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What are Condensing Boilers?
Condensing boilers are water heaters fueled by gas or oil, renowned for their high efficiency levels, typically exceeding 90% on the higher heating value. They achieve this by condensing water vapor in the exhaust gases, thereby recovering its latent heat of vaporization, which would otherwise be wasted.
The condensed vapor exits the system in liquid form, typically via a drain. In many countries, the use of condensing boilers is either compulsory or encouraged through financial incentives.
So, why purchase a new condensing boiler?
The primary reason to invest in a new condensing boiler is the substantial savings in fuel costs. While most standard efficiency boilers operate at 70%-80% efficiency (with some older models as low as 50%), a condensing boiler can achieve optimal efficiency of 95%, sometimes even reaching 98% under certain conditions. Additionally, the reduced operation time of the boiler also helps to decrease carbon emissions.
How does a condensing boiler achieve such high efficiency?
In conventional boilers and condensing boilers, the heat input from the burner remains the same, typically around 250-300 degrees Celsius.
Understanding how a conventional boiler operates is crucial for comparing the two types of boilers. In a conventional boiler, there is a single heat exchanger. Water enters this heat exchanger at the coldest point and absorbs heat before circulating to radiators and hot water tanks.
The flue temperature in conventional boilers can reach up to 250 degrees Celsius, with this heat being expelled into the atmosphere and wasted.
On the other hand, a condensing boiler features two main heat exchangers. The water first enters the secondary (condensing) chamber, where it absorbs latent heat from hot flue gases as they cool.
Moisture in the gases condenses into droplets at the bottom of the heat exchanger. This condensate, mildly acidic like tomato juice, is then expelled to drain. The water then proceeds to the primary heat exchanger to collect more heat before circulating to radiators and hot water tanks.
With a condensing boiler, the flue temperature is around 55 degrees Celsius, meaning up to 200 degrees of heat is transferred to the heating water rather than being wasted into the atmosphere.
This means that you save loads of money in operating costs.
Condensing boilers do not continuously condense; they only do so when the return water temperature is sufficiently low. However, you still save money consistently due to the greater heat exchanging surface area provided by an additional heat exchanger and advancements in modern design.
Dispelling Myths about Condensing Boilers
Condensing boilers cannot be installed to existing systems.
This is not true.
A condensing boiler can be fitted to any system that previously had a conventional boiler installed.
Sometimes the increased efficiency means a feed and expansion system is not suitable.
This is easily overcome however by pressurising the system. Many engineers will do this as a matter of course.
Condensing Boilers are not as reliable.
Again this is not true.
In their infancy boiler manufacturers did have problems dealing with the slightly acidic condensate attacking the boiler heat exchanger but like all things they have improved this.
This is now no longer an issue.
All components are now just as reliable as conventional boilers.
Read about: PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE BOILER REPAIR
Condensing Boilers are only more efficient when fully condensing.
Not true. All condensing boilers are more efficient then conventional boilers at all times of operation.
The British Research Establishment confirmed this in a paper published in 2003 after research going back to 1980.
With Condensing Boilers the condense is a problem.
The condense can be easily installed by running to a safe drain or lime chipping soak away to neutralise the pH. Manufacturers even produce an inline acidic neutraliser that has puch fit fittings for easy installation to 3/4″ condense pipe.
What are the best Condensing Boilers to choose?
For the best Condensing Boilers of 2021, 2022 and Beyond please see our Best Condensing Boilers of 2021, 2022 and Beyond article.
Here at Let’s Heat we supply and install Condensing Boilers also know as the most popular selling combi boilers.
If you want a quote for supply and installation of a Condensing Boiler, please click here.
Can I finance my new system boiler?
Investing in a new boiler or heat pump and its installation can be costly if paid all at once. However, we offer various payment options to make it more manageable for you.
If you don’t have the funds upfront, you can opt for our FCA-approved finance package or choose from several split payment options.
Payment Options for Boiler Replacement:
For new boiler installations, you can pay by card, opt for zero deposit, and spread the cost monthly over 2 to 10 years or choose our finance package.
Identifying Boiler Problems:
If you’re experiencing issues with your boiler, we can assist in diagnosing the problem. You can contact us with your symptoms, and we’ll help determine whether a repair suffices or if a new boiler is necessary.
Read more: NEXT DAY BOILER INSTALLATION
So why Let’s Heat?
Let’s Heat: Quality & Accredited Boiler Installers
At Let’s Heat, our professional engineers and emergency plumbers deliver a reliable plumbing and heating service, including Boiler Installation in Cardiff and the surrounding CF postcode area in South Wales.
