subject: A Few Of The Differences Between Combination Boilers And Condensing Boilers [print this page] In March of 2005 the regulations governing the installation of boilers were changed so that all of the units installed after that period would be condensing systems. Some people do not know the difference between condensing boilers and combination boilers, so this causes some confusion as to why the regulations were changed.
Facts about the condensing boilers:
These units have been proven to be over ninety percent more efficient than the other style
A condensing system is designed to recycle the fumes it creates and reuse any of the excess gas or oil in those fumes
By using their exhaust fumes as a part of their fuel these devices reduce the amount of money that their owners have to spend on heating and cooling bills.
These systems are designed for more efficiency but they can come in the combi style or in the style that will have a hot water storage tank.
Facts about the combination boilers:
A combination unit can be a condensing unit or it can be one that does not condense
The combi systems do not have tanks to store hot water in
They heat the water as it is required
The definition of a combi is that is both a water heating unit and a central heating unit
Take up less space in the home so they are ideal for smaller structures
Since they heat the water you want when you want it rather than store a set amount of heated water these units allow for everyone to have adequate amounts of heated water when they go to bathe, or do some cleaning chores. The other style of boiler that has a storage tank for the heated product can be drained and you will have to wait until the appliance can produce more before you can bathe.
These units will not need to be drained to prevent them from freezing in the harsh winter months like the tanks have to be
It is very important that you seek the advice of a professional before you begin to change out the boiler that you have. You want to make certain that the system you are switching to will provide your home with adequate amounts of hot water for your bathing, cooking, and cleaning needs. You also want to be assured that the temperature of the interior of the rooms will be comfortable during the cool months of the year. This will require buying a device that is the proper style, the proper size, and that burns a fuel that you have easily available in your area.
Gas is the most commonly used fuel to power these devices, but they can also be purchased to operate off of oil, or wood, or coal. The gas is a lot cheaper than the other items and not nearly as messy as the coal burning or the wood burning varieties are. The trouble with mains gas is that in some areas the supply of the product is not readily available.
Boilers are a device placed in a structure to provide hot water, or heat the air in the winter, or a combination of both of these things. Condensing boilers are more efficient to use than one that does not condense, but the good people at Vaillant can show which of the condensing versions are right for your needs.
