What is a Condensing Boiler
We have had condensing boilers around for 20 years now and these have proved to be the most effficient boilers available offering lower running and fuel costs that non-condensing boilers. Unfortunately condensing boilers have not grown in popularity as they should have had. This is because of a large number of myths and mis-conceptions about their reliability. This was mainly due to early teething problems - which are now resolved - 20 years on.
Condensing boilers have a reputation for being over-complicated and therefore unreliable, but nowadays this is somply not the case. Almost all of the well known manufacturers have very very reliable boilers. This explains why they offer 5 years parts and labour guarantees. Think about it for a second; how many car manufacturers offer that on the cars that they make?
So, what is a condensing boiler? A condensing boiler works by removing heat from the fuel it is burning and also cooling the products of combustion, which are normally wasted up the flue. The water vapour in them turns into liquid. This happens at around 55°C. If a boiler wants to cool the products of combustion this much it must have a larger, more efficient heat exchanger.
So what aren't all boilers condensing? Well, the liquid water (condensate) has to be removed from the boiler and to add this to a tradional boiler would require materials to be added which would not normally be used in the manufacture of these boilers. Secondly, the flues gases lose their natural buoyancy when they are cooled and a fan must be used to expel these products - traditional boilers dont have a fan. Finally, larger heat exchangers cost more money to make and manufacturers use clever designs to ensure the end user saves more money on reduced bills than they spend on the condensing boiler.
Are they expensive? They cost a little more for the reasons already mentioned. Savings can be upto £250 per year but more likely around £130 per year. You also have to factor in the saved costs in repair and maintenance which can be around £19 per month with a British Gas Homecare agreement.
Condensing boilers have a reputation for being over-complicated and therefore unreliable, but nowadays this is somply not the case. Almost all of the well known manufacturers have very very reliable boilers. This explains why they offer 5 years parts and labour guarantees. Think about it for a second; how many car manufacturers offer that on the cars that they make?
So, what is a condensing boiler? A condensing boiler works by removing heat from the fuel it is burning and also cooling the products of combustion, which are normally wasted up the flue. The water vapour in them turns into liquid. This happens at around 55°C. If a boiler wants to cool the products of combustion this much it must have a larger, more efficient heat exchanger.
So what aren't all boilers condensing? Well, the liquid water (condensate) has to be removed from the boiler and to add this to a tradional boiler would require materials to be added which would not normally be used in the manufacture of these boilers. Secondly, the flues gases lose their natural buoyancy when they are cooled and a fan must be used to expel these products - traditional boilers dont have a fan. Finally, larger heat exchangers cost more money to make and manufacturers use clever designs to ensure the end user saves more money on reduced bills than they spend on the condensing boiler.
Are they expensive? They cost a little more for the reasons already mentioned. Savings can be upto £250 per year but more likely around £130 per year. You also have to factor in the saved costs in repair and maintenance which can be around £19 per month with a British Gas Homecare agreement.
