System Condensing Boilers

Since 2005 (2007 for oil) all new domestic boilers installed in the UK have to be Condensing. This is because they are more efficient and burn less gas to produce heat.

All types of boilers come in Condensing models.  A condensing boiler is more efficient as it utilises more of the heat generated to heat water. This is done by a complex burning mechanism inside the boiler, that after burning the gas, the boiler cools the residual heat to a vapour or condensation. This condensation will still be hot, so the boiler maximises this heat too, instead of losing it straight away through the flue. As a consequence the boiler produces more condensation. This will need to be piped away, normally outside and into your waste water system, something that old boilers didn't have to worry about.

For this reason they're a little more complicated to install and when you replace your old boiler the installer may not be able to replace it in the same position

Installing a condensing boiler can save on your fuel bill as Condensing boilers are up to 90% efficient, therefore for every £1 you spend on your fuel bill, your boiler will have been effective at providing you with 90p of useful heating and hot water, with 10p being wasted. An old non condensing boiler  is typically 55% efficient, therefore wasting 45p in every £1 you spend on your gas or oil fuel bill.

If you don't have a condensing boiler and it was fitted before 2005 don't worry you can still use it. However a new boiler could save you money on your gas bills and help the environment.

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