Multi-Fuel Stoves in Battle, Brighton and Sussex | Choosing the Best Fuels for a Multi-Fuel Stove Installation

Welcome to another blog post from Swept Away Installations, an installer of multi-fuel stoves with HETAS accreditation. Multi-fuel stoves can offer full versatility and efficiency in equal measures, allowing homeowners to burn a variety of fuels. This makes our installations a popular choice with those who are looking to heat their homes in a sustainable and cost-effective manner

Our engineers install multi-fuel stoves in the following areas:

Battle – Bexhill-on-Sea – Brighton – Eastbourne – Hailsham – Hastings – Heathfield – Hove – Lewes – Newhaven – Ringmer – Saltdean – Seaford – St Leonards-on-Sea – Uckfield – East Sussex – West Sussex

Swept Away Installations also specialises in wood-burning stoves.

One of the biggest decisions you will face with multi-fuel stoves is choosing a suitable type of fuel. This guide should help you to make an informed choice and ensure you get the best value from an installation while maintaining its performance and longevity. We are stove installers for top-branded models which can cope with a variety of fuels from a range of different sources.

Types of Fuels for Multi-Fuel Stoves

It is often a good idea to consider the fuels you would like to use in advance of an installation and with multi-fuel stoves, you have an exciting number of choices based on the benefits they bring to your domestic property. In this section of our latest post, we will look at these fuel types in more detail.

1. Wood Logs

Wood logs are a traditional and renewable energy source for multi-fuel stove installations. For optimal performance, use well-seasoned hardwood logs with a moisture content below 20%. Hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech burn for longer, and hotter, than softwoods to provide a consistent heat output.

Advantages

  • Renewable resource
  • High heat output with hardwoods
  • Creates a pleasant aroma and ambiance

Considerations

  • Requires adequate storage space for seasoning
  • Higher maintenance with more frequent ash removal

2. Smokeless Fuels

Smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and manufactured smokeless briquettes, are designed to produce minimal smoke and particulates. These fuels are ideal for use in smoke-controlled areas of Sussex, ensuring compliance with local authority regulations while offering a higher level of heating efficiency.

Advantages

  • Suitable for smoke-controlled areas
  • High energy efficiency
  • Longer burn time with less frequent refuelling

Considerations

  • Higher initial cost compared to wood
  • Requires proper ventilation to manage the gases produced

3. Coal

Coal has been a staple fuel for centuries, providing a consistent and intense heat source. While traditional coal can be used in multi-fuel stoves, it is still important to consider the environmental impact and local regulations. Some local authorities in Sussex may restrict coal use due to air quality concerns.

Advantages

  • High heat output
  • Longer burning time

Considerations

  • Environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions
  • Produces more ash and soot so requires regular cleaning

4. Peat

Peat is a less common fuel choice but can be used in multi-fuel stoves and it provides a unique aroma in the home with moderate heat output. However, peat harvesting can have a significant environmental impact. Our advice is to source it responsibly and to only use a reputable vendor for purchase.

Advantages

  • Moderate heat output
  • Unique and pleasant aroma

Considerations

  • Limited availability in some areas
  • Environmental impact of harvesting

Top Tips for Choosing the Best Fuel

Multi-fuel stove users in Battle, Bexhill-on-Sea, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Heathfield, Hove, Lewes, Newhaven, Ringmer, Saltdean, Seaford, St Leonards-on-Sea, Uckfield and Sussex should always seek advice from their installer to ensure their fuel choices will stay in line with their product choices.

You can also be proactive by considering the following:

Assessing Your Heating Needs

Consider the size of your property space and how frequently you will use your stove. Larger room areas and more frequent use may benefit from the high-output fuels mentioned above, like hardwood logs or smokeless briquettes.

The Environment

Choose fuels that align with your environmental values and comply with local regulations. Smokeless fuels and sustainably sourced hardwoods are sensible options for reducing your carbon footprint and protecting the environment.

Storage and Handling

Ensure you have adequate storage space for your chosen fuel. Wood logs require dry and ventilated storage to prevent moisture build-up, while coals and smokeless fuels will need a dedicated, secure and dry storage area.

Maintaining Multi-Fuel Stoves

Regular maintenance of multi-fuel stoves is essential to ensure efficiency and safety. This includes periodic cleaning of the flue and chimney, removing ash build-up and inspection of the seals and gaskets from a HETAS engineer.

Choosing the right fuel for multi-fuel stoves is crucial for maximising efficiency and getting the best from having a cosy home. At Swept Away Installations, we are committed to providing you with expert advice and an installation service to match. Whether you prefer the traditional warmth of wood logs or the efficiency of smokeless fuels, our team helps you make the right choice.

For more information or to schedule installations in the Battle, Bexhill-on-Sea, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Heathfield, Hove, Lewes, Newhaven, Ringmer, Saltdean, Seaford, St Leonards-on-Sea, Uckfield and Sussex areas, please contact us today and tell us about your requirements.