Condensing boilers are a new type of boiler that maximize efficiency through the use of “condensing technology.”
The boiler recycles the hot flue gasses and they can be used for water heating. Clever, huh?.
This means that less carbon dioxide is released into our atmosphere and less energy is lost. They are also better for the environment, and you can save money on heating costs. That’s why governments are offering free boiler grant to its people.
All new boilers are condensing. This has been true since 2005, when BoilerPlus legislation was created and non-condensing Boilers were banned from sale. This was done in response to increasing concerns about rising energy costs and carbon emission.
Hot waste flue gasses were released from non-condensing boilers in the past. This caused a significant amount of heat loss and money to be lost.
Condensing boilers use condensing technology in order to reduce heat loss and increase efficiency.
Condensing boilers “capture” heat from flue gasses. This can be done via a secondary heat exchanging unit placed before the flue exit or by optimizing the flow and return temperatures of the main heat exchanger. Flue gasses will then hit cooler pipes and transfer energy.
This results in less energy waste, and more heat for the same money.
Either way, during the recovery process the water vapor contained in the gasses is transformed from a gas to a liquid. This is why they are known as “condensing boilers”.
Flue gas temperatures can drop to as low as 80 degrees F. Heat that would otherwise have been lost in non-condensing models may be reused. This process can produce as much as 2 liters of waste per hour. The condensate pipe removes the wastewater from the boiler.
Condensing boilers can be more efficient because of heat recovery. This results in lower carbon emissions, less energy waste, and lower heating costs.
Condensing boilers and non-condensing Boilers
Condensing boilers benefit from condensing technology. Non-condensing ones use one heat exchanger, and much of the fuel they use is lost via the flute glasses.
Condensing boilers can be at least 90% efficient. Non-condensing boilers can only achieve efficiency ratings between 70% and 80%.
Condensing boilers are more efficient and offer greater value than other types of boilers. Condensing boilers are also more environmentally friendly because they use less fuel.
Condensing boilers have many advantages
What are the main advantages of condensing boilers then? Here’s how it works:
Superior energy efficiency
Condensing boilers today are equipped with a Flue gas heat recovery system that makes them more efficient than other boilers. This means that they produce more heat and use less energy.
Non-condensing boilers can be as low as 60% efficiency and could even be rated G under the ERP (Energy Related Products Directive).
Energy bills can be reduced
Energy Saving Trust estimates that replacing an old non-condensing G-rated boiler with an A-rated condensing one could result in savings of up to PS300 per year.
You can save even more if you combine this with a smart temperature and thermostatic valves. Because of the Nest’s adaptable learning schedule, you can save as much as PS75 and 330kg of carbon per year by installing it.
Reduce carbon emissions
Condensing boilers with A ratings are significantly less carbon-emitting than non-condensing models. You could actually save up to 1,220kg of CO2 by trading in your boiler for a modern combi boiler, all of which are condensing.
Is condensing boiler the same thing as combi boilers?
Condensing and combi boilers are the same thing. All modern boilers, whether they are a system, combi, or regular boiler, are condensing.
This confusion probably occurred because combi boilers were becoming more popular at the same time condensing boilers became compulsory in the UK.
Boiler Plus legislation in 2005 banned the sale of non-condensing boilers in the UK.
For more information, see our condensing boiler vs. combi boiler .
Are you looking for a boiler replacement? Learn all about the top combi boilers for 2021.
What is the life expectancy of condensing boilers?
A new boiler should last for between 10 and 15 years. However, it all depends upon how well the boiler has been maintained, its quality, and the use of the boiler.
You should have your boiler serviced by a Gas Safe Engineer annually to ensure it lasts as long and works efficiently.
Keep in mind that most boiler manufacturers offer warranties that are only valid if your boiler is maintained annually.
In our guide to combi boiler installations , you will learn all about how to install a new condensing heating boiler.
All new boilers are condensing?
Boiler Plus legislation has been in force since April 2005. All new boilers must condense as this is what the law requires.
Which size condensing boiler are you looking for?
Boiler size can be measured in kilowatts/hour. The more hot water, bathrooms, and radiators your home has, then the bigger the boiler should be.
A condensing boiler of 20-30 kW would be sufficient for a 3-bedroom home.
How many kW do you require for your home? You can check our guides on what size of boiler you should use. You can also use our boiler finder tool to determine the best boiler for you.
Our guide to choosing the best boiler for a 3 Bedroom Home is suitable for those who live in a home of average size.