Solid Fuel
Includes coal, peat, slack and smokeless fuels such as Anthracite, Phurnacite and Ovoids.
Typical appliances burning this fuel:
Open fires, solid-fuel cookers, room heaters, multi-fuel stoves/fires and gravity feed boilers. Smokeless fuels are often specifically designed for use in particular types of appliances, for example Anthracite Beans & Grains are suitable ONLY for gravity-fed appliances. It may be dangerous and it may damage the appliance if the wrong fuel is used, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your appliance and for any smokeless fuel when selecting the solid fuel to burn.
Servicing advice:
It is extremely important to follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for an appliance, particularly with regard to regular maintenance and having the chimney cleaned. Most solid-fuel appliances require regular, simple, attention from the householder such as removing/cleaning a throat plate, emptying the firebox/ash pan, cleaning heat exchangers and opening air controls. An annual service by a competent engineer is highly recommended for a more thorough check up. The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you what you need to do and to have done. All solid-fuel appliances chimneys should be swept twice a year - more frequently if the appliance is used excessively or after a prolonged period when it has not been used. Use a registered sweep, who can advise on the condition of the chimney at the same time.
CO signs to look out for on your appliance:
Sooting around the appliance, sluggish burning, smells, blackening of glass on glass-fronted fires, chimney blow downs or smoke deposits in other areas of the house such as bedrooms, may indicate a likelihood of excessive generation of carbon monoxide and leakage of flue gases into the premises.
Further sources of advice:
The manufacturer of the appliance is the best source of information on how to safely use their appliance. The Coal Advisory Service are also an excellent source of general advice, contact them by Hotline 08457 125300, Email: info@coaladvisoryservice.com and Website: www.coaladvisoryservice.com.
The office is staffed Tuesday & Thursday from 9:30am - 4:00pm by experienced advisers.
