Coal

We burn solid fuel: coal, in a cast-iron oven, called a Rayburn. Rayburn is actually a proper name, like Kleenex.


The shed out back is filled with coal. It needs to shoveled into a bucket and then shoveled into the Rayburn as needed. Heat from the Rayburn heats the water in the hot water heater, which is then pumped through the radiators throughout the house. In addition to heating the house, the Rayburn can also be used to cook. It has two hot plates on the top, and oven and another compartment, which is good for warming plates, etc.

The Rayburn is really only used in the winter for heating and sometimes cooking, if it's hot enough. However, in the summer, it's not necessary and creates too much heat in the kitchen for cooking.

In the winter, coal needs to be added periodically throughout the day as needed to keep the coals lit. Coal also needs to be added at night before going to bed, so it doesn't go out during the night and then usually needs more in the morning to keep it going. The heat produced can be controlled with the various vents on the Rayburn. They act like any fireplace ventilation, keeping the air coming through. When the vents are openned wide, more air comes through, heating the fire more and creating more heat. When less heat is needed, the vents only slightly open.

There is a satisfying feeling shoveling coal into the fire. There's something very empowering about using the raw element. Also, the knowledge that you are self sufficient (as long as there is still coal in the shed). In the event of a power outage, we can still heat and cook. At the same time, though, the idea of using a raw resource, like coal, is not so nice. Burning coal obviously releases lots of bad gases, such as carbon monoxide and it makes me wonder about the efficiency of the process and its potential dangers.