Without a doubt, though probably the extra cost of control-system improvements would outweigh the efficiency gain (however calculated - I guess it would need a labour cost element as well as fuel cost to account for those poor servants who, at present, have to waste valuable time checking that the meat is browning evenly, and fetching in the extra odd bucket of coal). But then, if they weren't doing that, what would they be getting up to?
Lyman will advise you on getting the fire lit without smoking the place out.
Once lit, I reckon if smoke isn't coming back into the room and the meat is turning, you'll probably be better off leaving well alone.
Oh - and it might be a good idea to send a child up the chimney with a tub of goose fat to grease all those bellcranks and pulleys (thus increasing mechanical efficiency) ... While he (or she) is up there a decoke of the turbine blades might be a good idea.
Last edited by jh5speed; 22nd Feb 2012 at 12:04.