Smokeless coal in open fire

[makinganavalon]

I am panicking about the winter-
We will barely be able to have the heaters on (all electric in rented house) and now with the rocketing cost of coal, the warmth of the fire will be out too. I managed to buy a bunker of coal when prices were low but that was all I could afford and I'm estimating it will last till December.
What with traditional coal now being so high, I've seen smokeless coal is relatively cheaper.
Has anybody had experience with this on an open fire? I'm in the Highlands so it is COLD. Does it produce the same heat as traditional coals? What is it like when it burns? Wondering if I should try and get a pallet before prices rocket even more
Thanks

Hi, I’m also in the highlands but it’s a stove I have. My sister has an open fire like yourself and smokeless do not give out as much heat as the coal as better suited to a stove. As there is now a huge price between the two I’d suggest doing half and half to see if that works for you?
Alternatively, look at getting some seasoned logs if not too expensive?
Hope this helps

I live in a smokeless area. I've used ovoids in both a stove and open fire. They still give it a decent amount of heat in an open fire. We certainly know about it when we have the fire on.

Thanks.
I had a feeling it may be not as heat efficient- but we'll have to suck that up. Not easy in a Highland winter when I was already having to be frugal.
But as long as you can feel it, it will be better than nothing.
I can maybe use a mix up until December and then have some traditional still for really cold weather usually more Jan and Feb.
I actually have a stove but landlord won't let me put it in even though I've offered to leave it here when we eventually move on.
The cons of living up here are beginning to outweigh the pros at this minute but got no choice but to get on with it!
Thanks for your messages

Just had our delivery of smokeless fuel and apparently it has gone up twice this year and will go up again soon, I have not reason to doubt what the coal man says as we have used him for 20 years!

a 20kg bag is now 16.50 and was 12.50 this time last year

haven’t used on an open fire before but great for a stove with a fan on top

will have to put the heating on if the temp drops below 10