Alternative Things to Burn in a Coal Furnace

Seasoned Wood

• Seasoned wood is one fuel alternative option to burn in a coal furnace. Seasoned wood burns much more efficiently than other wood products with a high level of moisture, such as green or unseasoned wood. Service Magic furnace-repair experts recommend avoiding treated, stained or painted wood products, as well as driftwood or any other wood products containing lead or sulfur.

Wood Pellets

• Wood pellets are another alternative material to burn in a coal furnace. Wood pellets are refined biomass fuel, commonly made from compacted wood chips and sawdust. Wood and pellets made of wood scraps are more environmentally-friendly than coal. Purchase wood pellets at home improvement stores or other wood suppliers.

Types of Coal

• There are three different types of coals available to use in a coal furnace: bituminous, anthracite and coke. Anthracite is the most commonly used type of coal. It is hard and due to its low volatiles, will burn without smoke and does not tend to cake like other coal types. Coke also burns without smoke and is fired in the same manner, while bituminous is much softer and has many volatiles. Bituminous is more commonly used for industrial work.

Things to Avoid

• Although coal furnaces will work with other burning alternatives, there are some materials that should be avoided in order to prevent potential fires and other hazards. There are some alternatives that, regardless of how widely available they are, should be avoided, including plastics and treated products. Also, avoid using garbage. Hearth.com reported that utilizing garbage in a furnace can repeatedly escalate into chimney fires.