Condensing boilers have been fitted to new homes for many years and are not a ‘new technology’, they can be wall mounted or floor standing. The advantage they offer over non-condensing boilers is a reduction in fuel costs. This is achieved because this type of boiler has a more effective ‘heat exchanger’ allowing more heat to be removed from the flue products rather than the heat you have paid for being expelled outside and lost to the atmosphere.
Higher Efficiency
They tend to have a higher purchase cost than non-condensing boilers although the efficiency savings pay back this extra investment in a few years depending upon the size of your property. It is recognised that a condensing gas boiler tends to have an efficiency of around 88% compared to non-condensing boiler of about 75%. Both these are significantly higher than old boilers which rate at between 55% -60%.
Types of Condensing Boilers
There are three types of condensing boilers, combi boilers, system boilers and regular boilers. The main difference between these is the use, or elimination of, various parts within a typical system such as the hot water cylinder or the expansion tank. For more information see the relevant pages in this site.
| Which Type of Condensing Boiler? | |
|---|---|
| I live in a bungalow or a flat and have no loft space | Combi |
| I want to convert my loft and use it for a room or I have very limited loft space | Combi |
| I live house with several people. We need a lot of hot water but don’t want to wait for a hot tank to heat up | Combi |
| I have a larger home with 2 or more bathrooms | Regular or System |
| I live in an area which often has low mains water pressure | Regular or System |
| I have a conventional central heating system and need to replace the boiler | Combi, Regular or System |
Possible side effects
Condensing boilers are often noted for their ‘pluming’, a feature sometimes mistaken for ’steam’ coming out of the flue. This is caused by water droplets held in suspension in the flue gases condensing in the colder outside atmosphere. Although non-hazardous ‘pluming’ may be a nuisance if the condensation interferes with windows so care is needed in positioning the flue pipe to avoid this. Also a small pipe need to be run to a drain to allow the condensate to flow away.
Building Regulations
The law in England & Wales changed in April 2005, which means only a condensing boiler can be fitted as a replacement boiler or complete new installation. There is a minor loophole to this law where, in exceptional circumstances, the local authority,can agree to an exemption certificate allowing a non-condensing boiler can be fitted.
Choosing the right type of boiler
There are details on all the types of condensing boilers in this site to enable you to decide which type is right for you. Alternatively you can ask a trustworthy boiler installer for their opinion, that is if there is one in your area that you know of and who gives good quality advice. If you are uncertain who to seek assistance from you can ask npower to assist, they are one of the nations leading boiler installers with highly trained Home Energy Consultants. British Gas also have home energy advisors.
Get a quote for a new condensing boiler
As part of a free, no-obligation, service an npower Home Energy Consultant can visit your home to assess which type and size of condensing boiler is right for you and will meet your family’s needs, they can also provide you with a firm quotation for a new boiler installation.
Whatever approach you adopt ensure you are well informed, don’t make the wrong decision which you could regret for the lifetime of your new boiler over the next 15 years.
If you are confident that you know what type of boiler and what power rating you require you could purchase a boiler for installation by a ‘Gas Safe’ qualified engineer ( this is a legal requirement). Examples of boilers which can be purchased direct from an alternative supplier are listed within this site for your information.