CARBON MONOXIDE CONSUMER AWARENESS ALLIANCE – Helping you to heat your home safely
As a result of consultations with Government, the fossil fuel industry supplying domestic customers have set up an Alliance to co-ordinate efforts to bring to customers attention the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning all types of fossil fuel (including wood) and how to avoid them. You will shortly be reading stories in the media about the alliance. The Solid Fuel industry takes the safety of its customers extremely seriously and among the initiatives we have taken is to expand the information about carbon monoxide available to you. We have just published a four page booklet called Carbon Monoxide Safety with some core information in it which is available to download or order from us. The leaflet can be downloaded on the safety page or via the literature page or can be ordered to be despatched by post on the literature page. Other helpful advice will be added to our website in the coming weeks and we will also include a link to a new Consumer alliance website when this is up and running. Please read the information and act upon it and if you do not presently have a CO alarm, you can order one from our shop. We have recently reduced the price and are offering them to customers at cost.

SEASONAL TIPS - Following a disappointingly poor Summer, which has been more like the start of Autumn, the time is fast approaching when we would normally be firing up our home heating. Before doing so, there are a few important jobs which need attention:

  • Don’t forget, if you have not already done so, it is advisable to get the chimney swept before lighting the fire. Perhaps a task better scheduled for the summer months.
  • The chimney is a very important part of your heating system, designed to efficiently remove toxic flue gasses to the outside of your property. Blockages or restrictions in the flue, which may occur following periods of heavy rain, can result in exposure to carbon monoxide which is very dangerous. Any doubts about the condition of your chimney should be investigated by a chimney engineer to identify potential risks.
  • There is increasing public awareness of the risks from CO poisoning and advisory literature is shortly to be distributed to customers. Carbon monoxide alarms are widely available at affordable prices, including from the shop page of our website.
  • All heating appliances need annual servicing, rather like your car. This will ensure it operates safely and efficiently. Routine checks of flues, door seals, air controls and fire parts will help to ensure you get maximum value from the fuel burned. Similarly, your central heating system may benefit from an annual check-over. We recommend this work be carried out by a qualified HETAS Registered Engineer to be found on www.hetas.co.uk .
  • Of course, don’t forget to order your winter fuel before the cold weather sets in. It’s no good waiting until the last minute before contacting your Coal Merchant. They cannot respond quickly to fulfil your needs when demand is high.

CUSTOMER’S GUIDE TO CURRENT BUILDING REGULATIONS
A guide to building regulations for both new and replacement heating and hot water systems in domestic dwellings in England and Wales is now available for download - download this guide We value your opinion ... The Solid Fuel Association would appreciate your assessment of how useful you found this Building Regulations Guide. If you wish to register you opinion, please click here


WANT TO BURN WOOD ?  - Visit our wood page for lots of information on appliances, fuels, etc.

Did you know that many coal merchants supply logs?


DJ DAVIES FUELS of Ammanford in South Wales supply a whole range of products including Union Briquettes across Great Britain. They have also just been awarded the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) TRADA-Trak chain of custody certification.The scope of the certification covers “The Purchasing, Processing, Sales and Distribution of FSC certified Firewood (Logs and Kindling Wood)”. The FS logo identifies products that contain wood from well-managed forests, independently certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council A. (FSC). FSC accredited certification means that the forest of origin has been inspected and evaluated according to the environmental, social and economic principals and criteria, agreed by the Forest Stewardship Council A>C> FSC is an international non-profit making organization, whose membership includes environmental groups, social groups, progressive forestry companies and wood retail companies working in partnership to improve forest management worldwide. Visit www.djdaviesfuels.co.uk.

