Solid fuel heating systems

Call us now on 01302 842857 Credit Cards
Posted by Keith Hirst on 29 March 2017

This month’s article with Thompson Fuel & Skip Hire will inform you on solid fuel heating systems: the good, the bad and the super efficient.

What is a solid fuel heating system?

Solid fuels refer to substances like wood, coal and smokeless fuels that are required for heating systems. How it works: fire boils the water in your tank, this distributes the hot water around the storage cylinder and in the final process it will drain into your radiators. This sort of heating can burn various solid fuels, which is ideal for the all users, as it provides multiple affordable options.

Solid fuels

Fuels can differ massively in price and efficiency, here are a few to consider.

  • Wood is cheap and therefore a reasonable source for instant heat. However due to it’s low output, fluctuation in temperature isn’t uncommon and therefore is not too reliable if you’re in need of temperature stability.

 

  • Coal, although expensive, has a high output and a higher temperature. This can also be acquired as ash and gas, but the change in state will reduce the efficiency of the output.

 

  • Smokeless fuels have an exceptionally high output and are super efficient, but more expensive.

 

Although price will always be considered by most users, it should not be thought that the cheapest is the best. With cheaper fuels it’s possible you’ll spend the same sort of money having to clean the soot produced by certain fuels.

Types of solid fuel systems

 

  • Open fires have a fire container attached to a high output boiler. The fuel is packed into the fire container and the gases/smoke produced travel up and out of the chimney. Open fires are designed to burn these solid fuels but unfortunately, they also generate a lot of soot and this must be cleaned 3+ times a year. As this is a quick source of heat, the fuel must be regularly replaced, due to the air that surrounds the top of the fire. This can’t be controlled, causing the fuel to burn at a quicker rate.  
  • Closed fires are easier to control than open fires. For closed fires, the fuel is burnt in an enclosed space and because of this, the air can be controlled, which is ideal for keeping the fire lit for a prolonged period. These must also be cleaned regularly as the buildup of soot can block the flue ways.

 

Here at Thompson Fuels & Skip Hire we hope this article has informed you on how to get the best out of your solid fuels. Our company offers a wide range of solid fuels including: ECO logs, homefire, phurnacite, coal doubles, coal trebles, supertherm, anthracite grain, anthracite beans, anthracite nuts, excel/XL, red hot ovoids, smokeless, house coal and kindling. We supply a wide range of products so if you’d like more information or want to discuss the ideal fuels for you, please get in touch today or go to our website.

Our Friendly Staff Are Here
To Help You Every Step Of The Way

Get in touch today to speak to a member of our friendly team about skip hire, solid fuels or waste management in the Doncaster and Epworth areas.

Call us now on 01302 842857
Thompsons staff
Accreditations
Coal Logo
Environmental Icon
Environmental Icon
CIWM