What are condensing boilers

Condensing boilers are now the most energy efficient boiler available.

They achieve high levels of efficiency by removing the heat that the fuel is burning and cooling the products of combustion, which is normally wasted by going up the flue. The water vapour then turns to water which normally occurs at around 55°C.

Why aren’t all boilers condensing boilers?

Firstly because traditional boilers require different material to condensing boilers, the liquid water has to be safely removed. Secondly, the natural buoyancy of the flues products is lost when the temperature is too low so it is essential to have a fan to remove them. Lastly, larger heat exchangers cost more to make so the boilers are more expensive, this is to ensure that the buyer will be able to save more in energy bills than the extra cost of the condensing boiler itself.

The water vapour that is turned in to liquid produces energy, called latent heat. This adds to the overall efficiency of the condensing boiler making it almost 15% more efficient than a normal boiler. Basically, the more energy efficient the condensing boiler is, the less fuel it will use and the less carbon dioxide it will produce, therefore, it will cost less to run.

Condensing boilers do cost slightly more than traditional boilers; however, the extra cost will more than likely be made back over the next two years. Condensing boilers are no more difficult to have services than any other type of boiler, they use standard fittings so can be easily replace of required. Although when a condensing boiler is first installed it does require additional installation in the form of a pipe to drain away the condensation. There is no need to worry about different technologies or fittings because normal, standard radiators will work fine with a condensing boiler.