GET THAT CHIMNEY SWEPT AND THE APPLIANCE CHECKED BEFORE THE WINTER BURNING SEASON !
Even if you have not been using your appliance very often, you need to ensure that the chimney is swept and clear and ready for the winter. Rain, wind and the action of birds can all cause damage to flues and dislodge soot. If your chimney is blocked or leaking you may suffer carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are burning logs or housecoal, you will need to get the chimney swept again during the burning season. Don’t use wet wood or resinous wood, as this can cause many problems. Ensure all worn seals, grates and firebricks are in place and make sure that those appliances with removable throat plates that need cleaning on a regular basis are still removable! Many coal merchants can supply spare parts, or phone the Solid Fuel Association on 0845 601 4406 for details of stockists and chimney sweeps.
SOLID FUEL ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A MORE POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO SOLID FUEL & WOOD FUEL DOMESTIC HEATING

In its response to the DTI Consultation on Energy Policy, the Solid Fuel Association calls upon the Government to take more positive steps to encourage householders to cut carbon emissions by installing wood and multifuel heating systems.

An efficient multifuel system (using half wood and half smokeless fuel) produces less carbon dioxide than a gas condensing boiler.

At the same time, there are advantages for customers to install wood and multifuel stoves as a source of secondary heating. For a full text of the response please telephone 0845 601 4406.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you are having a new appliance installed, make sure it complies with the Building Regulations. This will ensure the appliance is safe and energy efficient. See further news items below.

Before you light up your fire this winter, remember to have your chimney swept and check the appliance over for faults. Visit our safety page for further advice. There is a link to a database of sweeps on our links page and engineers through the link to the HETAS website

DUNSLEY YORKSHIRE STOVE - FIRST TO HAVE A BOILER MODEL APPROVED FOR USE IN A SMOKE CONTROL AREA
This award winning stove is now available with a boiler. Visit www.dunsleyheat.co.uk for more information.
WORRIED ABOUT HIGH WINTER HEATING COSTS ?

Here are just some of the benefits of Solid Fuel and Wood heating systems:

  • Heating a room with Solid Fuel is usually cheaper than by oil or gas.
  • Most Solid Fuel appliances are multi-fuel meaning you can burn both coal and wood.
  • A Solid Fuel appliance with a boiler can be linked to many central heating systems to enable you to cut the cost of heating bills whilst you enjoy the benefits of a real fire. For more information download the Link-Up leaflet from our website literature page.
  • A chimney promotes healthy circulation of air in a dwelling.
  • Simple open fires and stoves do not need electricity to operate.
  • There are nearly 1000 Coal Merchants throughout the UK and supplies of wood and coal are also available from supermarkets, farmer’s cooperatives and garage forecourts. For details of your nearest Coal Merchant look on the Approved Coal Merchant pages of our website.
    Solid Fuel Heating System could save you money and add to your comfort and security.
SOLID FUEL HEATING - FACTS ON HEALTH BENEFITS

There are certain health benefits associated with the open flue function that is necessary for combustion in all solid fuel appliances. The open flue way not only removes the products of combustion safety out of the home but also draws in fresh supplies of air. British Standards specify the minimum ventilation rates for various rooms in domestic dwellings – gas radiant fires and electric heating compare poorly with solid fuel in this respect.

The constant cycle of air coupled with continuous heat has two direct benefits:

  • It minimizes the incidence of condensation and mould growth problems which plague so many gas and electric heated homes. Sores of mould are allergenic and a source of bronchial irritation.
  • it removes via the chimney other gases and particles in the air which may give rise to bronchial disorders such as asthma, hay fever etc.

Medical research has demonstrated that people living in houses with solid fuel heating are significantly less likely to suffer from asthma and hay fever compared to those living in houses with other forms of heating. (Copy of research available on request).

Your chimney has other benefits too. It acts as a heat store and will release heat into the dwelling after the fire has gone out.


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BUILDING REGULATIONS PART J

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is keen to ensure that the requirements of Part J of the Building Regulations, relating to Combustion Appliances and storage are being carried out by installers. They are therefore requiring that details of all jobs are passed to the relevant competent persons scheme by installers and these are then passed to local authority building control inspectors.

If you employ a registered competent person (HETAS Registered in the case of solid fuel appliances) you should not encounter any problems with Building Control inspectors. Part J of the Building Regulations primarily lay down requirements for the safe installation of appliances.

The installer has an obligation to ensure that the flue or chimney to which the appliance is connected is suitable for the appliance and sound. There are directions as to the distance of appliances from combustible material, minimum ventilation requirements and chimney heights. Manufacturers’ installation instructions will often stipulate additional requirements to ensure that the appliance works to maximum efficiency. This may include ensuring the chimney is lined and nominating specific fuels that can be used or should not be used.

