It’s always worth being aware of and improving the way we use solid fuels. Smokeless coal, firewood, gas, and others are widely used, but we can significantly reduce energy costs by rationalizing these resources. That means that we will save more money during the heating season. It will also reduce the amount of greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere, which affects our quality of life.
What solid fuels are the best for my fireplace?
Some fuels are suitable for open fire and others for closed flames, such as stoves or closed fireplaces.
Depending on your device’s type, try to make sure you are using the fuels that the manufacturer recommends exactly. If you have an older type of fireplace, it is best to ask your fuel supplier what will burn best. It is worth remembering that coal or firewood suppliers meet many customers daily and collect others’ experiences. They can share them later.
Use only the right type of coal and firewood
The right type of coal or firewood ash and oak will burn better and longer. That means that you will not have to refuel the appliance so often.
Make sure you only use dry firewood such as ash or oak to avoid wasting heat. If the wood is wet, the moisture turns to steam. So it is not practical, and it is not environmentally friendly.
Make sure the wood you are buying has no white stains. That may mean that it has been stored incorrectly. However, this does not mean that it is wet. Accuracy is only on the surface. The wood is still usually dry inside. However, when burning, such wood can give off an unpleasant odour.
It is important where you buy
It is also necessary to burn only the best quality solid fuels, only from a well-known source. Good quality fuels will save you money, and such fuels will be more energetic. They will burn better, leaving less ash.
There are also cheap fuels on the market that can be purchased from random sellers, but they do not guarantee quality. They can even damage the hearth. So fuels from reputable sellers are also safer for your device. It will be profitable at the end.
Your fireplace condition
While some appliances can be used with the door open, they will be more efficient with the door closed or a gap left. It is worth a try.
Always keep your fireplace as clean as possible. Don’t let the ash clog it great. That will affect air circulation and seriously affect the combustion of coal or firewood and heat quality. You can use poker, brushes, and a vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning or professional cleaning if necessary. Please note, when doing cleaning or maintenance, you must follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
Heat Circulation Techniques
To make your fireplace more effective, you can implement methods that improve heat distribution. For instance, using heat-powered fans or fireplace blowers helps circulate warm air throughout the room, ensuring even heating. Another technique is using ceiling fans set to rotate clockwise, which pushes warm air down, distributing it more effectively across the space. This reduces the need to rely heavily on central heating and lowers energy bills.
Optimising Fireplace Efficiency
Improve your fireplace’s efficiency by considering the use of fireplace inserts, which contain and distribute heat better than open fireplaces. Additionally, installing a heat exchanger in the chimney can help capture heat that would otherwise be lost. By redirecting this heat back into your home, you increase the fireplace’s overall efficiency and reduce energy waste.
Use of Dampers and Doors
Installing glass fireplace doors or using a fireplace damper is crucial to preventing heat loss. When the fire is not in use, closing the damper stops warm air from escaping through the chimney, which can otherwise act as a draft, pulling valuable heat out of the room.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping your fireplace and chimney in good condition is essential for optimal performance. Regular cleaning ensures proper airflow and minimises the build-up of creosote, a byproduct of burning wood, which can decrease heating efficiency and pose safety risks. A well-maintained fireplace burns fuel more efficiently, leading to better heat output and lower costs over time.
Fuel Selection
Choosing the right fuel is key to an efficient fireplace. Opt for kiln-dried logs or smokeless coal, which burn hotter and longer compared to low-quality alternatives. Properly seasoned wood, with a moisture content below 20%, burns cleaner and produces less smoke and creosote, improving heat efficiency and reducing the need for frequent refuelling.
Always follow the manufacturer’s or professional’s instructions for cleaning, maintaining, and using the fireplace!
