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Seems like a good deal on coal....

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    #722
    vicwatson
    Registered Users Posts: 28,403 ✭✭✭✭vicwatson


    Read through this thread and you'll save money. If you can buy bulk that is and have somewhere to store it etc.

    Anyone else notice an increase in ovoids in the polish coal bags got from coal warehouse? Opened a bag today and there is more ovoids than coal:mad:


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    #723
    vicwatson
    Registered Users Posts: 28,403 ✭✭✭✭vicwatson


    Seems like ovoids are dearer per tonne on coal warehouse site but don't rate them in open fire...I won't be buying the polish again, partly as the bag is full of dust and partly because it's full of ovoids and partly because for the extra €1.20 a bag I'll be buying the black diamond !


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    #724
    meathman0
    Registered Users Posts: 396 ✭✭meathman0


    vicwatson wrote: »
    Seems like ovoids are dearer per tonne on coal warehouse site but don't rate them in open fire...I won't be buying the polish again, partly as the bag is full of dust and partly because it's full of ovoids and partly because for the extra €1.20 a bag I'll be buying the black diamond !

    looking at Black Diamond, very tempted €10 for 40kg bag.


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    #725
    vicwatson
    Registered Users Posts: 28,403 ✭✭✭✭vicwatson


    meathman0 wrote: »
    looking at Black Diamond, very tempted €10 for 40kg bag.

    It's great at that price


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    #726
    bossdrum
    Registered Users Posts: 350 ✭✭bossdrum


    vicwatson wrote:
    Seems like ovoids are dearer per tonne on coal warehouse site but don't rate them in open fire...I won't be buying the polish again, partly as the bag is full of dust and partly because it's full of ovoids and partly because for the extra €1.20 a bag I'll be buying the black diamond !


    Did you also find quite a few stones?
    I found some and the coal seemed to stick together in the fire.
    There is always unburnt lumps of coal in the fire in the morning, anyone else find this?
    Would the black diamond have these problems?


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    #727
    punisher5112
    Registered Users Posts: 24,647 ✭✭✭✭punisher5112


    bossdrum wrote: »
    Did you also find quite a few stones?
    I found some and the coal seemed to stick together in the fire.
    There is always unburnt lumps of coal in the fire in the morning, anyone else find this?
    Would the black diamond have these problems?



    I have that problem with polish coal also.


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    #728
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    I was having that problem with the Polish too.

    My last order was a split pallet of Polish and Ovoids. I mixed them up in the bunker so burn a mix with each bucket. Since mixing with the ovoids the heat is better and there is a huge difference in the amount of coal left unburnt each morning.

    I wont be buying the Polish again, just going with ovoids from now on.


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    #729
    aaakev
    Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    Iv gone through just over half my polish at this stage, there is a fair bit of dust and smaller lumps in each bag and the heat off it is not as good as the Stafford stuff i was using last year if its just burnt alone. I have a big stock of pallets that i burn in the fire too which gets the water and rads piping hot in no time so the house is always at a nice temperature. Im using an open fire with a back boiler that heats the rads and water

    Overall id say im definitely happy with it for 8 quid a bag, i haven't had to put the oil heating or immersion on once this winter. I might look at the black Diamond stuff next time though if its much better for not a whole lot more


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    #730
    pm.
    Registered Users Posts: 2,140 ✭✭✭pm.


    aaakev wrote: »
    Iv gone through just over half my polish at this stage, there is a fair bit of dust and smaller lumps in each bag and the heat off it is not as good as the Stafford stuff i was using last year if its just burnt alone. I have a big stock of pallets that i burn in the fire too which gets the water and rads piping hot in no time so the house is always at a nice temperature. Im using an open fire with a back boiler that heats the rads and water

    Overall id say im definitely happy with it for 8 quid a bag, i haven't had to put the oil heating or immersion on once this winter. I might look at the black Diamond stuff next time though if its much better for not a whole lot more

    I know the coal is great value but with the oil at an all time low would it be more economical? I bought just the ovoids before Christmas and they are way better than the polish, giving out more heat much longer lasting without the stones the next morning. But I find myself using the oil a bit more now tbh


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    #731
    ActingDanClark
    Registered Users Posts: 1,902 ✭✭✭ActingDanClark


    meathman0 wrote: »
    looking at Black Diamond, very tempted €10 for 40kg bag.