Look at our fuels leaflet for details of the main solid fuels available. However, if you are at all concerned about any product that you are being offered, please telephone our helpline 0845 601 4406. Copies of Part J can be downloaded from the following website: www.planningportal.gov.uk. Guidance is also given in our booklet “Designing Solid Fuel into Homes” on our Literature page.
BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L

NOW IN FORCE IN ENGLAND & WALES - Part L deals with the conservation of fuel and power in buildings and is designed to ensure buildings are more energy efficient and emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The Regulations cover all aspects of the design and materials to be used in new houses and are designed to make homes 40% more energy efficient than houses built prior to the last amendment in 2002.

Combustion appliances are controlled services and as such their replacement is covered under Part L. The Regulations encourage the use of energy efficient appliances, particularly for the provision of hot water. In general terms, the replacement system you put in should not be significantly less efficient than what it replaces.

Your HETAS installer will be able to give you further advice on a system that is suitable for your requirements and meets Building Regulations.

We will be publishing a Guide shortly, but in the meantime you may telephone our helpline for further information.

Copies of the Building Regulations are available to download from the following website: www.planningportal.gov.uk

Different Regulations apply in Scotland, however these are also under review.

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DON'T WAIT FOR THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT !

Be one step ahead - you do not need to be without heat
Most of the things we take for granted rely upon a power supply, but the newspaper headlines tell us to expect power failures. A flat topped solid fuel stove not only provides warmth to beat the cold with a welcoming glow from the fire, but the option to boil a kettle, and heat up food.

Having some form of solid fuel heating enables you to keep warm and secure in the knowledge that your fuel supplies are largely unaffected by the potential supply problems faced with electricity, oil and gas, most of which will soon be imported.
Solid fuel heating offers healthy, affordable warmth and works independently of electricity
NO CHIMNEY ? - NO PROBLEM

Installing a chimney these days is not as difficult as you might think. We can put you in touch with a specialist company who can survey your home, provided a quotation and undertake the most suitable installation. With a chimney available, the choice of appliances is vast.
For free advice and information contact The Solid Fuel Association on 0845 601 4406

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Using SAPEC Boiler Flue and Chimney Cleaner will prevent hard deposits forming, eliminates smuts and tars, leaving only a light dust, and lessens the risk of blockages. It is suitable for all solid fuel appliances and can be obtained from ourselves out of the Open Fire and Accessories Collection.


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WHAT CAN THE APPROVED COAL MERCHANTS SCHEME DO FOR ME?
The Approved Coal Merchant’s Scheme is a Code of Practice for Retail Coal Merchants. Membership of the Scheme is voluntary, but 80% of coal merchants belong to it. The Code of Practice lays down certain standards designed to ensure that retail solid fuel customers get a good service from their coal merchant. A coal merchant can only become a member of the Scheme if he/she can satisfy a panel of industry peers that he/she has sufficient knowledge of fuels and appliances, the law relating to retail coal deliveries and matters of safety. The merchant must also satisfy the Panel that customers will be able to rely on good service. You will find an up to date list of Scheme members on our Approved Coal Merchants page. 
All coal merchants who are members of the scheme must have a procedure for dealing with customer complaints and any complaints should be addressed promptly. Should a customer not be satisfied with a response to a complaint, the Scheme will intervene to help to resolve the matter. We have Regional Coordinators who can visit customers if matters cannot be resolved over the telephone, which they often can be.
What sort of complaints might you have? - Sometimes customers are unsure if they have a valid reason to complain. Maybe they have changed merchants and the fuel they are getting is different. Maybe the fuel is very dusty or very wet? Perhaps the manufactured fuel doesn't’t seem to burn like the last load. We are happy to listen to what customers have to say and make suggestions as to the cause of the problem. It may be the fuel, the appliance, or how customer is using the appliance. If there is a problem with the fuel, we can ask the manufacturer or the coal merchant to sort the problem out. If we think that there is something wrong with the appliance or the chimney, we can put the customer in touch with an engineer or a chimney sweep. All complaints are logged and reported to the National Panel. Merchants can have their membership of the scheme terminated if they fail to uphold the rules.
Who Governs the Scheme? - The National Panel (membership on the Area Panels reflect this) consists of senior representatives from the coal producers and manufacturers, the merchants, the wholesalers and most importantly, two consumer representatives (one on Area Panels). The Scheme also has an independent Chairman. If a merchant or a customer is not satisfied by the way the scheme has treated them, there is a right of appeal to the Chairman, who will usually investigate with his consumer colleagues. Such occasions are however rare.
We hope that you will be entirely satisfied with your fuel, but if you have a complaint, or a query about quality, you can telephone us during normal office hours, Monday to Friday. Ask for Jane Heginbotham or Jim Lambeth. You can ring the same number for a copy of the Code of Practice. 0845 601 4406
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SOLID FUEL OPEN FIRES - There is nothing like the warmth and comfort from an open fire, but whether you are burning logs or solid fuel, you can increase the efficiency of the fire in several ways. Whilst log baskets and Spanish grates are attractive, they are not very efficient. In general, the more sealed or closed an appliance is, the more efficient it is. An inset open fire is therefore more efficient than a log basket. All night burners fitted into an inset fire will reduce overheating of the room by providing a manual control over the burning rate of the fire.

