When we heat our homes or light up the BBQ, we might not give too much thought to the fuel source we are using and how it’s defined.
We’ve compiled this guide as a way of identifying solid fuels and smokeless fuels. Let’s examine what solid fuels are, what smokeless fuels are and which solid fuel is best for you to use.
What Is Solid Fuel?
Solid fuels are materials that are burned to produce energy, heat or light. Wood and coal are good examples of solid fuels, for instance. However, gas is not a solid fuel and is not as easy to source. For a gaseous fuel, you need the right infrastructure to bring it to your property, via a boiler, for example.
Whereas solid fuel can be purchased and transported easily by anybody. Wood and coal have been burned as solid fuel sources for hundreds, if not thousands, of years to heat homes, cook food, and provide light.
There are many different types of solid fuels, including firewood, coal, smokeless fuels, charcoal and wood briquettes. The right choice will depend on what you are using the fuel for and which appliance you are burning it in.
Some solid fuels can also be classed as smokeless fuels. However, “solid fuel” is a broader term for any solid material that can be burned to release energy, so it’s always best to check what type of solid fuel you’re purchasing. The Ready to Burn logo on any packaging will be a great indicator of the fuel’s suitability and performance.
If you plan to burn solid fuel indoors, double-check the type of fuel it is first and see whether any appliance you might use to do so has a vent if necessary and can operate using this product.
HouseFuel has a range of solid fuel products on its website to get you started with building your fire.
What Is Smokeless Fuel?
A smokeless fuel is a material that, when burned, produces very little smoke when used correctly. Approved smokeless fuels are designed to produce fewer smoke emissions than traditional house coal. Anthracite coal and manufactured smokeless fuels are two examples of smokeless fuels on the market.
The reasons you should consider purchasing smokeless fuel are varied. Firstly, traditional house coal and wet wood tend to emit potentially harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing negatively to environmental concerns. Smoke Control Areas have been enforced to curb how much smoke is produced in heavily polluted areas, so you must stay aware of this if it concerns you.
These pollutants are also bad for the health of those breathing in the smoke nearby. Particulate Matter, for instance, can result in breathing problems, so it’s advised to use smokeless fuels to combat this.
It makes sense financially to buy smokeless fuel too because of how efficiently it burns. You can expect kiln-dried wood or smokeless coal, which could be considered the best smokeless fuel, to burn better and for much longer than wet wood or traditional house coal, meaning you won’t need to purchase replacements as regularly.
Smokeless and Solid Fuels from HouseFuel
HouseFuel supplies a range of high-quality smokeless and solid fuels that can be bought in small quantities or bulk. Explore the HouseFuel site now to view our range of fuels. Whether you use solid fuels for heating, cooking or outdoor fires, you can ensure that HouseFuel’s quality products will help you build the perfect fire.
