Emergency Fuels – Which Fuel Is Right For Emergencies?
Power cuts and other emergencies can leave your home without lights or heating. Obviously, this can be a serious problem, particularly at night and during periods of cold weather. Having a small stockpile of bottled gas fuel or solid fuel can help you deal with any crisis, as these fuels can be used to provide light and heat, even when the power is out. But which fuel is best for emergencies?
Should you keep a few Calor gas bottles in your home in case you experience a power cut, or should you have a few bags of coal on-hand? You may even wonder if firewood logs are the right emergency fuel for you. Naturally, each fuel option has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. We’ll look at some of the main options in today’s blog, so you can make an informed decision.
1. Gas
Bottled gas is an incredibly powerful and efficient fuel. A small quantity can generate a lot of thermal energy and can last a long time. This makes it very useful in situations where the power is off for a long time. For example, if you live in a remote area and might experience power cuts that last for days instead of hours, gas is an ideal fuel. However, while gas provides a lot of heat, it doesn’t provide much illumination. As a result, it may not be the best choice if you need a fuel that can light up your home in an emergency.
2. Wood
Wood isn’t the best fuel for protracted emergencies and long-lasting power-cuts. It isn’t as efficient as gas, so you need a lot of it to provide light and heat for significant periods of time. However, if you only need your emergency fuel supply to last for a few hours, wood is perfect. A log fire provides both warmth and illumination, meaning that you won’t get cold during a crisis and you won’t have to worry about not being able to see properly. It even has a comforting, natural scent.
3. Coal
Coal can provide more heat than wood when burned and often lasts longer. However, it’s not as efficient as gas and doesn’t produce quite as much light as wood. If you need an emergency fuel that will last longer than wood and produces slightly more illumination than gas, coal is usually the best option.
No matter which fuel you decide you want to use in emergencies, we can help. We sell Calor gas bottles, wood and coal here at London Gases, so take a look at our product pages today.