One way to increase the efficiency of an open fire is to fit an adjustable throat restrictor. This will reduce draughts and improve efficiency by reducing the ventilation rate. Once the fire is out then heat can be retained in the room by closing off the throat (a small area is left open to provide adequate ventilation of the flue).

An increase in efficiency from approximately 28% to 65% can be achieved by converting the open fire to a closed appliance. There are two conversion kits available that allow you to close the fire by putting a new unit into the existing opening, with no disturbance to decoration of any structural change. Improvements to efficiency are achieved by the benefits of thermostatic control, production of convected as well as radiant heat, and reduces draughts and ventilation requirements by having sealed glass doors.

The calorific value of fuels varies and a greater heat output can therefore be obtained by burning a fuel with a higher calorific value. Always avoid burning unseasoned, or wet wood. The calorific value is lower and more smoke will be produced. Housecoal has a calorific value of around 28. It pays to purchase a good quality coal. Housecoal comes in different sizes and grades. A larger sized coal – a cobble is usually more expensive than smaller coal (doubles). Manufactured smokeless fuels for open fires come in many varieties. Coalite is a coke manufactured from bituminous coal but most other products are made from anthracite with other products to produce an “egg” shape. Choose from Home Fire, Home Fire Ovals, Newflame, Briteflame and Excel (made from petroleum coke). You will also find some instant fires on the market. These may be in the form of “logs” or bags of smokeless fuel. Both are convenient and produce a fire that lasts a couple of hours. You will find these and other fuels available in convenient prepacks at garages and other cash and carry outlets. But you can reduce the cost and also have a wider choice of fuels if you go to an Approved Coal Merchant. Approved Coal Merchants can be found in yellow pages under Coal and Smokeless Fuel Merchants or can be found on our Approved Coal Merchants page.

It is so simple to enjoy an open fire, but pleases remember to have your chimney swept before you have your first fire and if you are burning wood or housecoal, you should have it swept again during the burning season.

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NEW LITERATURE AVAILABLE NOW!
'COMPLETE GUIDE TO SOLID FUEL HEATING'
 'OPEN FIRES & ACCESSORIES COLLECTION'

The Complete Guide to Solid Fuel Heating provides valuable information on all aspects of solid fuel heating including:

* Why choose solid fuel?
* Appliance types.
* Central heating
* Link Up
* Heating Appliances

The brochure also contains an order form to allow you to obtain more detailed product information from heating appliance manufacturers.

Our Open Fires & Accessories Collection includes a range of open fires for both 16" and 18" openings which can be delivered to your door from as little as £72.00. These fires and a range of accessories including chimney cowls, carbon monoxide detectors, chimney bird guards, coal bunkers and electric firelighters can be ordered on our credit card Hotline 0845 601 4406 or by completing the Freepost order form in the Open Fires & Accessories Collection brochure. Alternatively, these products can be bought from recommended showrooms or from your local HETAS registered engineer.

