn wax or chemically impregnated saw-
dust logs - their intended use is for fireplaces only.
NEVER fill the stove or furnace above the firebrick or
cast iron liner.
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