    Where did you see that pricr- I'm interested in buying, ta


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    #732
    aaakev
    Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭aaakev


    pm. wrote: »
    I know the coal is great value but with the oil at an all time low would it be more economical? I bought just the ovoids before Christmas and they are way better than the polish, giving out more heat much longer lasting without the stones the next morning. But I find myself using the oil a bit more now tbh

    Well a fill of oil was still around €400 or a little less around the same time as i got my coal, the coal including delivery was €220 so a good bot cheaper. I do like a fire though


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    #733
    vectra
    Registered Users Posts: 15,513 ✭✭✭✭vectra


    OK guys in the know.

    I have a 3 bed terraced house.
    Open fire with back boiler which is the sole means of heat,
    House is now 24 years old as is the back boiler, I have tried numerous combos of coal ~ Hardwood blocks ~ Briquettes ~ Smokeless coal ~ Cozy Glo etc.

    Currently burning Columbian coal as I found it great last year,
    Mixed with blocks ? Briquettes

    So far this year I have burned approx.
    17 bags of coal
    2 big trailors of blocks
    15 bales of briquettes.


    When the weather is mild enough I have to open some windows a bit as it gets too hot.
    But when the weather gets colder is it is right now, the rads only get warm, the fire gets stuffed up trying to keep the heat in the house.
    I have debated over and over again about instaling a boiler stove but always put it off, I am not getting any younger unfortunately and do suffer quite a lote with pains. This year I have decided I am going to go ahead and install a stove.

    Now, the room where the BB is in is the kitchen diner, which we baically use all the time as this is where the fire is lit. It is small so I dont want something that would be stifling in this room with heat and as a result would have to keep it not stoked up, would this result in cold rads or is it adjustable ?
    ie.
    Turn up the output to the rads etc?

    Again.
    With regards to a stove.
    Based on not wanting this room crazy hot to have hot rads.
    Should I fit an inset stove

    Fireline-Brand-Image1.jpg

    or a standalone boiler one?
    I really like the look of a standalone stove set into the fireplace.

    Gas_Flueless_Burley_Esteem4231_w400.jpg


    Thanks for any help / advice.


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    #734
    vicwatson
    Registered Users Posts: 28,403 ✭✭✭✭vicwatson


    Not sure this is the best place for advice, try the stoves forum ???


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    #735
    GY A1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,246 ✭✭✭GY A1


    have a look here
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1320

    some good info on stoves ect

    definatly go ahead with the stove,
    you will also save on burning way less to heat your house in the stove than in the open fire
    it will pay for itself in a couple of years
    vectra wrote: »
    OK guys in the know.

    I have a 3 bed terraced house.
    Open fire with back boiler which is the sole means of heat,
    House is now 24 years old as is the back boiler, I have tried numerous combos of coal ~ Hardwood blocks ~ Briquettes ~ Smokeless coal ~ Cozy Glo etc.

    Currently burning Columbian coal as I found it great last year,
    Mixed with blocks ? Briquettes

    So far this year I have burned approx.
    17 bags of coal
    2 big trailors of blocks
    15 bales of briquettes.


    When the weather is mild enough I have to open some windows a bit as it gets too hot.
    But when the weather gets colder is it is right now, the rads only get warm, the fire gets stuffed up trying to keep the heat in the house.
    I have debated over and over again about instaling a boiler stove but always put it off, I am not getting any younger unfortunately and do suffer quite a lote with pains. This year I have decided I am going to go ahead and install a stove.

    Now, the room where the BB is in is the kitchen diner, which we baically use all the time as this is where the fire is lit. It is small so I dont want something that would be stifling in this room with heat and as a result would have to keep it not stoked up, would this result in cold rads or is it adjustable ?
    ie.
    Turn up the output to the rads etc?

    Again.
    With regards to a stove.
    Based on not wanting this room crazy hot to have hot rads.
    Should I fit an inset stove

    Fireline-Brand-Image1.jpg

    or a standalone boiler one?
    I really like the look of a standalone stove set into the fireplace.

    Gas_Flueless_Burley_Esteem4231_w400.jpg


    Thanks for any help / advice.


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    #736
    pm.
    Registered Users Posts: 2,140 ✭✭✭pm.


