Prepare for those cold nights now

WHILE we have been experiencing something of an ‘Indian Summer recently, it’s never too early to make preparations for Winter which is just around the corner waiting to make it’s presence felt!

Many people are already focusing on their best options for home heating ahead of the inevitable wind, rain, snow, and ice that accompanies winter!

There is nothing quite like a cosy warm home to offset the effects of the long cold months ahead, and nowadays consumers are spoiled for choice regarding the methods of heating they decide to use, as well as the steps they take to ensure their homes are adequately prepared for the cold weather.

Taking time to assess your winter heating requirements makes sound economic sense, especially with the relentless spiralling costs of most fuels. In an ideal world, all home owners should have a BER certificate which could offer some solutions to energy problems, and thereby save a lot of expense on heating bills.

A Building Energy Rating Cert is an indication of the energy performance of a home. The certificate is accompanied by an Advisory Report which identifies how energy performance in the home can be improved. IN THE winter just gone many users of solid fuel (coal-briquettes-wood) saw the value of solid fuel, none more so than during storm Ophelia and the “Beast from the East”. In times when temperatures drop very low or during storm or snow events solid fuel provides strong physical heat (different from the central heating experience) and sometimes a sense of emotional comfort. In extreme cases during storms, where power outages are becoming more common, solid fuel provides the vital heat you need to survive.

The main solid fuels used in the South East are Bituminous Coal in rural areas and Smokeless Coal in Wexford town which is a smokeless area. People also use Briquettes, some turf and wood both dried and undried. However, people are now more and more aware of the impact of air pollution. From an emissions perspective one critical measurable component is particulate matter (small soot particles contained in smoke referred to as PM2.5 & PM10). Government figures show that the most polluting fuels from an emissions perspective are undried wood and sod turf. These fuels also contain only 60% of the heat available from Smokeless Coal. While Bituminous Coal has lesser emissions than undried wood and sod turf, it still has significant emissions. The cleanest solid fuel to use is Smokeless Coal which, on average, has only 25% (i.e. one quarter) of the emissions of Bituminous Coal.

The Government intends to address this with a nationwide ban on Bituminous Coal from 1st September, 2019. In late 2017 – Minister Naughten announced a nationwide ban on Bituminous Coal. Per the announcement it will be illegal to sell or burn Bituminous Coal after 1st September, 2019. He has confirmed that position several times in recent months but the actual legislation is still outstanding.

However, consumers need not wait for any ban. Clean air inside your house and in your neighbourhood in important for you and your family. You can make the choice right now to switch to Stafford Smokeless Coal. If enough people make the switch now you and your neighbours will get the benefits. Customers can be assured that a) Smokeless Coal can give the same or better heat value over a longer period of time and b) it is much better for the environment (75% less smoke and particulate matter emissions than Bituminous Coal).

Time to embrace the future – a smokeless future.