The price of coal (UK) and smokeless fuels | Comparing other fuel types

Summary of comparative total costs for space and water heating an average sized three bedroomed semi detached house in England, Wales and Scotland.

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Summary of comparative total costs for space heating an average sized room in England, Wales and Scotland.

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Comparative costs of space and water heating for an average sized three bedroom semi detached house In England, Wales and Scotland

NOTES

Above costs are based on “typical” annual heating requirements of 13,640 kWh (space heating) and 2,500 kWh (hot water).

Solid fuel prices are based on average prices across 30 CPL Distribution Depots as at April 2008 plus 20%. Electric, gas, LPG and heating oil prices derive from internet quotations obtained on 5 August 2008, spanning GB postcodes. Gas prices are based on British Gas, electric prices are nPower.

Calorific values are as used by Sutherland in the 2008 Tables. Average appliance efficiencies are those assumed by Sutherland in the 2008 Tables.

Efficiencies assumed typical of following heating systems:-

Anthracite Nuts / Phurnacite = Roomheater + back boiler + radiators + DHW cylinder
Anthracite Grains = Gravity feed boiler + radiators + DHW cylinder
House coal = Open fire + back boiler + radiators + DHW cylinder
Electric standard = radiators + immersion heater
Electric Economy 7 = storage heaters + electric radiators + immersion heater
Gas/LPG/Oil = Boiler (not condensing) + radiators + DHW cylinder Excluded from the comparison are gas fired condensing boilers, which have higher thermal efficiencies but higher installation and maintenance costs. Htg = space heating, dhw = domestic hot water.

Other costs include circulating pump costs and tank costs (LPG) (Sutherland source). Economy 7 tariff assumes heat contribution of 90% off peak (SH) and 10% peak rate (EF). Fuel supplier discounts are not included.

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Cost of space heating for an average sized room in England, Wales and Scotland

NOTES

Heating Type OF = Open Fire, RH = Roomheater, SH = Storage Heater, EF = Electric Fire, R/C = Radiant/Convector Fire, DOF = Decorative Effect Open Fire.

Assumes an average annual heating requirement for a single room of 3140 kWh. Solid fuel prices / coal prices are based on average fuel prices across 30 CPL Distribution Depots as at April 2008 plus 20%. Electric, gas, LPG and heating oil prices derive from internet quotations obtained on 5 August 2008, spanning GB postcodes. Gas prices are based on British Gas, electric prices are NPower. Calorific values are as used by Sutherland in the 2008 Tables. Other costs include maintenance (Sutherland source). Economy 7 tariff assumes heat contribution of 90% off peak (SH) and 10% peak rate (EF).

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