    You wont go wrong with the stove, you also have to keep in mind that a back boiler stove will not emit the same heat as a non boiler stove probably 50% less output to the room. As above poster said they will pay for themselves in a couple of years

    Also have a look at the thermostat, a lot of installers have the stat set to 50/60 degrees meaning that your hot cylinder will reach this temperature before your rad get any heat.. I have my stat set to 30 and find that the rads have great heat within an hour or so ( 14 rads in total some are double using a stanley erin )

    if you are in a smokelss area the ovoids are brilliant but best with blocks. The polish also has good heat but you are left with a lot of stones the next day and its very smokey...


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    #737
    crabbypaddy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭crabbypaddy


    aaakev wrote: »
    Well a fill of oil was still around €400 or a little less around the same time as i got my coal, the coal including delivery was €220 so a good bot cheaper. I do like a fire though

    1 tonne of cheap coal at €220 is about 7700kwh energy content with open fire and back boiler 50% of that is going up the chimney not to mention the unburnt stuff others have mentioned so cost is 5.7c / kwh delivered at best.

    €400 will get you about 820l of kerosene = 8053kwh non condensing boiler seasonal efficiency ~ 85% gives you 5.8c / kwh delivered. Condensing boilder seasonal efficiency 92% gives you 5.4c/kwh delivered.

    At current prices the cheap coal is 8.80 per bag plus 2.40 per bag delivery making it 280 per ton making it 7.2c/kwh delivered with back boiler and open fire.

    Use the oil while you can people.


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    #738
    sword1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,991 ✭✭✭sword1


    crabbypaddy wrote: »
    1 tonne of cheap coal at €220 is about 7700kwh energy content with open fire and back boiler 50% of that is going up the chimney not to mention the unburnt stuff others have mentioned so cost is 5.7c / kwh delivered at best.

    €400 will get you about 820l of kerosene = 8053kwh non condensing boiler seasonal efficiency ~ 85% gives you 5.8c / kwh delivered. Condensing boilder seasonal efficiency 92% gives you 5.4c/kwh delivered.

    At current prices the cheap coal is 8.80 per bag plus 2.40 per bag delivery making it 280 per ton making it 7.2c/kwh delivered with back boiler and open fire.

    Use the oil while you can people.
    How about gas?


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    #739
    pm.
    Registered Users Posts: 2,140 ✭✭✭pm.


    crabbypaddy wrote: »
    1 tonne of cheap coal at €220 is about 7700kwh energy content with open fire and back boiler 50% of that is going up the chimney not to mention the unburnt stuff others have mentioned so cost is 5.7c / kwh delivered at best.

    €400 will get you about 820l of kerosene = 8053kwh non condensing boiler seasonal efficiency ~ 85% gives you 5.8c / kwh delivered. Condensing boilder seasonal efficiency 92% gives you 5.4c/kwh delivered.

    At current prices the cheap coal is 8.80 per bag plus 2.40 per bag delivery making it 280 per ton making it 7.2c/kwh delivered with back boiler and open fire.

    Use the oil while you can people.

    That's the point I was trying to make but you made a great job of it... But it has to be said "you can't beat an auld fire"


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    #740
    crabbypaddy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭crabbypaddy


    sword1 wrote: »
    How about gas?

    Depends on natural gas / lpg, supplier, contract. LPG is always expensive as they have you over a barrel when they own the tank.

    Flogas direct debit natural gas is 20% off at the moment if you switch 4.7c/kwh, old non condensing gas boiler is about 78% efficient so delivered cost about 6c/kwh. New condensing one maybe 90% efficient 5.22c/kwh.

    LPG is about 10c/kwh


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    #741
    ShamoBuc
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 32,499 CMod ✭✭✭✭ShamoBuc


    Vectra, I have an inset stove , non bolier, for the last 4 years and it is one of the best buys ever. Couldn't be happier with it. I've been using Black Diamond stove coal mostly and found it very good.


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    #742
    blowin3
    Registered Users Posts: 477 ✭✭blowin3


    pm. wrote: »
    You wont go wrong with the stove, you also have to keep in mind that a back boiler stove will not emit the same heat as a non boiler stove probably 50% less output to the room. As above poster said they will pay for themselves in a couple of years

    Also have a look at the thermostat, a lot of installers have the stat set to 50/60 degrees meaning that your hot cylinder will reach this temperature before your rad get any heat.. I have my stat set to 30 and find that the rads have great heat within an hour or so ( 14 rads in total some are double using a stanley erin )

    if you are in a smokelss area the ovoids are brilliant but best with blocks. The polish also has good heat but you are left with a lot of stones the next day and its very smokey...
    I often wondered this. I have a System Link on to my stove back boiler and my plumber had the stat set at 60. So I must give it ago and put the stat back to 30 to see how it goes.


