Since humans discovered fire, it has captured our attention and become a staple in our lives. We have used it for warmth, cooking, and comfort throughout the ages. As the years go by, the appeal of an indoor fire is still strong – more so than ever before – particularly during colder winter months when temperatures drop and rain pelts the windows.
So, why do people enjoy having an indoor fire during those unpleasant winter days? Let’s take a look.
The Comfort and Cosiness of an Open Fire
To start, there’s simply nothing quite like snuggling up to a warm fire and hearing the comforting sounds of crackling logs. The open flame creates a tranquil atmosphere, allowing us to unwind in the secure, warm environment of our home.
As an added benefit, it also allows us to escape the hustle and bustle of our modern lives by giving us the opportunity to appreciate the simplicity of the natural elements. You may even want to enjoy a good book while you’re at it, maybe a glass of your favourite wine or traditonal beer, read My top 5 pick of fireside beers or just be content with the unique sights and sounds of the fire in a room. In any case, the sensory appeal of an indoor fire on a cold and miserable winter day cannot be denied.
Mental Wellbeing
It should come as no surprise then that studies have shown that a home fire can have a profoundly positive effect on our mental wellbeing. The symbolic nature of the flame is believed to have a calming effect on the mind, while it provides a sense of security from the hostile outdoors. Studies have also shown that being by a fire can help reduce anxiety levels, bringing a sense of peace and contentment.
Energy Savings
Not only is an open fire an aesthetically pleasing feature in your home, but it can also be an effective way to reduce heating bills and minimize energy use. A well-maintained indoor fire can help provide heat and keep areas of the home warm. The natural warmth that it produces can also help reduce the need to turn up the central heating and can be particularly useful when there are periods of time where the area of the home is not often used.
Smokeless Coal – The Best Way to Enjoy an Indoor Fire
As appealing as indoor fires can be, you need to be mindful of their environmental impact. For many of us living in the UK, we can no longer burn the traditional bituminous coal since legislation has come into force preventing the sale and use of this type of coal which releases airborne pollutants into the atmosphere, so it’s important to choose your fuel carefully. Smokeless fuels are a great way to enjoy an indoor fire while being more environmentally conscious, as most of them produce fewer prohibited substances than solid, conventional fuels.
In addition, smokeless coal is also widely available and is suitable for burning in smoke control areas, making it the perfect choice for fire fanatics living in these zones. It has a higher energy density, meaning you can get more heat for less fuel, and the newer brands on the market produce even less toxic substances than the conventional solid fuels.
So if you’re planning on enjoying the warmth of a home fire while staying in tune with your environmental concerns, smokeless coal is an excellent choice. Not only is it cleaner and more efficient, it will keep your fire burning cleanly and more efficiently for longer.
Written by Murray Price
I am passionate about environmental protection and believe that everyone should do their part to reduce their impact on the environment. Through the smokeless coal website, I want to make it easier for people to make the switch to smokeless fuels, which can help reduce air pollution and improve public health.