Are condensing boilers a waste of money?
The term ‘condensing’ refers to the way a boiler operates. All boilers used to be non-condensing, which meant that the waste gases and heat produced by the boiler were released outside the home. This lead to a significant amount of heat, and therefore money, being wasted. To make boilers more energy efficient, condensing boilers were developed.
What are the advantages of a condensing boiler?
- With a condensing boiler, you get the secondary condensing heat exchanger - making it much more efficient than your standard boiler.
- Standard boilers have the same kind of primary heat exchangers, but they’re not as efficient.
- Condensing boilers’ heat exchangers are better designed for efficiency.
How efficient is a condensing boiler?
- Over 25 years old: 60-70% efficient
- 20 years old: 75% efficient
- 15 years old 80-85% efficient
- 10+ years old 80-85% efficient
Which is the best condensing boiler?
What are the Best Condensing Combi-Boilers on the Market?
- Worcester Bosch Greenstar i. Homeowners are likely to already have heard of Worcester Bosch as the brand is well-established within the UK.
- Viessmann Vitoden 050-W Gas Combi-Boiler. ...
- Vaillant EcoTech Pro. ...
- Alpha E-Tec. ...
- Baxi 600 Combi. ...
Where does the water come from in a condensing boiler?
This is because when your boiler burns fuel, a chemical reaction causes produces carbon dioxide and water vapour by-products. Once enough heat is produced from this vapour, it's condensed back into water form. After this water has been collected, it gets expelled out the condensate pipe.
Is a condensing boiler better than a combi?
There is actually no difference between a combi boiler and a condensing boiler - they are essentially the same thing. All modern-day boilers incorporate condensing technology, so when you're choosing your next boiler you won't need to make a choice between a combi and condensing boiler. You'll get both!
What are the advantages of a condensing boiler?
The main advantage is the boiler's efficiency. Through recycling waste gases back into the system, a condensing boiler can have approximately 90% energy efficiency. This is vastly superior to the efficiency of a traditional boiler which is typically between 70-80%.
Do you need a water tank with a condensing boiler?
It recycles waste gases and saves on your future energy bills. Space savings: a condensing combi boiler does not need a hot water tank and is available in a wide range of compact sizes, making it much suitable and convenient to fit in a kitchen cupboard than conventional boiler models.
Are condensing boilers noisy?
Condensate pipes are fitted to condensing boilers and waste acidic water away from the boiler and down a drain. As they're located outside, they can freeze over and lead to your boiler making noise. To resolve the issue, the pipe needs to be thawed which you can do by pouring warm (not boiling) water on the pipe.
Is a condensing boiler worth it?
Condensing boilers are the more efficient budget and eco-friendly choice. They make better use of the heat they generate, saving energy, money, and producing fewer CO2 emissions. Modern condensing boilers are considered at least 90% energy efficient, rising to up to 97% for the very best models on the market.
What is the lifespan of a condensing boiler?
15-20 yearsThe life expectancy of a condensing boiler is typically 15-20 years. Although cast iron commercial boilers may last longer, they will also become less efficient as they age.
Is a combi boiler cheaper to run than a condensing boiler?
Combi boilers are much more efficient overall, but their efficiency does not scale up: it runs at the speed it runs at, and generally, there are not any features in place to make your energy go further.
How long will a condensing boiler last?
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Boiler? The average lifespan of a central heating system is around 15 years, but it all depends on how well it's looked after. You can help your boiler last longer by keeping it regularly serviced and well maintained, so these short-term costs can help you enjoy long-term gains.
How much water comes out of a condensing boiler?
An efficient condensing boiler will generate around 2 litres of condensate water an hour at a temperature of around 30-40°c. This needs to be safely disposed of, within the buildings waste water system.
What temperature should a condensing boiler be set at?
Like in winter, if you want to know what temperature should a condensing boiler be set at, make sure it's no lower than 65°C. This inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in your water supply, so keep it at 65°C and no lower.
Do condensing boilers give off carbon monoxide?
