If you need a new boiler, one option is a coal-fired boiler. However, there are several reasons why gas boilers are often considered better.
Perhaps the main reason to choose a gas boiler is that natural gas produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than coal, and has far less of an environmental impact than burning fossil fuels like coal.
Coal boilers require a lot more maintenance. Ash has to be cleared out and disposed of each day. The boiler needs regular cleaning. A gas boiler requires no day-to-day attention. Provided that it is serviced annually, a gas boiler should operate reliably and uninterrupted.
It is more difficult to control the heat output of a coal boiler. A gas boiler can be turned on for a short time when a bit of extra warmth is required in milder weather. Once lit, a coal boiler operates for a prolonged time.
Coal needs space to be stored. You cannot rely on consistent coal quality. Coal is dirty and messy.
A coal boiler is likely to wear out sooner than a gas boiler and repairs are expensive.
Solid fuel, including wood and coal, is an option for homes not connected to the gas grid. Wood and coal stoves or solar panels are useful for heating some parts of the home. An oil or LPG boiler is better for central heating when there is no main gas available in the property.
For advice on boiler installation in the Chester area, and what type of boiler is best for you, talk to Xgas.
