A condensing boiler is the most efficient form of boiler available as it is able to capture heat from waste flue gases – which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere – and recycle it back into your heating system. This high efficiency is thanks to heat exchangers inside the boiler which, during the heat recovery process, rapidly cool the waste gases and ‘condense’ the water vapour into water droplets (or condensate), which is what gives the boilers their name.
This technology means that a condensing boiler can convert around 90% of the fuel it uses into heat, compared to around 60-70% for non-condensing boilers. In other words, a condensing boiler won’t have to work as hard or burn as much fuel to create heat, which will save you money. On top of this, minimising waste gas emissions makes condensing boilers safer for the environment.
In summary, you could say that the term ‘condensing’ refers to the way a boiler functions, rather than being a type of boiler such as a combination (combi), conventional or system model. But in today’s world, whichever modern high efficiency boiler you choose it will be condensing, allowing you to enjoy economical and environmental benefits.
Are gas fired boilers being phased out?