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Original poster

To ask about coal fires

12 replies

BeanStew22 · 04/10/2022 00:08

Hello, the house I live in has a multi fuel stove (dating from mid 90s I think, installed by owner previous to one I bought from) - it has a glass door

The previous owners burned coal in it, I used it a bit last winter to burn wood

Apologies for asking dim questions but:

  • would burning coal (or smokeless fuel) be cheaper than running gas CH (new boiler so efficient)
  • Is burning coal better at heating than wood, & cheaper?
  • Are there real negatives to burning coal vs wood? (Does it smell, is it unhealthy)

I’ve never lived in a house with coal fires so don’t know anything about this. Was planning to buy some wood this weekend (as a back up in case of power cuts) but wondered if I should actually buy coal/smokeless fuel instead

I have a large summerhouse I could store fuel in if needed

Thanks in advance to anyone who can enlighten me!

OP posts:
GrimDamnFanjo · 04/10/2022 00:28

We have a multi fuel and use a combo of wood and smokeless fuel.
The layout of our house means the heat travels through several rooms.
Wood is about £80 for a barrow bag here and fuel between £8-10 a bag.
Once you get the hang of it you can use the wood and fuel combination to get a fire which burns well. We use 3 or 4 logs a fire. Our fire still has some heat the next morning.

GrimDamnFanjo · 04/10/2022 00:31

We have low fuel bills and have used the fire as the main heat source for a couple of winters now but ymmv.
Id give it a go but definitely don't do just wood as this can get very expensive unless you have a free supply!

Original poster
BeanStew22 · 04/10/2022 00:41

Thanks for this - I was thinking of using this as a backup /for v cold spells

it had not occurred to me to mix coal &
wood but I can try that

OP posts:
GingerbreadPanda · 04/10/2022 01:30

It's trial and error until you find an efficient combination for you, it depends on the type of coal/wood/stove and your heat preferences.

Mollyshoe · 04/10/2022 01:38

You need to find out if you’re in a smokeless zone.

if you are go for kiln dried logs and eco fuel. These also burn more efficiently - especially if you have a defra stove.,. Which means you use less on fuel

the amount of heat generated is always cheaper than the equivalent by gas in my experience. You might spend less low heating the house on gas but to get it proper warm you’ll save this way. Especially if your bills are at current prices

Orangesare · 04/10/2022 01:58

There’s lots of different types of smokeless fuel and some will burn better or hotter than others
I used to heat my last house by one wood burner as the stairs were in the living room and then I just left the bedroom doors open. It was cheaper than the gas even before prices rose.

Ponderingwindow · 04/10/2022 02:04

My mother used to tell me that her most hated chore as a child was the weekly washing of the walls in their coal heated home.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 04/10/2022 02:51

Get a chimney sweep in (assuming you haven’t already) they will clean the flue, inspect the stack and can check to see if it’s still serviceable. They can inspect the stove and tell if it is a true multi fuel, what fuels you are allowed to burn in your area and suppliers.
If in good condition, they will issue you are certificate for your insurers (you never know what may go wrong). Make sure you have both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working.
Imo a multi fuel stove is cheaper than a boiler, and would not be without one. But they do need careful use and annual maintenance.

Original poster
BeanStew22 · 04/10/2022 09:44

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 04/10/2022 02:51

Get a chimney sweep in (assuming you haven’t already) they will clean the flue, inspect the stack and can check to see if it’s still serviceable. They can inspect the stove and tell if it is a true multi fuel, what fuels you are allowed to burn in your area and suppliers.
If in good condition, they will issue you are certificate for your insurers (you never know what may go wrong). Make sure you have both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working.
Imo a multi fuel stove is cheaper than a boiler, and would not be without one. But they do need careful use and annual maintenance.

Thank you @Alphabet1spaghetti2

It was swept just before I bought the place (so before last winter), but a good reminder to get it sorted again if I do use it

I do have a CO2 monitor (somewhere 😁) so that is a v good reminder to find it & check the batteries!!

OP posts:
miceonabranch · 04/10/2022 10:10

House coal is being phased out next year, so only smokeless will be available. You can't burn just wood in a multi fuel stove, that would need a different type of grate. We burn mainly smokeless with a bit of wood to get it going. The odd log is put on if the fire is sluggish in the very cold weather.

VestaTilley · 04/10/2022 10:18

Get your chimney swept, get a Co2 monitor, and buy from a reputable coal merchant. Before you do any of that, ring the council and check if you’re allowed to burn coal. If it’s an urban area, you may not be allowed to.

Coal is worse for the environment and will make your house sootier!

Raknin76 · 12/12/2022 12:49

I've got an open fire - in fact I'm toasting my feet in front of it right now! I use a combo of wood / coal to get it going then just keep adding coal as it gives an open fire better heat for a room - you can't beat watching wood burning as it spits and crackles. Like a lot of others have said make sure you have you smoke /C02 detectors and get your chimney swept - I get mine swept once per year. Enjoy!!

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