Solid fuel
Solid fuel heating maintenance
Who is responsible for maintaining solid fuel fired heating in my home?
We are responsible for the maintenance of solid fuel fired heating systems.
Your chimney should be swept every year. Please contact Housing to arrange for your chimney to be swept.
You must make sure that you use the correct type of fuel for your fire. If you are not sure about what fuel you can use, please contact your local Housing office.
Solid fuel safety
- What should I do if there is a problem with my solid fuel heating system?
- How can I make sure that my solid fuel heating system is functioning safely?
- Redundant solid fuel fire back boilers
What should I do if there is a problem with my solid fuel heating system?
If you think there is a problem with your heating system, do not use it. Call the repairs line on:
03456 08 12 03
A faulty solid fuel heating system may lead to the release of carbon monoxide.
Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- breathlessness
- collapse
- loss of consciousness
How can I make sure that my solid fuel heating system is functioning safely?
There are some basic precautions that you can take, including regular cleaning. If you suspect any problems with your solid fuel system please call the repairs line on:
03456 08 12 03
- make sure there is adequate ventilation
- empty and check the ash can every day
- clean fireplace regularly
- always use the right fuel
- never leave an open fire unattended without a fireguard
- always use a securely fitted fireguard when children are in the house
If your appliance begins to burn slowly, goes out frequently or if you smell or suspect fumes:
- open doors and windows
- carefully put out the fire, or allow it to burn itself out
- don't stay in the room any longer than necessary
- don't attempt to re-light the appliance until it has been checked
- call the repairs line on 03456 08 12 03
Redundant solid fuel fire back boilers
Many solid fuel fired heating systems have been removed within our properties and replaced with other forms of heating, such as gas.
It is common practice for back boilers to be left in place when fireplaces are removed and it is therefore important that you do not unblock fireplaces and use them again.
The Health and Safety Executive have issued a notice to all landlords and tenants warning of the potential risk when a disused back boiler has been left within a fireplace.
This alert followed several instances in the UK where solid fuel back boilers have been left in a sealed condition and sometime later a coal fire has been lit in front of the boiler. This has led to the disused back boiler heating up and then exploding.
If you are unsure or believe you could have a redundant back boiler, you should contact Housing immediately. In the meantime do not light a fire in the fireplace.