Boilers can produce carbon monoxide naturally, but the gas is usually carried out of your house via a flue. If your flue is blocked, the carbon monoxide has nowhere to go and will escape into your home. Carbon monoxide can also be present as a result of a leak in your appliance.
Is a combi boiler cheaper to run than a condensing boiler?
Combi boilers are much more efficient overall, but their efficiency does not scale up: it runs at the speed it runs at, and generally, there are not any features in place to make your energy go further.
Which type of boiler is most efficient?
condensing boilerA condensing boiler recovers more heat from the exhaust flue gas and uses it to heat the central heating water, making it more efficient than older boilers.
Are condensing boilers cheaper to run?
Condensing boilers can help you lower your fuel bills significantly and reduce your carbon footprint, making them a great alternative heating system if you're not ready to invest in a heat pump. This makes condensing boilers eligible for grant schemes to help you cover the installation costs.
How much will a condensing boiler save me?
Boiler efficiency Condensing boilers are a great option for energy-efficient boilers, they are A-rated and can be as efficient as A+++, so they could potentially save you up to 30%* on your annual energy bills.
What are the common problems of the boiler?
Boiler Not Heating Hot Water Enough Hot Water but No Heating No Power to Boiler Pilot Light Keeps Turning Off Boiler Not Responding to ThermostatFr...
Which type of Boiler do I need?
When looking for an alternative boiler, choose a boiler according to the requirements of your home. This is because every building has various heat...
How long does condensing boiler last?
The average service life of a condensing boiler is from 14 to 20 years. However, the commercial cast iron boiler can last a long time, but its effi...
Why is a condensing boiler safer?
In contrast, a condensing boiler takes air directly from outside the room in which it is installed and sealed to heat up the room completely.
How much does a condensing combi boiler cost?
The installation cost of the condensing boiler varies according to the brand and area where you live.
What is a condensing boiler?
Types of condensing boilers. Rather than being a 'boiler type', condensing boilers are all encompassing. Any type of boiler, whether it's combi, regular or system, can be condensing boilers. And that's no matter whether the unit runs on natural gas, oil or LPG.
Why is it important to install a condensing boiler?
This is because an output rating that's too high could unnecessarily increase your energy bills while an output rating that's too low simply won't be able to meet demand.
What size condensing boiler do I need?
Size is one of the most important things to consider when looking for a replacement boiler, and by size, we don't mean the physical dimensions. Boiler size refers to the output rating which indicates how powerful the unit is. The more power, the higher level of demand it will be able to meet for heating and hot water.
What is a combi boiler?
Combi boilers are the most modern boiler type. And they've quickly become the most popular. Rather than needing any external tanks or cylinders, combi boilers are single cost-effective units that deliver heating and hot water on demand. Find out the Best Combi Boilers.
What causes a boiler to stop working?
Boilers have a pressure gauge which shows the pressure of the hot water running through the system. Should it get too low (below 1 on the pressure gauge) then the boiler could stop working. Boiler pressure is likely to drop over time but other causes include: 1 A leak 2 Radiators recently bled 3 Faulty pressure relief valve
How does a boiler work?
As a boiler burns fuel it produces water vapour. This water vapour, or steam, contains heat which can contribute to warming up the central heating. However, up until condensing boiler technology was developed, this heat went straight out of the flue pipe. Meaning that up to 30% of the heat produced by the boiler was being lost.
How much higher can a condensing boiler be than a non-condensing boiler?
Condensing boilers can reach efficiencies of 15-30% higher than non-condensing boilers
How do condensing boilers work?
When your boiler burns natural gas, carbon dioxide and water vapor are created as a by-product of the burning, or combustion process. In total, about 10% of the fuel's energy is tied up as water vapor. In a standard non-condensing boiler, that water vapor, along with the carbon dioxide, exits through the chimney, essentially becoming wasted energy.
What is a condensing boiler?
So what exactly is a condensing boiler? In short, it is a boiler designed to increase fuel efficiency and reduce wasted energy by reclaiming some of the energy that goes up the chimney.
