Fuel has evolved a lot over the years. One of the most useful (and necessary) evolutions in the fuel industry is the creation of smokeless coal. Britain’s homes used to be heated by coal, which lead to a health crisis; as the toxic fumes produced from the burning process was covering the country in a lethal smog.
Modern society isn’t affected as much by pollution from burning coal as it used to be, as most homes are now kept warm by electric heaters, or a gas central heating. Those who do choose to burn coal and other fuels in their homes must use smokeless.
But what is smokeless fuel?
To comply with The Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968, fuels are carefully tweaked through the manufacturing process to lower their smoke levels. A mixture of naturally occurring materials helps modern fuel produce less than 5g of smoke per hour of burning. This helps improve the health of the population as well as being more environmentally friendly.
Smokeless fuels are approved as authorised for burning in Smoke Controlled Areas of the country. These areas were introduced in most large towns and cities in the UK in accordance with The Clean Air Acts.
Smokeless fuels must pass rigorous tests to make sure they are capable of burning without releasing an excess of smoke. These solid fuels are carbon efficient, ideal for both open and closed fire applications.
As well as evolving a more environmentally friendly fuel source, modern smokeless fuels also outperform traditional solid fuels, helping customers save money.
Smokeless fuels typically last as much as 40% longer than coal, producing 20% less CO2 in the process.
Heating efficiency is also increased. Multi-fuel stoves have a 65% better heat output with smokeless coal, compared to the 28% output achieved by older house coal. The high efficiency of modern smokeless coal means customers spend less time refuelling the flames and less money restocking their supplies.
Visit Pearson Fuels Coal Merchants in Stockport to stock up on the industry’s leading smokeless coal for your home fire.