Condensing Boilers: Are They a Viable Investment

Replacing an older appliance with a new model can seem like a significant decision for homeowners. However, there are several reasons why this decision can make sense. These include the the old appliance wasting fuel, breaking down often, and not warming the home effectively during colder months. Modern high-efficiency units work by capturing heat from the gases that leave the flue. As a result, these appliances use less fuel to provide the same amount of heat to the property.

Homeowners can ask themselves whether replacing the existing appliance with a high-efficiency model is worth it right now or whether improving the controls or servicing the existing unit would provide more value to the household. The answer to this question will depend on several factors regarding the current appliance.

This technology can interest homeowners for several reasons. This article will discuss condensing boilers, how they work, and when it might make sense to upgrade to one.

What is a condensing boiler

A high-efficiency unit is a modern appliance. As compared with older models, condensing boilers release less heat outside of the home. This is achieved by using a heat exchanger that captures some of the heat from the flue gases before they leave the unit.

The recovered heat warms water for central warmth and hot water. Consequently, less fuel must be used to heat the water. Most modern replacements use gas or oil. In the majority of cases, A-rated models will be available as condensing boilers.

Why are modern condensing appliances more efficient

These modern units have been designed to use some of the heat from the flue gases. This makes them more energy efficient than their older counterparts. Additionally, they work best with  good system controls such as time controls, thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves, and ensuring that the water that circulates through the home maintains suitable temperatures.

The hotter the water that returns from the home’s radiators, the less efficiently unit can operate. High-efficiency models work better if the water is cooled before it returns to the appliance to be reheated.

Main benefits of modern efficient appliances

Modern units use less fuel than older models because they use some of the heat from the flue gases to heat the water used in the home’s heating system.

They can also offer a comfort advantage advantage over older models because the ability to control the timing and temperatures of the water that circulates through the home reduces overheating of some parts of the home while others remain cold.

Efficient replacements can also lead to the reduction of carbon emissions from the home because they use less fuel than  older units.

Newer models are usually more reliable than older models because the newer models have better quality control of the internal components.

Modern units can support better long-term control of the setup because they work with newer controls such as programmable timers, thermostats, and the ability to compensate for changes in the outdoor temperature or the load in the home.

Are condensing boilers a worthwhile investment?

A replacement can be a worthwhile investment if the existing unit is old and needs to be replaced. If a homeowner has an older model that does not condense efficiently or is of a low efficiency rating,  a high-efficiency replacement will offer the best value.

If a homeowner already owns a reliable, A-rated model, it will not be worthwhile to replace it. Instead, upgrading the heating controls in the house will offer the best value for money.

Condensing boilers are a worthwhile investment in a home where the current appliance needs frequent servicing, breakdowns, or uses a great deal of fuel. Modern efficient appliances can help for homeowners looking to improve the efficiency of their setups.

When might replacement make sense

A condensing boiler replacement will be worthwhile if any of the following situations exist in the current setup:

• The current appliance is old and inefficient
• The cost of repairing the appliance is high
• The appliance breaks down very often
• The energy cost for the home is high
• The performance of the hot water in the home has dropped
• The parts for the appliance are becoming difficult to source
• The setup does not have suitable controls for heating the home
• The appliance does not meet the warmth and hot water needs currently

A high-efficiency replacement might also make sense when a homeowner is undertaking home renovation work. However, it is a good idea to first consider the cost of repairing the existing appliance versus the cost of undertaking a complete replacement.

When might you keep the existing appliance?

There are a few instances where it is better to leave the existing unit in place. For instance, if it is old but still reliably performs its functions, and has a good efficiency rating, it might be better to seek ways of improving the performance of the existing setup rather than investing in a complete replacement.

Some of the upgrades that could be undertaken to improve the efficiency of an older setup include:

• Installing thermostatic radiator valves
• Improving the time and temperature controls within the system
• Lowering the flow temperature of the hot water through the home’s radiators
• Balancing the radiators throughout the home
• Cleaning the dirty pipework that distributes the water throughout the home
• Adding a magnetic filter to the water that circulates through the system
• Booking regular servicing of the current setup

What should you check before upgrading?

The age of the existing unit can be checked. However, the age of the current model is only one of the factors to consider when deciding whether or not to upgrade to a replacement appliance.

An efficiency rating can be checked for the existing boiler. If the efficiency of the current appliance is low, a high-efficiency model that uses less fuel will save money on energy costs. A-rated models will waste less energy than old models.

Controls for the existing appliance can be assessed. Modern units work best with good controls such as time controls, thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves, and suitable temperatures for the water.

The quality of the water that is used in property’s pipework and controls can be assessed. Condensing boilers are vulnerable to damage caused by dirty water. In this case, it is recommended that a water treatment product is added prior to installation of the condensing boiler.

A homeowner can consider the warmth and hot water needs. The type of replacement installed in the home will depend upon the demands of the household’s hot water needs, household size, insulation in the property, and the size of the radiators that are currently installed in the home.

Finally, the cost of installing a new appliance can be checked. Condensing boilers cost a significant amount of money. It is important that a homeowner considers the potential savings that could be made against the installation cost.

Do modern boilers need special controls?

Modern units need special time and temperature controls to work efficiently in the home. An additional measure of efficiency can be incorporated into the controls of the appliance.

Many modern models include features that improve overall efficiency. Condensing boilers feature weather compensation, load compensation, flue gas heat recovery, and some feature smart controls that can be set up by the homeowner. These features will only prove beneficial to the homeowner if they are appropriately selected and set up according to the features of the home.

Can a new efficient appliance reduce bills?

A new efficient unit may reduce bills that a household pays for fuel if the current appliance is inefficient. Factors that will influence the cost savings are the efficiency of the current appliance, the type of fuel that is used, the efficiency of the controls, the size of the home, and the habits of the residents of the household.

Replacement will not reduce bills as much if the existing boiler is modern but still in working order. Instead, improving the controls or the efficiency of the current setup might achieve the same result at a lower cost.

Efficient appliance upgrades in Norwich and Norfolk

Allstar Systems offers boiler installation, replacement, servicing and repairs in Norwich and Norfolk.

Our engineers will inspect your current boiler and provide an honest opinion on whether it is worth replacing it with a condensing model or whether servicing or improving the controls in the current system will be more beneficial. Additionally, the engineer will be able to inspect your radiators and pipework to determine whether a replacement is unnecessary.

When should you call a heating engineer?

If any of the following apply to your current boiler, it is worth calling in a heating engineer from Allstar Systems:

• Your appliance is breaking down very often
• Your energy bills have increased significantly
• The performance of the hot water in the home has dropped in performance
• Your current appliance is old and inefficient

It is also worthwhile to call an engineer before replacing a working appliance. An engineer can provide an inspection report that highlights areas for improvement that will save you money in the long term.

Need advice about a more efficient heating upgrade?

Allstar Systems can provide you with an expert opinion on the best way to upgrade your household setup. Call us on the telephone or request a visit from one of our engineers to your property in Norwich or anywhere across Norfolk.