subject: Benefits of a Condensing Boiler [print this page] With today's energy prices sky rocketing and the damaging effects of global warming, conserving energy and reducing our carbon footprint is becoming more important. Installing an A rated, high efficiency condensing boiler with good system controls such as room and cylinder thermostats is an area that a lot of homes in the UK still lack. Thermostatic radiator valves are also a very good way of cutting down on unused or overheated rooms. Being fully aware and understanding how your system works is a good step towards becoming more energy efficient and in the long run will save you money too.
Condensing boilers get their name because they enter what is called "condensing mode" periodically. In other words, they start to extract heat from the exhaust gases that would otherwise escape through the flue, in the process turning water vapour from the gas back into liquid water or condensate.
There are two types of condensing boiler: regular and combination. Regular condensing boilers heat your hot water through a hot water cylinder. Combination condensing boilers give you instant hot water without the need for a cylinder.
Is a combination condensing boiler more efficient than a regular condensing boiler?
A combination boiler can be more efficient because of the way it supplies hot water to your home. Other types of boilers produce hot water and then store it in a cylinder for use as and when. This is quite an efficient process, but if the hot water is not used immediately, then inevitably some heat will be wasted even if the cylinder is insulated.
If your boiler is 15 years old or more then it could be a G rated boiler. Replacing an old G rated boiler with a new A rated condensing boiler and a full set of heating controls can save up to a quarter on your heating bills straight away and up to 1,300kg of CO2 year. If your boiler is younger than 15 years, then it is likely to be more efficient so will save you less if you replace it.
Obviously, a skilled heating engineer will always be required to replace, install or even just maintain a condensing boiler. To find a highly skilled plumbing and heating engineer it makes sense to utilize a resource that contains only accredited, examined and above all safe heating engineers.
Previously in the UK the stamp of good workmanship was carried by Corgi. Corgi no longer exists but The Gas Safe Register has taken its place and provides an online directory of thoroughly tested and examined gas heating engineers.
These plumbing and heating engineers undergo regular testing which must be passed to a satisfactory standard should the plumbing and heating engineer wish to remain accredited.
Many people today are looking for low energy consumption, environmentally friendly gas heating systems. There are many modern systems on the market too, and it is great to know that they can be supplied and installed by skilled plumbing and heating engineers, governed by organizations such as gas safe.
