Heating and Energy BillsThe rising costs of heating and energy bills is affecting households up and down the country. The continued and sustained increase in prices has resulted in larger bills for all domestic homes. Many people are now looking at alternate methods of heating in order to decrease their costs. This has resulted in an increase in the popularity of traditional heating methods with coal and smokeless fuels becoming more commonly used. Using multi-fuel stoves and open fires have not only grown in use due to their modern, fashionable design, but also because of the high heating efficiency they provide. Smokeless fuel initial cost is greater than regular house coal, but works out more cost effective due to its longer burning rates and better heat output. Providing more heat for an increase amount of time reduces the cost per kWh of energy and heat created. This efficiency improves further when the fuel is used on a closed appliance rather than an open one as heat and energy produced in the burning of the fuel is not lost through an exterior wall. Smokeless and house coal offer a lower ‘pence per kWh’ price when compared to a number of other heating and energy options on the market today. According to research by the Nottingham Energy Partnership, smokeless fuel costs just 9.03 pence/kWh, significantly less than the expensive 16.66 pence/kWh provided by electricity. These rates are based upon averages taken from across the industry in order to provide a well rounded, balanced comparison. The difference between the cost of smokeless fuel and electricity in terms of kWh can make for a significant saving in the long run. Over the duration of a year, a difference of 7.63 pence / kWh can have a substantial impact on the cost of bills and overall payments. Using solid fuel can also provide users with greater flexibility on payments. Users of solid fuel can shop around in order to find the best prices, whilst not being tied into any long term contracts with a supplier. Over the duration of a year, a difference of 7.63 pence / kWh can have a substantial impact on the cost of bills and overall payments. One aspect that deters households from turning to coal and smokeless fuels is the initial cost required in order to purchase and install an open fire or multi-fuel stove. Installation fees can be significant and can often lead to users opting for unregistered, ineffectual engineers in order to lower cost, something that we highly discourage. We highly recommend when fitting any solid fuel appliance to use a HETAS approved installer. The long term beneficial impact of using coal and smokeless fuel can offset this initial cost, saving money in the long run. If you are looking to purchase solid fuel then you are in the correct place. Here at HouseFuel, we offer a range of products ideal for an array of appliances and whether you reside within a smoke control area or not. Our HouseFuel Premium Coal is a grade A Colombian fuel, ideal for open fires offering high heat output and low ash. Our HouseFuel Premium Ovals are a great fuel for a number of different appliances and offer long burning times, high heat and low ash. If you have any questions or queries regarding solid fuels then please contact our office on 01695 422 144.