Corn Furnace

[Farmer Frank]

Hey all, nothing related to tractors, but was wondering if anyone out there has a recommnedation for what type of corn furnace to purchase. I live in central Illinois and have been looking to buy one. Even with corn at 3.50/bushal, I still think I would save money.

Thanks!

 

[Indiana Jones]

If you live in the city limits, you might want to see if there are any local ordinances regarding these. How close are your neighbors?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Farmer Frank, if you were here in central Iowa I know where you could get one for $500 used. I think there about as much work as a wood stove myself. You have to have corn that is 12% moisture or less with no foriegn material. with a gravity flow wagon preferably to store the corn and keep it dry. This for a 70 degree house on a bucket of ash for a $3.50 bushel of corn isn't bad. But the initial cost of the stove wagon and chimney plus the insurance price hike, seams like a lot of cost to me. Besides that the wife said if I put a wood or corn stove in the house I was out. John

 

[Wayne, NW La]

Never burned corn but I have been burning wood pellets for several years. Have a stove made by Harmon and they make the corn stoves also. Burned wood for many years and would never go back. I use about a ton a season that costs around $250. There is no smoke and I empty the ash pail once, at the end of the season. Pellets come in 28 or 40 lb plastic bags so they are easy to store and handle. Beats the stuffin out of hauling firewood, getting up in the middle of the night to add wood and dealing with ashes every day or so. My stove has a thermostat that can be set so it maintains a constant temp. Granted I am in a warmer area than you, North Louisiana, so your consumption of whatever fuel you burn would be higher. Anyway, check out the Harmon Stove Co.
Wayne

 

[Farmer Frank]

John, I have family in central Iowa and would be willing to travel to get it. Can you give me some information on it? I'm not sure of the best way to do this without giving out personal info through this forum! Thanks for your input!

 

[Farmer Frank]

I'm out in the country so I don't think I have any issues, but I'll check. Thanks!

 

[Anonymous-0]

I've been burning corn for 3 years now, used to burn wood and coal and still do, just to a lesser degree. My unit is a stove in my house, you said you are thinking about a furnace, not sure if you are installing in the house or an outdoor one. I vent mine through my chimney (not recommeneded, in fact highly frowned upon). The issue with that is trying to establidsh a constant volume of air to get the correct negative pressure in side the stove for proper and predictable combustion.
I could probably write a book on my experiences with corn burning. Long and the short of it is, I like the idea of heating with non-fosil fuel and I like helping to create a new market for our local farmers. Pellets are easier and cleaner to work with but you either need buy ahead or you are at the mercy of your supply house so as not to run out in the middle of January and be told that more aint comin' in till June. With my all-fuel stove I plan to keep burning corn, cherry pits, soybeans, pellets or the new hi-fiber pelletized fuels I am hearing about for several years to come.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Frank, you can get ahold of this guy at 515-428-8222.His name is George, and it's located close to Perry Ia. John