How can I tell if it is safe to light a coal fire in my fire at home?

Question

the house is ten years old. I understand that some chimneys are not able to support fires.

Answer 1

if your house is only 10 years old then it is highly unlikely that your chimney will be suitable for anything other than a gas fire, as they normally build in what are called flue blocks which would not have enough cross sectional area to carry smoke from any kind of solid fuel.

If you check with the company that built your house they should be able to put you straight on this one.

hope that helps,

Joe

Answer 2

If you've got a proper fireplace - rather than an ornamental (mock) one, it should be fine.  Make sure you have your chimney swept though before you make any attempt at lighting a fire.

Answer 3

Call a chimney sweep - they'll check it & tell you if it needs lining or not before use. At ten years old, I would pretty well 100% guarantee it'll just need a sweep if it's been out of use, it should already be lined.

Answer 4

If your fireplace can burn wood, you should be fine burning coal. In England, they burn coal quite frequently in their fireplaces