Fireplace for Heating

thriftytracey

My log supplier put his prices up 40% this winter.

Qyburn

thriftytracey said:

My log supplier put his prices up 40% this winter.

We only need to buy in around 1/2 of our wood but it's still worth shopping around. We just bought at £55/cu.m from a supplier I've not dealt with before. Our regular place is £70 up from £60 last year. Split and seasoned softwood.

We've plenty of space to store and season but round here you the saving from buying unseasoned isnt really worthwhile.

MultiFuelBurner

thriftytracey said:

My log supplier put his prices up 40% this winter.

Their overheads may have risen that much of course.

Servicing of equipment/vehicle running and costs as well as needing a 10% pay rise themself to keep up with the cost of living.

mumf

We are multifuel. The smokeless coal is excellent. Fortunately,in the 30 + years we have lived here,we have purchased little wood.We get loads for nothing out here in the country. We had an open fire for many years,and it was great! Or is that grate? 😆 Anyway,we wanted a new fireplace one day,and it ended up with a stove too. Either way is fine to me,to be honest. 

ArbitraryRandom

RHemmings said:

Thanks for all the info. I didn't offer to buy the house because of the fireplace - but I was wondering what to do with it. I'll do more research into it, based on what is in your posts. 

If you buy the place, while you are deciding what to do with it, make sure you block the chimney to stop draughts (not the board game ).

You can buy pre-made called chimney sheep, or you can use an old pillow/bag full of bags - just make sure there's something bright and visible hanging down where you can see it before you light the fire. 

Swipe

I've stopped using my stove since the cost of smokeless fuel doubled at the start of last winter. Can't say I miss the mess and extra work.

matt_drummer

RHemmings said:

I'm in the process of buying a house with a working fireplace. 

I've tried searching on here, but my search-fu has failed.

I'd like to know the ins and outs of using a traditional fireplace and some renewable/sustainable fuel for heating a house in winter. Costs, how effective heating is, different fuels (e.g. kiln-dried wood versus Eco(al), etc. Any advice? 

You're looking in the wrong place.

All the other topics about fuels that are not mains gas or electricity are in an other section of the forum.

Together with topics about heat pumps if you're interested

RHemmings

matt_drummer said:

You're looking in the wrong place.

All the other topics about fuels that are not mains gas or electricity are in an other section of the forum.

Together with topics about heat pumps if you're interested

Thanks. Off to look for the right place. 

Yorkie1

Make sure to double check whether you are in a smokeless zone, as that may impact on which types of fuel you could burn.

Another vote for the chimney sheep - mine is excellent, and they also sell little items that tie onto the felt pad and hang down into the fireplace, so you don't light the fire (whether gas or real) without removing the sheep.

Alnat1

Old cushion with a button on a bit of string works well too and costs nothing.