If you have an open fireplace and you’re considering your fuel options, you’ve probably come across smokeless coal. But can you actually use smokeless coal for open fires, and is it the right choice for your home? This guide covers everything you need to know about getting the best out of smokeless coal in an open fireplace.
What is smokeless coal?
As its name suggests, smokeless coal is a solid fuel designed to produce significantly less smoke than traditional coal. The key difference lies in how it burns. Traditional household coal releases considerable smoke and particulates as it combusts, whereas smokeless coal burns cleaner with minimal visible smoke. This makes it better for air quality and more environmentally responsible.
It can be made by processing regular coal at high temperatures to remove some of the volatile compounds that create smoke, or by blending a mix of products like anthracite, petroleum coke (a solid carbon-rich material) and binding agents.
Common types include manufactured smokeless briquettes and heat logs – each with slightly different burning characteristics, but all producing far less smoke than conventional coal.
Can you use smokeless coal for open fires?
Yes, you can use smokeless coal in open fireplaces – in fact, it offers excellent efficiency, actually producing slightly more heat per unit than standard coal.
Importantly, you may be legally required to use it, depending on where you live. Many towns and cities across the UK are covered by Smoke Control Areas, and if you live in one of these designated areas, you must use smokeless coal or other approved fuels in your open fire. To find out if you live in a Smoke Control Area, check your local council’s website.
Even outside these areas, switching to smokeless coal is better for air quality, and will benefit both you and your neighbours.
Benefits of smokeless coal
Choosing smokeless coal for your open fire offers several advantages:
- Reduced emissions: Smokeless coal produces up to 80% less smoke than traditional house coal, significantly improving indoor and outdoor air quality
- Higher, sustained heat output: Smokeless coal typically burns hotter and longer than conventional coal, giving you more warmth for your money. A well-maintained smokeless coal fire can provide consistent heat throughout the evening
- Less mess: Reduced smoke means less soot and tar buildup in your chimney, so you’ll need to clean it less frequently and can expect lower maintenance costs over time
- Compliance with regulations: If you live in a Smoke Control Area, using smokeless coal ensures you’re following Clean Air Act requirements and avoiding potential fines
- Better for the environment: Lower particulate emissions mean less contribution to air pollution and better air quality in your local area
How to use smokeless coal in your open fire
Getting the best results from smokeless coal in an open fireplace requires the right technique:
- Starting your fire: Begin with a good base of kindling and firelighters. Smokeless coal needs a hot fire to ignite properly, so ensure your kindling is burning well before adding the coal. You can also start with a small amount of smokeless fuel or hardwood logs to build up heat
- Adding the coal: Once you have a strong flame, add smokeless coal gradually in small amounts rather than piling it on all at once. This allows each piece to ignite properly and maintains a steady burn
- Air flow: Smokeless coal requires good air circulation to burn efficiently. Keep your chimney damper open and ensure the fire has adequate ventilation. Poor air flow will cause the fire to smoulder rather than burn cleanly
- Maintenance: Smokeless coal produces less ash than traditional coal, but you’ll still need to remove ash buildup regularly to maintain proper air flow beneath the fire
Smokeless coal for open fires: Safety tips
When using smokeless coal in your open fire, keep these important safety considerations in mind:
- Check local regulations: Verify whether you live in a Smoke Control Area by checking your local council’s website
- Chimney condition: Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you use your fire regularly. A clean, well-maintained chimney is essential for safe burning
- Ventilation: Never block air vents in the room where you have an open fire. Adequate ventilation is crucial for safe combustion and preventing carbon monoxide buildup
- Carbon monoxide detector: Install a carbon monoxide detector in any room with an open fire. This provides essential protection against this invisible, odourless gas
- Storage: Store smokeless coal in a dry location away from your home. Keep it covered to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect burning efficiency
If you need any help choosing the right fuel to heat your home, get in touch – we’re always happy to assist you. You can shop all our coal and smokeless coal here.