Condensing boilers are highly efficient, safer than non-condensing boilers, and they could save you money on your heating bills. But what is the difference between condensing and non-condensing boilers, and what s you need to know when choosing a new boiler for your home?

How do condensing boilers work?

Condensing boilers are more efficient than older models because they can make better use of the heat they generate. Heat only boilers waste some heat because hot gases escape from the flue, but condensing boilers capture the heat from these gases and use it to heat heat the water in your central heating system – and they have a larger heat exchanger in order to do this. This means that they require less heat from the burner.

What is the difference between condensing boilers and non-condensing boilers?

Both combi and heat-only boilers can be condensing and non-condensing. While a non-condensing boiler will take air from inside the room, a condensing boiler will be fully sealed and take in air directly from outside through the flue.

Condensing boilers do not need to be burning all the time because they only fire fire when there is a demand of heat. However, old boilers usually have a pilot light which is burning all the time, whether or not it is required. A non-condensing boiler could be as little as 60% efficient which means you could be spending more than you should on your heating.

What are the benefits of having a condensing boiler?

Because they are more efficient that non-condensing models, condensing boilers could save you up to £300 a year on your heating bills. Condensing boilers are also safer because there is a lower risk of anything being sucked into the boiler. You could also significantly reduce your carbon footprint by switching to a condensing boiler.

Producing less carbon monoxide, condensing boilers are safer and provide improved indoor air quality. Other key benefits of having a condensing boiler include quieter operating conditions, which may be ideal for residential dwellings. Reduced maintenance costs and improved heating performance are all key qualities of a condensing boiler system.

Are all new boilers condensing boilers?

According to building regulations, all new boilers installed in homes should be high efficiency condensing boilers. However, some exceptions apply.

Ready to replace you old boiler?

The average boiler should last 10 to 15 years, so if your boiler is around this age and it’s a non-condensing boiler, you should consider getting it replaced with our boiler installation service. Not only will you be able to enjoy all the benefits of a condensing boiler, but you will save yourself a headache because your boiler will require more and more repairs as it gets older, and parts are more difficult to find.