Our boiler installation and repair team is fully qualified and insured to the highest standards, ensuring exemplary workmanship and meeting all boiler installation requirements.
With a remarkable Trustpilot score of 4.9 out of 5, our team of high-quality professional engineers has earned the trust of our previous satisfied customers. We are fully accredited by Gas Safe and Corgi registered, and FCA approved for all financial transactions.
Our staff at Let’s Heat are experts in their field, boasting years of experience working on various emergency plumbing and heating solutions throughout Cardiff, Wales, and the UK.
Other Boiler Types:
In addition to Condensing boilers also known as combi boilers, we also supply and install these other boiler types:
- The Common, Heat Only Boiler
- A System Boiler
- Combi Boiler
- The new Heat Pump!
The Let’s Heat boiler installation & repair team are all fully qualified to the highest standards. We take pride in producing exemplary work standards. This includes completing all boiler installation requirement no matter what time or day this is required!
Our team of high quality professional engineers have an extremely high 4.9 out of 5, Trustpilot score given by our previous happy customers and we are fully accredited by Gas Safe and Corgi registered, as well as FCA approved for all of our financial transactions.
Read about: BAXI COMBI BOILERS REVIEW
Full range of heating & plumbing services provided by Let’s Heat:
- Boiler Repairs & Installations
- Boiler Supply & Fit
- Financing Your Boiler
- Emergency Boiler Repairs & Installations
- Emergency Boiler Supply & Fit
- Plumbing Repairs
- Bathroom Plumbing
- Kitchen Plumbing
- Emergency Plumbing Repairs
- Bathroom Plumbing in Emergencies
- Emergency Kitchen Plumbing
- General Plumbing Services
- Emergency Plumbing Services
- Emergency Gas & Heating Engineer
Read more: AFFORDABLE BOILER PRICES
Areas covered by our heating engineer services:
The Let’s Heat engineers cover all of Wales & England
WALES:
Let’s Heat provide Heat Pump installations throughout Wales.
This includes areas like; South East Wales, South Wales, South West Wales, Mid Wales, East Wales, West Wales, and North Wales.
Welsh Cities:
This includes all of the Welsh cities like; Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, and all other towns and cities in Wales.
ENGLAND:
Let’s Heat provide Heat Pump installations throughout England.
This includes areas like; South West England, South East England, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West England, and North East England.
Southern Cities
We provide our plumbing & heating services to cities all offer England like; London, Reading, Southampton, Portsmouth, Bristol, Exeter & Plymouth in the South.
Midlands Cities
As well as cities like; Gloucester, Swindon, Oxford, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham, Worcester, Wolverhampton, Walsall in the Midlands.
Northern Cities
And cities like; Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, York, Sheffield, Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough in the North.
Read about: BAXI BOILERS IN CARDIFF
Have any more questions?
If you have any further questions about boiler efficiency, other boilers, or anything else, please visit our FAQ Page where you might find the answers you’re looking for.
Alternatively, you can explore our News Blog for a plethora of articles and news covering all aspects of plumbing and heating.
To verify our Gas Safe Registration or view our near 5-star Trustpilot rating, please click the relevant link provided.
Don’t miss out on our exceptional value-for-money offering! Get a quote today.
Read more about:
BOILER INSTALLATION IN KINGSTON UPON HULL
FAQs
Is a condensing boiler worth it?
The main reason why condensing boilers are much better than non-condensing boilers is that they are at least 25% more efficient.
Is a condensing boiler the same as a combi boiler?
Ultimately, they are the same thing. In fact, all modern boilers are condensing boilers, including combi, system or regular boilers.
How do I know if my boiler is condensing?
Mainly there are two ways to tell: If you have a white plastic pipe coming out of the bottom of your boiler, then you have a condensing boiler. Another way to tell is by checkng if your flue (exhaust) is plastic. if it is, then it’s a condensing high efficiency boiler, if it’s all metal, then it’s a non condensing boiler.
What is the difference between a condensing boiler and a non condensing boiler?
Condensing boilers are vented with fan-powered plastic (PVC) pipes. These pipes can be terminated through a side wall. The combustion air for condensing burners is taken directly from outdoors, unlike non condensing systems that take air from the room itself.
Does a condensing boiler have a water tank?
A condensing combi boiler does not require a hot water tank and is available in a wide range of compact sizes. Thus it is more suitable and convenient to fit in a kitchen cupboard than conventional boiler models.