Solid Fuel Boilers
With gas and electricity becoming increasingly expensive, solid fuel boilers are now being looked on by many as a cost effective and reliable way to provide running water for the home.
Solid Fuel Boilers
Usually connected to a solid fuel heater in either a kitchen or main living room such as a lounge, solid fuel boilers are a key component of a solid fuel central heating system. They provide hot running water for both general household use and for central heating (though for larger residences a small boiler will not provide enough heat, and a specialised large boiler will have to be installed). They have the reputation of being both cheap and reliable, but have one key difference when compared to standard boilers used with electric or gas central heating systems: while these other systems have a constant supply of fuel from the mains, solid fuel boilers do not, and so the stove that heats them must be fed by the boiler owner.
There are two main different types of solid fuel boiler, which have different ways of being fed fuel. Batch feed boilers are fed by hand, and so require careful watching: it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the stove heating the boiler has enough fuel to maintain combustion. Failing this can mean no how water and having to rebuild the fire, which can be very inconvenient, especially in cold weather.
Gravity Feed Boilers are fed from a hopper situated above the stove which is loaded by the owner. Often these hoppers have a relatively large capacity, so a substantial amount of fuel can be loaded meaning they have to be fed less often than batch feed boilers. For people with hectic lives, this advantage can be very useful. However, since the vast majority of gravity feed boilers require a electrical power to govern dispensation of fuel into the boiler hotbox, it is essential that an electricity supply is available at all times: any interruption may mean a lack of fuel for the boiler, leading to the fire going out.
Wood Boilers
For many, the main attraction with wood boilers (boilers connected to one or more wood burning stoves) is that they offer the ability for the householder to obtain cheap, reliable heat and hot water from a renewable resource. In most areas, wood can be obtained from garden centres, home improvement stores, sawmills and other similar outlets: this chance to source fuel locally is an additional benefit for the environmentally conscious consumer.
Coal Boilers
Coal boilers (boilers linked to one or more coal stoves) offer the benefit of being powered by a fuel of high calorific value compared to weight. Though they can be a little dirty and require additional cleaning when compared to wood, coal and coke are both convenient to use and require less frequent reloading than is the case with wood boilers. In areas with plentiful coal supplies – for instance in areas where coal mining is still practised – a coal boiler is an excellent choice for the consumer wishing to switch from a conventionally fuelled boiler.
Multi Fuel Boilers
An increasingly common option is for the connection of a boiler to one or more multi fuel stoves. This has the advantage of not being limited to the type of fuel used, which is useful when coal and wood prices are fluctuating as it allows the owner to switch fuels in order to get the best deal.
Boiler Maintenance
When purchasing a solid fuel boiler, it is essential to ensure that it is regularly cleaned and maintained. Solid fuel boilers and the stoves that heat them can fail easily if this is not done, and in the case of blocked ventilation flues such failures can be life threatening. Given this, it is essential when purchasing that a maintenance plan is agreed with a qualified professional.