A condensing boiler re-uses the waste heat produced when burning fuel (latent heat) to warm the cold water before it enters the boiler. Thanks to this energy recycling, condensing boilers are far more efficient than the older non-condensing boilers.
The name “condensing” comes from what happens in the flue. Water leaves the boiler as vapour, travels up the flue until it cools, then drips back down into a condense trap. This waste water then drains away through a condense pipe.
Older non-condensing boilers have a flue that slopes downwards; condensing boilers have a flue that slopes slightly upwards so the water runs back into the boiler.
All new boilers are condensing, in line with SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK), which states that a boiler should operate at 90% efficiency or above. Non-condensing boilers were operating at around 70–80% efficiency.
If you would like to speak to Allserve Heating & Plumbing about upgrading to a condensing boiler, or have a question, call us on 01923 254173 or email us.