Do you have a coal stove but no coal? Are you looking for a cheaper alternative to use? If so, then you are probably wondering can you burn wood in a coal stove? Checkout the article below as we answer your question.
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Can you burn wood in a coal stove?
Yes you can burn wood in a coal stove however, there are several factors you need to consider and also you need to cut the wood into small pieces so that it can fit inside the coal stove. When burning wood in a coal stove you need to ensure that you do not use treated wood and also ensure that the chimney has proper ventilation so that creosotes do not build up.
Factors to consider before burning wood in a coal stove
Type of wood
This is actually the first thing you need to consider before burning wood in a coal stove. This is because different woods react differently when placed in a coal stove. For starters, you need to consider using dry wood instead of wet wood when using a coal stove. This is because dry wood releases less smoke as compared to wet wood. Furthermore, if you use wet wood, chances are high that you will inhale a lot of carbon monoxide. Therefore try by all means to use dry wood.
Avoid treated wood
The next thing you need to take note of is that you should never burn treated wood in a coal stove. This is because treated wood produces a lot of smoke and toxic gasses when burnt, which can affect your respiratory health. Therefore, make sure that you purchase untreated wood especially if you want to use a coal stove.
Avoid burning allergic plants
Allergic plants include poisonous ivy, poisonous sumac and poisonous oak. If you have any of these plants lying around in your yard then you should not burn them. This is because they release toxic gasses when exposed to heat and these gasses can affect your respiratory health.
Is it safe to burn wood in a coal stove?
It is very safe to burn wood in a coal stove this is because the coal stove can withstand the heat form burning wood. It is important to know that coal burns at a temperature of 100 degrees more than wood which is why the coal stove will be able to stand the heat from burning wood. Furthermore, when burning wood in a coal stove you need to ensure that that the chimney is opened properly so that it can send smoke outside the building. If the chimney is not releasing smoke this will result in a build-up of creosotes which could result in a chimney fire.
Can a wood stove burn coal?
Yes a wood stove can burn coal however, you will be disappointed by the results. This is because wood stoves were designed for wood only and they do not generate heat which is sufficiently enough to burn coal. Furthermore, coal requires a lot of air to burn and wood stove are not designed in such a way which makes the burning process a bit complicated. So the best thing would be to put a little bit of coal and mix it with wood in the wood stove.
Can you burn corn in a coal stove?
Yes you can burn corn in a coal stove. This is because corn has a lower burning temperature as compared to coal so it will burn faster. However, you need to ensure that the coal stove is connected to a well build chimney mainly because corn releases a lot of smoke so you would want to get chocked by carbon dioxide in your own house.
Are coal stoves safe?
If your coal stove has proper ventilation then it is safe to use. This is because coal releases a lot of carbon monoxide during the combustion process so if you do not have proper ventilation, the carbon monoxide will build up in your house. Therefore, always ensure that there is proper ventilation before starting your coal stove.
Why people prefer wood more than coal
The reason why most people prefer wood as compared to coal is because wood is cheaper. Coal proves to be expensive but it can last for a longer period of time as compared to wood. Furthermore, wood is usually readily available as compared to coal.
Wood vs coal
A number of people often debate on which energy source is better between coal and wood however, the answer to this is very subjective and based on individual preferences. For starters, wood and coal both emit carbon dioxide however, coal emits more carbon dioxide amongst the two, so you should be willing to decide if this factor is going to affect your decision. Secondly coal is more expensive as compared to wood. So if you are looking to save money then wood is the best option for you. If you would like to consider environmental sustainability then you need to consider using wood instead of coal. This is because coal mining has long term environmental impacts as compared to wood cutting. Lastly, coal burns hotter than wood so if you are looking for something to instantly heat up your household the coal is the best option.
Can I use wood sold in grocery stores and home ware stores
Yes you can use wood that is sold in grocery stores and home ware stores in your wood stove or coal stove. This wood is usually dried and safe to use for heating purposes. When using this type of wood just take all precautionary measures so that you avoid the built up of carbon dioxide in your house.
Conclusion
The coal stove can be used for a number of purposes including burning wood. So the next time you run out of coal simply substitute it with wood and you will never regret your decision. Remember to always use dry wood since it emits less smoke as compared to wet wood.