Fuel for an open fire

positivenote

Hi All,

Recently got rid of a gas fire and we know have an open fire.... having never had one before in our old house. Just wondering whats the best fuel to use? Survey report on the house when we moved in said the chimney was suitable for solid fuel fire.

Should we go for wood (Hard or soft?) turf or coal? And where is the best value to bulk buy for the remainder of the winter? We are based in Dunboyne area. Been quoted 375euro for a 400kg pallet of Kiln dried ash, but another place has quoted 175euro for a tonne of what was referred to as 'premium dried wood'.

Totally ignorant to all of this so all advice welcomed.

Thanks

Gerard93

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058280178/fuel-for-an-open-fire

Would you consider putting in a stove Freestanding or insert it would be far more efficient than an open fire as solid fuel prices are expensive smokeless coal etc

positivenote

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120123963#Comment_120123963

maybe next year... but for the remainder of the winter we'll give what we have a go

monseiur

If you decide to go timber kiln dried ash is the best but not cheap. Of course you can't beat good coal for heat. As a long term plan consider buying long lengths of ash or standing trees and cutting & chopping yourself, ample supply in Meath ! Stack in open shed for a season to dry - the saving will be substantial. As Gerard93 alluded to above a stove is good idea, better heat output etc. there are some fancy ones available with glass doors etc.

positivenote

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120128131#Comment_120128131

where can long lenghts of ash be sourced? We've two sheds I could store it in untill next winter

Tabnabs

You need to subscribe to this thread.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057650543/seems-like-a-good-deal-on-firewood

Get the stove though, it makes an absolute world of difference to the heat output.

eusap

Be carefull of timber in an open fire spitting out embers, probably best to use coal or briquettes

positivenote

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120128220#Comment_120128220

was crakling last night alright. Going to pick up a fireguard today

monseiur

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120128203#Comment_120128203

Just saw your question now. Local farmers may have some they want to clear, also contact Coillte they may have some for sale. I never dealt with them but I understand they supply & deliver long lengths in certain areas of the country - may not be ash though but any hardwood when dry is good such as birch, sycamore, willow (sally) alder etc. Best to avoid evergreens such as lodge pole pine, spruce etc. if you can, causes build up of tar in chimney & can be full of knots so difficult to split etc.