Frequently Asked Questions

No. HETAS approved fuels have been rigorously tested to meet certain standards and criteria. HETAS approved fuels will carry the HETAS logo on their packaging.

There are many manufactured fuels available that are not HETAS approved.

The simple answer is no. The quality of fuels available for multi-fuel stoves varies considerably. Many cheap ovoids can actually damage your stove and flue liner, so you may save money buying the fuel, but end up paying more in the long run when you have to replace your flue liner and fire bars.

Certain ovoids are manufactured in a 'cold-cure', these ovoids can break up easily providing the customer with less usable fuel for their money. All of the manufactured fuels sold by Dawsons Fuels are 'heat-cured' making them much harder and less likely to break up.

We only stock high quality ovoids. No doubt you may be able to find cheaper alternatives, but be warned, they may cost you more in the long run.

We believe that the kiln dried logs offer excellent value for money. They are more consistent in size and length, which makes for easier storage and easier re-fuelling of your stove or fire.

They are consistently dry therefore you can burn them straight away. There is no seasoning required. The crates that the logs are delivered in have been hand stacked. This leaves fewer air gaps, so you end up with much more wood for your money when compared to a tote bag.

If you are not located within a 'Smokeless' zone you have a wide variety of fuels available. Traditional housecoals are the most widely used fuels, however in recent years there has been a move towards manufactured fuels such as Ecoal 50, Homefire Ovals and Wildfire. As with all fuels there are advantages and disadvantages.

Housecoals are easier to light and will burn hotter, however they do not last as long as the manufactured fuels. The main disadvantage to manufactured fuels is that they are harder to light on an open fire, but they do last longer and don't spit. They also burn differently. There are no flames, instead they glow as they burn.

The manufactured fuels all have different ingredients. Usually, but not always they will contain anthracite, house coal, petroleum coke and a binder, which is quite often molasses. For a breakdown of the different smokeless fuels available follow this link:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/2111/pdfs/uksi_20132111_en.pdf

We will accept returned goods within 7 days of delivery. The products must be returned in their original packaging and condition. There will be a charge for returning the order to cover the cost of delivery.

This depends on several factors, the first one being whether your property is located within a 'Smoke Controlled Area'.

Many of the fuels you can burn are determined by your location, visit www.uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk for further details.

This will depend upon many different factors, such as the appliance that the fuel is being used on and the amount of draught you get from your chimney.

Many stove manufacturers will suggest certain products for their appliances. If you need any advice please call us on 015396 20210 and we will be more than happy to help.

Wood should not be sold be weight as there is a vast difference in weight between seasoned and unseasoned wood. Seasoned wood should have less than 30% moisture content whereas unseasoned wood will have around 50% moisture.

You may think you are getting more wood for you money if you bought by weight, but in fact you are paying extra for water.

This is why wood should always be sold by volume.

From the 1st May 2021, the sale of house coal in pre-packed bags was banned when new legislation from the Government's Clean Air Strategy became law. Locally we can continue to sell house coal in the traditional 50kg open sacks until 1st May 2023.

The ban is on the sale of coal, but not the use. If you have stocks of pre-packed house coal, you can still burn it and you would not be breaking the law.

We have many suitable cleaner alternatives to house coal and they can be seen in our stove fuel section of the website.

All Approved Coal Merchant Scheme have to follow a consumer charter and follow the coal trade code. We adhere to the following rules:-

Supply good quality Coal and Smokeless Fuel correctly described.
Ensure that packed fuels are marked with the maximum information.
Ensure that employees have a basic knowledge of the Retail Coal Trade
Supply suitable fuels for particular appliances
Investigate all consumer complaints promptly.
Display a detailed and up-to-date price list.
Trade in a manner compatible with the good repute of the Retail Coal Trade
Make customers aware of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from burning fossil fuels and how they can obtain information to protect themselves.