What temperature should water be in a condensing boiler?
For ideal condensation, the water should return to the condensing boiler at around 130°F (54°C), significantly lower than a non-condensing boiler system.
How to make your boiler only heat water?
The best way to ensure that your boiler is only heating water to the lowest temperature necessary, is to use an outdoor temperature sensor, highlighted in red in the image below. These small devices are linked to your boiler and help it increase or decrease the operating temperature to compensate for weather fluctuations. When replacing a non-condensing unit with a condensing boiler with an outdoor temperature sensor, a homeowner can save up to 30% on their heating bills annually.*
How do condensing boilers work?
However, in condensing boilers, heat from flue gasses being burned is recovered and recycled, helping you to heat your home for less.
What are the advantages of a condensing boiler?
The advantages of a condensing boiler. The average UK household spends about 60 per cent of their energy bill on heating their home. Add to this the hot water, and anything you can do to make this portion of your bill is going to make your financial position significantly better. According to the Energy Saving Trust, ...
How efficient is a condensing boiler?
Modern condensing boilers are typically at least 93 per cent energy efficient, rising to up to 97 per cent for the very best models on the market.
What is the difference between a conventional boiler and a combination boiler?
The tank needs a home, which means you have to give up space to house the tank. Combination boilers take up less space and can adequately cope with the demands of a small household. They also provide hot water on demand.
Is a combi boiler a combination boiler?
Many people get confused between condensing boilers and combination boilers. It is a fact that combi boilers can be condensing, but not all condensing boilers are combination. A combination boiler is one which: Conventional boilers use a separate hot water tank to store pre-heated water.
Can you use a condensing boiler as a combi?
The good news is that you can opt for a condensing boiler whether you are looking at a combi or conventional boiler setup. This means you can choose an energy efficient boiler no matter what your situation, and can benefit from an A rated energy efficient appliance.
How does a condensing boiler work?
Condensing boilers work by using natural gas to heat up water inside your home or building’s boiler system. An electric pump pushes the heated water through the pipework before heating the radiator, which in turn heats up the rest of your home or building. When the water circuits its way through the pipes, it begins to lose its heat, which is when the cooled water reaches the boiler again. The water goes through the heat exchanger, warms up once more, and the process begins all over again.
How to prevent condensate from freezing?
How to Prevent the Condensate Pipe from Freezing 1 Cover the exposed portion of the pipe with foam pipe insulation 2 Make sure you leave the heat on overnight to keep the condensate pipe warm 3 You can set your boiler’s thermostat to a higher temperature. This reduces the amount of condensate, but uses more energy and can make your radiators very hot. Do not resort to this option if you use underfloor heating.
Is a condensing boiler more efficient than a gas boiler?
Condensing boilers are considered by many HVAC experts to be much more energy-efficient than regular gas boilers. The carbon-based fuel used by gas boilers produces a chemical reaction of carbon dioxide and steam, which then escapes into the air through a small chimney called a flue. This causes a lot of heat to escape, which wastes energy and costs you money. Condensing boilers have the flue gases pass through a heat exchanger, which subsequently heats up the excess water while reducing energy expended by the boiler.
Can you set your boiler thermostat to a higher temperature?
This reduces the amount of condensate, but uses more energy and can make your radiators very hot. Do not resort to this option if you use underfloor heating .
Are There Any Major Problems Associated with Condensing Boilers?
One of the few drawbacks of condensing boilers is that the condensate is slightly more acidic (note, by acidic we mean it’s about as acidic as tomato juice). However, your flue will very likely need to be re-lined with stainless steel or aluminum alloy to handle the more acidic exhaust fumes.
What is a condensing boiler?
Condensing boilers are water heaters fueled by gas or oil. They achieve high efficiency (typically greater than 90% on the higher heating value) by condensing water vapour in the exhaust gases and so recovering its latent heat of vaporisation, which would otherwise have been wasted.
How does a boiler work?
