Save coal yes? But economy in coal means getting out of every pound the maximum. So when you buy coal ask what its fuel value is? It ought to be about 12,500 to 14,500 B. T. U.--that is, it takes to raise 100 pounds of water 1 degree Fahrenheit, 100 British Thermal units of heat. B. T. U. is the way to measure heat units as 7 yards of satin is the way you measure goods for a dress. The best type of boiler for the home is the sectional, cast-iron type. In this the water is run through tubes and presents a large number of surfaces of water to the heat. You must demand a boiler amply large and of the best type of tubular--where heating is most rapid, and direct in order to save fuel, in order too, that all the heat generated goes to heating the house, not in warming the flue or chimney. 2. Fuel portion. These must be _deep_ to insure enough coal at least for 8 hours of heat. So that in the morning your house will be warm and some coal left in to be joined in lawful heating to the next supply--leaving no interim of coolness which wastes the coal and supplies pneumonia. It takes more coal to reheat completely than to add heat to a heated mass of coal. 3. Boiler capacity. Find out how your boiler is rated. If its capacity only assures you 6 hours of heating; you must not expect it to do 8 or 10. Only in the best--the very best makes, do the ratings have much weight. Experience counts. You can tell approximately. But buy the boiler you don’t have to force. For forcing a boiler adds to your coal bill. Your boiler capacity must be a little _beyond_ what you actually need. 70 degrees in zero weather is the standard. A strong “Coal-ition” government is here necessary! 4. Rapid water heating essential.-- Water-ways thin enough to heat water rapidly. Quality and position of heating surface must not allow for waste of heat. 65% of heating surface should be in direct contact with heat, 35% in flue surface. Response to your dampers will show you if you have 65% of your heating surface in direct contact with flame! Go and see the best hot water boiler in your vicinity--before you buy consult your engineer and ask about others. 5. Operating must be easy “as pie.” Grates should be easily pivoted and balanced. Arrangement must prevent all accidental dumpings of fuel in fire pot. Coal so used as to not disappear through grate. One boiler employs a damper rod running to the front which enables the caretaker to open and close the smoke damper rapidly when building and this prevents gas and smoke leakage when door is open. Such a device as this makes a floor room in a cellar feasible. The boilers of some companies are so beautifully contrived and finished that they are no worse than a talking machine or upright piano in a play room. In fact better looking! Feed doors should be wide mouthed enough to put in easily the various “meal time” supplies.