What is a BOILER?

A boiler is used to heat water where water supply is freezing cold to the point that it is unbearable for daily use. Traditional boilers use combustion technology (with the use of coal, wood, fuel, oil, or natural gas to power boilers), where the produced heat is diffused into the atmosphere and is usually being wasted.

How do they save the environment?
Traditional boilers employ the use of hot combustion gases (as mentioned above) which produce lots of harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and are not equipped with flues to capture back the heat produced. The water vapor is wasted which can otherwise be recovered and used back. Condensing boilers, on the other hand, are equipped with flues that capture back the lost gases and thermal heat, reuse it to heat water, and the water vapor or steam produced is utilized back instead of wasting it. Carbon dioxide produced by condensing boilers is significantly REDUCED by 30%, which means it uses lesser energy, meaning, you have lesser fuel costs.

You save the environment by reducing the carbon dioxide emission, while at the same time saving your energy costs as well. A condensing boiler diffuses heat and energy back to the flue, thereby ensuring efficient thermal usage and is guaranteed as an energy saver. Condensing boilers has now replaced the use of combustion boilers in Europe and in North America because of its environmental benefits, since energy sources are ever rising and are becoming limited.

Are they expensive?
Compared to a traditional boiler, yes it costs more. But think about this - you choose between spending less with a traditional boiler then spend more on your winter fuel for months and years, OR, treat the additional expense as an investment to lessen your fuel costs in the long run, and give you more savings.


If this is the case, why are condensing boilers not widely used yet?
The most common reasons are:
- People are scared of new technology or may not be properly informed about its use;
- Cost considerations because getting a new condensing boiler is expensive.

People don't realize that:

• Locating a new condensing boiler is never different with finding a location for a traditional one. Your only requirement is to find a location for the condensate drain, and to consider how the house plumbing is configured. Usually, the best place for this is near the kitchen sink on the wall.
  

• You can easily replace your old conventional boiler into a condensing one. They can be floor standing or wall-hung, and all you have to consider is the fluing extensions if required. Condensing boilers are very easy to install that it can fit as a non-condensing boiler. No need to change the systems in place. No need to alter any existing plumbing either.
  

• New but traditional boilers generate 55-60% efficiency. A condensing boiler has 83% to 92%, and even a non-condensing boiler is at 75%. Result, you still gain more efficiency with a condensing type compared to a traditional one.
  

• No need to to install oversized radiators for more efficiency gain. If you have radiators installed in an existing boiler system, there is no change required with a condensing one.
  

About the High Costs?
Consider your energy costs, most especially so for the coming winter months. A condensing boiler indeed entails more cost, but the upgrade will serve you better in the long run by helping you save more on fuel costs.

What others don't realize is, condensing boilers are in fact more expensive, but it significantly reduces your fuel costs to about 40%. You spend £10 fueling a traditional boiler which only provides 75% efficiency or £7.50 worth of heat, and you just wasted £2.50. A condensing boiler on the other hand will get you 90% efficiency on a £10 which translates to £9 worth of heat and wasted only £1, compared to the £2.50 wasted on a conventional boiler. In the long run, your fuel costs are more expensive with traditional boilers. In a condensing boiler, you are guaranteed to save on winter fuel since it operates on lesser energy and is guaranteed to provide you more thermal heat.

Want more information on boiler service? We can help you with your boiler needs and saving on fuel costs.

Never jump into buying something that you haven't thought of very well. For all you know, you just got impressed with the sales talk. Getting a new boiler is a major home investment and there are a lot of things to think about before getting your wallet to pay.

Okay, so you need a new and replacement boiler with high efficiency rating which is readily available on the market. But when the boiler engineer inspects, consider these things first:

1. How much are you willing to spend? It can very much help if you do your research on finance options before the engineer visits. This is for you to determine the best possible spending options for you if the new investment hurts your wallet just too much.

2. Where are you placing it? Remember that a new condensing boiler releases steam. You may need to relocate your flue since the steam might be a nuisance to where it is now.

3. What kind of demand would you have at your home? Consider your family’s lifestyle about how many people need hot water at the same time. How many bathrooms do you have and how many people are expected to use the boiler at the same time (especially in the morning when everyone needs to get ready)? This is what the engineer needs to know if the new boiler can accommodate your family’s needs.

4. Are you planning any home alterations in the future? This is important for the engineer to know. If you may have future home expansion plans, the boiler to recommend must accommodate that possible increase in demand. If you want a loft in the future, let the engineer know so he can avoid suggesting a conventional boiler.

Be open for possible alternatives. AIf the budget can still accommodate, consider the advantages of a solar heating system. It sure is expensive, but if combined with a new boiler installation, your costs will be drastically cut and you have bigger fuel savings in the long run. Plus the advantage of you contributing to the welfare of the environment.

Things you need to ask the Engineer. Don’t be afraid to ask too many questions because you are just clarifying your needs with this new investment.

• How long have they been in the business and how well established are they?
• Are they CORGI registered?
• Is their work guaranteed? If something goes wrong, will they provide insurance or service warranty or some sort?
• Is their after sales service reliable?
• Are they willing to provide a full written quotation that breaks down the cost of labour, parts, and the exact details of the boiler (make, capacity and efficiency) to be supplied?

Investing in a new boiler is like getting a new car. You need to consider so many things and you need to ask a lot of questions since this is for long term use.

It’s always handy to know that you’ve made a wise decision and also to avoid any future problems that may arise. Take your time and study this guide before you head to the market.