The burning of fossil fuels such as coal was mainly responsible for the Great London Smog of 1952. As a result of this the Clean Air Act was brought into being in 1956. Since then solid fuelled power stations were built in more rural areas and many towns and cities throughout the UK where designated as “clean air zones” being allowed to burn only smokeless fuels. Mined coal, excluding the natural smokeless fuel anthracite, when burnt produce nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide all of which are detrimental to the environment. Smokeless fuels when burnt in a multifuel stove with an adequate air supply produce carbon dioxide and water vapour.
Multifuel stoves are designed to burn fuels of a high calorific value, such as mined coal and smokeless fuels but can be easily adapted to become woodburning stoves burning seasoned environmentally friendly wood supplied from managed forests.
Mined coals although cheaper than smokeless fuels are still allowed in some coastal areas but for the sake of your local and world environment are best avoided. Consult your local government office or the solid fuel advisory council for details on the local regulations for your area.
Many smokeless fuels are recommended for multifuel stoves so it is advised that you visit the Hetas website at www.hetas.co.uk and view there up to date list of approved smokeless fuel manufacturers.
Always ensure the multifuel stove has an adequate air supply when burning smokeless fuels. Failure to do this will cause the gas carbon monoxide to be formed as opposed to carbon dioxide in the multifuel stove chamber and hence the chimney system. Carbon monoxide is a renowned odourless poisonous gas. For this reason it is advisable not to keep the multifuel stove in slumber mode (starved of air) for long periods of time.
For more information on multifuel woodburning stoves visit www.hotstovedeals.com
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