To obtain these new brochures and other useful literature free of charge click here or call our Helpline 0845 601 4406 . Our Helpline staff can also give you more information about appliances and your local stockist.
THINKING OF RENEWING OR UPGRADING YOUR SOLID FUEL HEATING SYSTEM?
Let our experts guide you every step of the way. The Solid Fuel Association has a range of leaflets (many of them you can download from this site) that will tell you all you need to know about solid fuel heating. More than that – we can give you advice over the telephone on all aspects of solid fuel heating from building a chimney to choice of appliance and fuels.

We can arrange experts to contact you to assist you do the work such as registered HETAS engineers or help you with suppliers for appliances and ancillary products.

A HETAS Registered engineer could also come and give you a quotation for all your heating requirements. In addition, we can help you with the technical aspects of building a fireplace that will work and guidance on Building Regulations.

So, if you are thinking of updating or putting in a new solid fuel or wood burning system, send us an e-mail or telephone low-call 0845 601 4406 between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm and 1.00pm and 5.00pm Monday the Friday.

We will assign you a project number and guide you through to the end of your project.


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ENJOY THE MAGIC OF A REAL FIRE LINKED TO YOUR CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM

Everyone warms to a real fire. Crackling coals and dancing flames have a magic and romance that nothing else can ever quite match. There is an indefinable pleasure in the warmth, the sense of comfort and well being you feel that no other central heating system can give you.

Dual Fuel Flexibility - A glowing open fire or a stylish stove is a centrepiece to any room, becoming a focal point for cosy evenings spent by the fireside with friends and family. Now link-up makes it possible to link up your solid fuel fire to your central heating system in such a way that you can enjoy the comforts of improved heating and control your heating costs. Existing gas or oil central heating systems can be adapted or extended as well as Linkup being included in an all new heating system. All the benefits of dual fired heating, coupled with the pleasure of a real fire... what could be better?

How Linkup Works - An open fire or stove fitted with a back boiler can be linked to an existing or new heating system. The central heating boiler continues to service the system as and when required and the hot water and radiators can be supplied by either or both of the appliances, depending on the heat input needed. Linkup can be installed to link either the hot water only or the hot water and radiators and can be designed so that the solid fuel fire can take over automatically all or part of the heating load at no extra cost.

Ask our advice - There are different ways of achieving link up depending on the existing system. The Solid Fuel Association has lots of helpful literature to guide you through the process. If you would like more technical information on this or any other solid fuel related subject, you can telephone us on 0845 601 4406 or ask for our free Guide to Linkup, available through our literature page.

HOLIDAY HOME IN EUROPE?

Many of the UK manufactured appliances are now available in Europe, including the Esse Cooker also featured in our news page. Contact the manufacturers direct for further information. (Please be aware that local Building Regulations may not be the same as UK Regulations and manufacturers installation instructions may need to be modified).

SAVE MONEY BY BUYING FUEL IN OPEN SACKS

If you buy your fuel in prepacks from a cash & carry outlet, consider saving money by buying in open sacks from your local merchant and the fuel will be delivered to your door.

If you haven't got a coal bunker, the Solid Fuel Association sells two sizes by mail order - just request our Open Fires & Accessories Collection for details. (Your local Approved Coal Merchant may also stock coal bunkers, spare parts and be able to arrange chimney sweeping).

WHAT ABOUT A MAKE OVER FOR THE FIREPLACE?

For great ideas and a list of local Fireplace Showrooms which subscribe to the Code of Practice of the National Fireplace Association visit their website www.nfa.org.uk .


LOOKING FOR A SPARE PART FOR YOUR SOLID FUEL APPLIANCE ?
Give the Solid Fuel Helpline a ring on 0845 601 4406 open 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday and we will help you find a local stockist.

REMEMBER YOUR SAFETY !

It's important to have your chimney swept at least once a year and 'there's no time like the present'. Our safety page will give you more information on the safety of your solid fuel appliance. We can also help you find a chimney sweep.

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