In a conventional boiler, fuel is burned and the hot gases produced pass through a heat exchanger where much of their heat is transferred to water, thus raising the water's temperature. One of the hot gases produced in the combustion process is water vapour (steam), which arises from burning the hydrogen content of the fuel.
What is the best material for a condensing boiler?
The primary and secondary heat exchangers are constructed of materials that will withstand this acidity, typically aluminum or stainless steel. Since the final exhaust from a condensing boiler has a lower temperature than the exhaust from an atmospheric boiler 38 °C (100 °F) vs. 204 °C (400 °F) a mechanical fan is always required to expel it, with the additional benefit of allowing the use of low-temperature exhaust piping (typically PVC in domestic applications) without insulation or conventional chimney requirements. Indeed, the use of conventional masonry chimney, or metal flue is specifically prohibited due to the corrosive nature of the flue products, with the notable exception of specially rated stainless steel and aluminum in certain models. The preferred/common vent material for most condensing boilers available in North America is PVC, followed by ABS and CPVC. Polymer venting allows for the added benefit of flexibility of installation location including sidewall venting saving unnecessary penetrations of the roof.
What materials are used to make condensate?
The condensate produced is slightly acidic (3-5 pH), so suitable materials must be used in areas where liquid is present. Aluminium alloys and stainless steel are most commonly used at high temperatures. In low temperature areas, plastics are most cost effective (e.g., uPVC and polypropylene ). The production of condensate also requires the installation of a heat exchanger condensate drainage system. In a typical installation, this is the only difference between a condensing and non-condensing boiler.
What temperature should a boiler be in condensing mode?
The lower the return temperature to the boiler the more likely it will be in condensing mode. If the return temperature is kept below approximately 55 °C (131 °F), the boiler should still be in condensing mode making low temperature applications such as radiant floors and even old cast iron radiators a good match for the technology.
Why is the control of a domestic condensing boiler important?
The control of the domestic condensing boiler is crucial to ensuring that it operates in the most economic and fuel efficient way.
What is boiler performance?
Boiler performance is based on the efficiency of heat transfer and highly dependent on boiler size/output and emitter size/output. System design and installation are critical. Matching the radiation to the Btu/Hr output of the boiler and consideration of the emitter/radiator design temperatures determines the overall efficiency of the space and domestic water heating system.
How does a condensing boiler work?
Your boiler will either be using gas or oil as its primary fuel. This fuel will begin to burn once the boiler is ignited. As this fuel burns, it inputs the heat from the burner into a primary heat exchanger. Hot air travels through this heat exchanger and is held there for as long as possible to bump up the temperature. This heats up your radiators.
Why do we call it a condensing boiler?
The name 'condensing' comes from the way that the boiler operates. Condensing boilers are designed to help improve energy efficiency and are found in most UK households today. Condensing boilers run on gas or oil.
How long do condensing boilers last?
How long your condensing boilers last will depend on numerous factors such as its build quality, the boiler model itself and the usage . It is also important that you get your boiler serviced annually. In most cases, your boiler warranty will become void if you do not carry out the correct annual servicing on your boiler.
What is the difference between a condensing boiler and a non condensing boiler?
The main difference between a condensing and a non-condensing boiler is the amount of useable heat that is produced. Another difference is that non-condensing boilers only have one heat exchanger. Those who still have a non-condensing boiler in their homes can often see the waste gases being released from their flue, ...
How many heat exchangers does a condensing boiler have?
Most condensing boilers have two heat exchangers to increase efficiency. If you would like more information on what a heat exchanger is, we cover this in another blog, so you can head over and read that blog once you’re done reading this.
What is the temperature of a condensing boiler?
You would expect the heat from an older boiler to reach above 200 degrees celsius, however, newer, condensing boilers, reduce this to around 55 degrees celsius.
How much does a new boiler save?
When it comes to how much a new condensing boiler could save you regarding your energy bills, replacing your old non-condensing boilers with a condensing boiler and improving your heating controls could save you as much as £300 a year !