Pros and cons of condensing boilers

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A condensing boiler is a great water heating system that operates either by gas or oil. This boiler uses gas to warm the water, and this process releases carbon dioxide and water. The difference between a condensing boiler and the old system is that it uses big heat exchangers which move the gases to the heater.

The main reason you should use a condenser is to produce a high heat amount from gases, this heat would have otherwise gone to waste.

Modern boilers work better because they have condensing boilers. These boilers have a better heat exchanger which keeps over 80% of heat from fuels. The high energy bills made researchers create a heat generator that will cut costs and save you money on heating bills. It would be great to look at if you want to replace yours.

You also need to choose your heating system carefully; it should bring enough heat to your house. However, you should avoid oversized heaters because they might raise utility costs. You should consider the following things before buying a condenser;

The number of visitors
Occupants in the home
If you use taps and shower at the same time
How big is your house?
Your capital.

Below we discuss everything you need to know about condensing boilers.

Pros of a condensing boiler

Condensing boilers have several benefits over others because they are modern. In countries like the UK, the government has required all their residents to use the condensing boiler and not any other type (this comes as part of their minimum C grade energy performance certificate requirements). This is the same case in the USA, and this shows how beneficial a boiling condenser is. The main pros of these boilers are;

1. They are efficient

These boilers have a 98% efficiency range but this depends on the model. The latest condenser designs have a feature that prevents boilers from condensing when there is a heat exchange. Condensing boilers are 30% more efficient and that is why they are better than other non-condensing boilers. They use waste heat to heat water before it gets into the boiler, and this acquires more heat from outside.

According to Easy Boiler Company who specialise in boiler installations, condensing boilers get over 12% more heat than other boilers. They will help to lower your energy bills and your carbon footprint. These boilers are good alternatives to the standard heating system. Most non-condensing boilers are 79% efficient but the old one’s range at 50%. The higher the boiler efficiency, the more money you will save.

2. You will have a lower carbon footprint

From 2006, it has become a must that you have a condensing boiler. Suppose your old system needs repair. These modern condensers lower toxic carbon emissions and most can save you over 1300 kilograms of carbon annually if you put one in your home. This feature makes you eligible for eco friendly grants which can help to clear installation bills.

3. Your home is safer

Modern condensing seals are covered well for heat insulation and they get air from the exterior place they are put at. There are no chances of the boiler sucking anything.

There is also no risk of contracting any toxic things because these liquids are emitted using a pipe in the drainage. It is easy to condense a boiler because they do not need a tank and you can store them in the cupboards.

4. They save space

You do not need to build a tank for your condensing boiler, you can create it in a sleek and compact manner. This is a benefit over other boilers because it can fit into any space with its small size to overcome any space issues.

5. They are friendly to the economy

A boiling condenser is more friendly to the environment because it retains waste to its system. These modern boilers have a smaller carbon footprint. You can save close to 1.8 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide. This gas would escape if it was a non-condensing boiler.

Disadvantages of condensing boilers

Most people assume that they should only replace their boilers when they become faulty. Below are some disadvantages of these boilers;

1. They are more complicated

These condensing boilers can shut down in extreme weather because their exterior pipe might freeze. These boilers might also become corroded by the acid concentration. However, these boilers are still worth it because of their high efficiency.

It would be great to keep your old boilers even after you update them as long as they still work. You should only shift to the condensers after the efficiency lowers, and this will be a great way to keep the old model in good shape.

2. They are expensive to maintain

Condensing boilers are more challenging to maintain because they are complex and require gas safe registered engineers, this will affect the boiler rates. It is easy to fix non-condensing boilers, meaning they will save you money for a short time. However, these modern boilers are more efficient for a long-term purpose.

3. They are corrosive

Most heating in these boilers occurs in parts made from aluminium which is a very corrosive agent. This metal corrodes in acidic places meaning you should be keen when using the anti-freezing feature in this boiler. You can destroy your boiler by using excess antifreeze features. However, it is advisable to check the PH every year or two because these conditions change with time.

It is challenging to find the right condensing boiler, and this is because they are plenty in the market. Some people also find it hard to detect when the boiler is condensing. Suppose you have a boiler in your home and you do not know whether it is condensing or not, you can check out the following things;

The installation dates. Condensing boilers came after 2005, meaning yours works well if it was made anytime from that year.
Drainage pipe and steam. You will know if you have a condensing boiler if you see any steam occurring from the flue and also if a white pipe leads to the drain.
Observe the flue. Your boiler might be non-condensing if it has more gases or a metallic flue.

Condensing boilers are getting more common among homes due to their several benefits. These boilers will make your heating system efficient, and keep your family safe always. Even though they are expensive, they will serve you for a long time, thus cutting repair costs.