Solid Fuel Heating
Solid fuel heating refers to the use of solid fuel appliances around the home, usually either stoves or open fires, and normally in the place of gas or electric powered appliances, although they may often be used in conjunction with a gas or electricity system when used for central heating, as is explained later on.
Solid Fuel Heaters
Solid fuel heaters are becoming increasingly popular in the UK as they not only serve a functional purpose, providing heat, hot water, and a means of cooking, but give a pleasant ambiance to the home and are often more efficient to run. Usually, a solid fuel heating system also has the advantage of not being reliant on electricity, and so will still function during a power cut.
Solid Fuel
A solid fuel is any fuel which is burnt in solid form. This includes things such as coal and wood. To maximise efficiency of your appliance it is important that you use a suitable fuel for your needs in the appropriate appliance. On this site you will find information intended to help you make this decision, although many of the stores that sell these appliances also offer in-depth advice as to which system is best suited to you and your home.
You will find further explanation of the different types of fuels available on the fuels page, including other solid fuels such as coke and peat. Here you will find information on what they are, the forms they are most commonly produced and burnt in, and their advantages and disadvantages as a source of energy. This includes availability, cost, sustainability, environmental impact, and by-products.
Solid Fuel Stoves
As mentioned above, it is important that you choose the most appropriate style of stove for your home. On the stoves page of this site, you will find an explanation of the most common types of solid fuel stoves available; woodburners, wood pellet stoves, and coal stoves. This section includes an overview of which fuels they take, the preparation of fuels if any is required, space required for storage of materials, maintenance both of the fire whilst it is burning and of the equipment, cleaning and efficiency. This page offers a comparison between the different types of fuel stove.
Solid Fuel Central Heating
Solid fuel central heating can offer several advantages over gas or electric systems, from economic advantages to lowered environmental impact. On the central heating page, you will find an explanation of how a generic solid fuel central heating system works, either alone or “linked” with an existing heating system. In addition you will find an overview of the differences between the three main types of solid fuel central heating system and what effects these differences have on the way that the system works.