Here in the UK, there's nothing quite like a crackling fire on a cold winter's night. But to get the most out of your open fire or stove, you need to choose the right coal.
This guide will help you navigate the different types of coal available, their properties, and the ideal applications for each.
Types of Coal Available in the UK
Smokeless Fuel
Legislation in the England now restricts the types of coal you can burn in your home. Thankfully, smokeless fuel offers a clean and efficient alternative to traditional house coal. Smokeless fuel burns with minimal smoke, making it more environmentally friendly and compliant with current regulations.
Here are some of the smokeless fuel options available from Charles Swann Coal Supplies:
Smokeless Briquettes: These are man-made logs made from compressed coal dust and a binder. They burn with a hot, steady flame and are suitable for use in open fires, wood-burning stoves, and some boilers. Charles Swann offers several smokeless briquette options, including:
- Cosyflame: A manufactured, environmentally friendly smokeless briquette made with high-quality materials for low ash, low sulphur, and long burning times.
- Superflame: Another environmentally friendly smokeless briquette, designed for extremely low smoke and sulphur output.
- Supertherm: This smokeless briquette combines the traditional qualities of a real fire, burning slowly and producing great heat.
Anthracite Coal
Anthracite is a natural coal variety with a high carbon content, very few impurities, and the densest energy store of all types of coal. Because of this high quality, anthracite qualifies as a smokeless fuel due to its low emissions. Here are some anthracite coal options available from Charles Swann Coal Supplies:
- Anthracite Beans: Small-sized premium Welsh anthracite. This clean-burning fuel provides high heat with minimal ash. Suitable for gravity-fed and auger-fed boilers.
- Anthracite Grains: Similar to anthracite beans, these are a small-sized, clean-burning anthracite coal ideal for gravity-fed and auger-fed boilers.
- Large Anthracite Nuts: Larger sized premium Welsh anthracite. Large nuts offer high heat output and minimal ash, but require a consistent air supply to get started and burn for a long time. Suitable for multi-fuel stoves and cookers.
- Small Anthracite Nuts: Medium-sized premium Welsh anthracite. Small nuts offer high heat output and minimal ash, but require a consistent air supply to get started and burn for a long time. Suitable for multi-fuel stoves and cookers.
House Coal for Scotland and Wales
While house coal is no longer permitted in England, it remains available for use in Scotland and Wales. Charles Swann Coal Supplies offers the following house coal options:
- Coal Doubles: Premium domestic small coal for open fires.
- Large Cobbles: Large briquette domestic coal that produces high heat levels and long flames.
Choosing the Right Coal for Your Needs
The best type of coal for your home will depend on several factors, including:
- Your location within the UK: Smokeless fuel is essential in England, while house coal is still an option in Scotland and Wales.
- The type of coal burning appliance you have: Open fires will generally require smokeless briquettes or house coal, while anthracite is suitable for multi-fuel stoves, cookers, and some boilers.
- Heat output: Different coals produce varying degrees of heat. Consider the size of the room you want to heat when choosing your coal.
- Budget: Smokeless fuel and house coal can vary in price depending on the type.
Additional Considerations
- Storage: Coal should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place to prevent it from dampening or losing its combustibility.
- Safety: Always ensure your fireplace or stove is properly ventilated and follow safety guidelines when using coal.
Swanns Coal Supplies
Swanns Coal Supplies is your one-stop shop for all your coal needs. We offer a wide variety of high-quality smokeless briquettes, anthracite coals, and traditional house coal (for Scotland and Wales) to suit your requirements. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right coal for your home and ensure you are compliant with local regulations.
Contact us today to discuss your coal requirements.