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    #743
    GY A1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,246 ✭✭✭GY A1


    blowin3 wrote: »
    I often wondered this. I have a System Link on to my stove back boiler and my plumber had the stat set at 60. So I must give it ago and put the stat back to 30 to see how it goes.

    check with the plumber before u do that,
    but dont think its a good idea having the stat that low,


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    #744
    beertons
    Hosted Moderators Posts: 23,068 ✭✭✭✭beertons


    ShamoBuc wrote: »
    Vectra, I have an inset stove , non bolier, for the last 4 years and it is one of the best buys ever. Couldn't be happier with it. I've been using Black Diamond stove coal mostly and found it very good.

    Same here. Wouldn't be without it now. I got a mix of smokeless ovoids and stove coal. Both mixed in the bunker, so I burn a mix every night.


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    #745
    pm.
    Registered Users Posts: 2,140 ✭✭✭pm.


    GY A1 wrote: »
    check with the plumber before u do that,
    but dont think its a good idea having the stat that low,

    Why not ? just means the circulating pump will kick in quicker and the rads heat quicker... I think its pointless with the cylinder getting priority but suits some people to have hot water quicker. If you have the fire going for a few hours the cylinder will also get hot


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    #746
    vienne86
    Registered Users Posts: 17,075 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    ShamoBuc wrote: »
    Vectra, I have an inset stove , non bolier, for the last 4 years and it is one of the best buys ever. Couldn't be happier with it. I've been using Black Diamond stove coal mostly and found it very good.

    I have an inset stove too - brilliant. I am not getting any younger either, and as I am retired, I like to have heat all day. I also have gas central heating, but until this latest cold snap, I didn't need it - I run the stove 24/7, with it damped down at night, obviously. I have used various types of coal and I also burn logs. I love it.


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    #747
    The Gardener
    Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭The Gardener


    pm. wrote: »
    Why not ? just means the circulating pump will kick in quicker and the rads heat quicker... I think its pointless with the cylinder getting priority but suits some people to have hot water quicker. If you have the fire going for a few hours the cylinder will also get hot
    I installed a Stanley Erin some years ago and I remember reading in the installation booklet that came with it, that if the water in the cylinder is not heated to above 60 degrees there could be a build up of bacteria in the cylinder. As far as I know there is no other reason for the stat to be set above 60 degrees. However, I do the same as yourself and if I want hot water in a hurry I just pop the immersion heater on for a short while. Oh, and just to keep on topic, I use logs to initially heat the rads (plenty of flame) and nuggets to keep the system hot.


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    #748
    blowin3
    Registered Users Posts: 477 ✭✭blowin3


    GY A1 wrote: »
    check with the plumber before u do that,
    but dont think its a good idea having the stat that low,
    Its not the stat on the cylinder its the one working the valve at the back of the boiler to get the system to kick in.


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    #749
    pm.
    Registered Users Posts: 2,140 ✭✭✭pm.


    blowin3 wrote: »
    Its not the stat on the cylinder its the one working the valve at the back of the boiler to get the system to kick in.

    Sorry forgot to mention that, the stat beside your circulation pump


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    #750
    crabbypaddy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,040 ✭✭✭crabbypaddy


    pm. wrote: »
    Why not ? just means the circulating pump will kick in quicker and the rads heat quicker... I think its pointless with the cylinder getting priority but suits some people to have hot water quicker. If you have the fire going for a few hours the cylinder will also get hot

    60-65 degrees is to kill and prevent bacteria such as legionella from multiplying. At 32 degrees legionella thrives bad idea.


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    #751
    pm.
    Registered Users Posts: 2,140 ✭✭✭pm.


    crabbypaddy wrote: »
    60-65 degrees is to kill and prevent bacteria such as legionella from multiplying. At 32 degrees legionella thrives bad idea.

    If you have the fire going for a few hours the water would easily hit 60/65.

    If in doubt and you want the rads hot and not risk bacteria build up hot turn on the immersion every few days for an hour, that should generate enough heat to give terminal disinfection. But that's just my opinion


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