Solid fuel central heating

Description
Solid fuel fired boiler and radiator system, also providing hot water stored in tank. Controls - Programmer, room thermostat, TRVs, and tankstat.

Unit cost of installation
Solid fuel boiler cost up to £1900 excluding VAT and fitting. Full heating systems are likely to cost the order of £5000

Bulk cost of installation
Data not available

Indicative energy cost and carbon emissions

Maintenance
Flue requires regular cleaning to remove soot and ash deposits. Chimneys should be swept at least once a year, more frequently if coal is burnt.

Technical suitability
Solid Fuel boilers lack the controllability and responsiveness of boilers using other fuels.

Heating and Hot water can also be provided from open fires and room heaters with back boilers, stoves, or individual boilers. All appliances require a suitable chimney to function properly, which must be swept at least once a year. Other parts (such as the throat plate) may require much more frequent cleaning.

Combustion systems have to comply with the Clean Air Act and appliances have to use authorised smokeless fuel unless they are specifically designed as smoke-reducing exempt appliances.

It is important to ensure proper ventilation and provision of air for combustion via purpose-provided vents. Extract fans should not be sited in the same room as open-flued systems, and ventilation provision for combustion air may need to be increased if the dwelling has extract ventilation.

Non-technical constraints
Need space to store fuel, preferably close to the heating appliance to facilitate replenishment of spent fuel, and close to the road to facilitate delivery of fuel. Boilers need regular attention from users to remove ash and replenish spent fuel - some householders may find it difficult to carry fuel and remove and dispose of ash.

Suitable guards may be needed to prevent occupants accidentally touching hot surfaces. Spark guards should be used with open fires. There may be restrictions on the use of certain fuels in smokeless zones.

Potential concerns with fuel poor
Cost of a single delivery of fuel may present cash flow problems for occupants. There may be a temptation to burn inappropriate fuels.

If the recipients of central heating are not familiar with it they may assume that it will be expensive to use and therefore not use it for fear of getting into debt. It is therefore essential that the system is properly commissioned and that the users are given good advice on how to operate it efficiently.

Ancillary benefits
Some types of appliance can be fitted into an existing chimney breast and provide a focal point for the room.

Improved heating (coupled with insulation and ventilation measures) will reduce incidence of condensation and mould growth, thus decreasing maintenance costs for the building fabric and reducing damage (resulting from mould growth) to occupants possessions. There may also be benefits to occupants health.

Trigger points for work
Ideally installed following insulation upgrades. Major refurbishment.

Technical Guidance Available
» CE47 Domestic heating by solid fuel: boiler systems (2005 edition)
» HETAS Ltd Tel 01462 634721; www.hetas.co.uk
» Solid Fuel Association 0845 601 4406; www.solidfuel.co.uk
» National Association of Chimney Sweeps 01785 811732; www.chimneyworks.co.uk
» National Association of Chimney Engineers 0800 092 4019; www.nace.org.uk
» Coal Advisory Service Northern Ireland 02890 812182