Coal energy and heating a home. .

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SUMMARY

To heat a house requiring 1,000,000 BTU using western subbituminous coal with a heating value of 10,750 BTU per pound and a furnace efficiency of 60%, a total of 155.0 pounds of coal is necessary. The calculation involves first determining the raw coal requirement of 93.02 pounds and then adjusting for the furnace efficiency by dividing by 0.6. This results in the final requirement of 155.0 pounds of coal to achieve the desired heating output.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of BTU (British Thermal Unit) as a measurement of energy.
  • Knowledge of furnace efficiency ratings and their impact on fuel consumption.
  • Familiarity with the heating values of different coal types, specifically subbituminous coal.
  • Basic arithmetic skills for performing energy calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the heating values of different coal types, including anthracite and lignite.
  • Learn about furnace efficiency ratings and how they affect overall heating costs.
  • Explore alternative heating methods and their energy requirements, such as natural gas or electric heating.
  • Investigate the environmental impact of using coal for home heating compared to renewable energy sources.
USEFUL FOR

Homeowners considering coal as a heating option, energy efficiency experts, and individuals interested in the economics of home heating solutions.

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How many pounds of western subbituminous coal would be needed to heat the house (house requires 1,000,000 BTU), with a 60% efficient furnace?

Subitiminous coal = 10,750 BTU/lb

1,000,000 BTU
____________ = 93.02 lb of coal.
10,750 Btu/lb

And I am not exactly sure how to take into account the 60% efficiency:

Take 93.02 / 0.6 = 155.0 lb coal, needed to heat the house. Is that correct?
 
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Correct.
 

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