Plumbing: Frequently Asked Questions: Condensing Boilers
What is a condensing boiler and how do they work?
A condensing boiler is essentially the same as a normal fan-flued boiler except that it has a larger heat exchanger, which absorbs more of the heat from the burner and flue gases. Given the right conditions, i.e. when the return water is cool enough to cool the gasses below 54deg C; the flue gases condense and release latent heat back into the boiler, this would otherwise be wasted. The gases coming out of a conventional boiler flue are generally 250-300oC (HOT!) - on a condensing boiler they are around 50-60oC so the potential for savings is obvious.
Condensing Boiler Installer
Why is 54 degrees Celsius the magic temperature for condensing boilers?
54 degrees Celsius is the temperature at which moisture in the flue gasses starts to condense. The return water temperature will be a few degrees below this.
Will condensing boilers give me a better SAP rating?
The SAP will definitely improve compared to a conventional boiler as their greater seasonal efficiency leads to lower fuel consumption. However insulation will also improve the SAP, if you can only afford one then go for the extra insulation.
Boiler Installations Newcastle
A condensing boiler is essentially the same as a normal fan-flued boiler except that it has a larger heat exchanger, which absorbs more of the heat from the burner and flue gases. Given the right conditions, i.e. when the return water is cool enough to cool the gasses below 54deg C; the flue gases condense and release latent heat back into the boiler, this would otherwise be wasted. The gases coming out of a conventional boiler flue are generally 250-300oC (HOT!) - on a condensing boiler they are around 50-60oC so the potential for savings is obvious.
Condensing Boiler Installer
Why is 54 degrees Celsius the magic temperature for condensing boilers?
54 degrees Celsius is the temperature at which moisture in the flue gasses starts to condense. The return water temperature will be a few degrees below this.
Will condensing boilers give me a better SAP rating?
The SAP will definitely improve compared to a conventional boiler as their greater seasonal efficiency leads to lower fuel consumption. However insulation will also improve the SAP, if you can only afford one then go for the extra insulation.
Boiler Installations Newcastle