Gas condensing boilers
What is a gas condensing boiler?
Choosing a new or replacement gas boiler can be quite tedious as there are numerous options to pick from. For example, not many people know the difference between a combi boiler and a condensing boiler. If you are in this category, then you can count yourself lucky, as we are going to discuss everything you need to know about gas condensing boilers in this article.
What’s the difference between a combi boiler and a condensing boiler?
The terms combi boiler and condensing boiler are often used interchangeably. However, it is essential for us to know the difference so as to better understand how the boilers work.
Firstly, combi boiler is the shorten name for what is called a combination boiler. Like the name suggests, it combines both heating and storing of water in a single unit. This means that the water supplied by the mains is heated inside the tank and at the exact moment it is needed. Since the combi boiler stores water in its own tank, it does not need a separate storage tank, thus making it more economical and more suitable for domestic use.
On the other hand, a condensing boiler uses condensing technology to improve the heat generated from burning fuels such as gas or oil. In essence, a combination boiler can also be a condensing boiler. In fact, most boilers used in Ireland are gas condensing combi boilers.
How does a condensing boiler work?
While non-condensing boilers are only about 30-50% efficient due to combustion gasses escaping into the flue, condensing combi boiler, on the other hand are highly efficient and record numbers of up to 99% efficiency.
The reason condensing boilers are efficient is because the heat already in the flue gases are recycled into the heating system and used to preheat the water entering the boiler. The temperature of the flue gas reduces from about 130℃ to 50℃ during the recycling process. It is this drop in temperature that causes what is called condensation. Efficient broilers condense up to two litres of water an hour, and this water is removed from the broiler through an outlet called the condensate pipe.
Why is a condensing boiler safer?
While non-condensing boilers collect air from inside the room, condensing boilers on the other hand, takes in air from outside the room hereby ensuring there is no risk any object being sucked into the boiler. Condensing boilers also remove liquid from the boiler through a pipe that is connected to a drainage system, thus making it nearly impossible to come in contact with toxic substances.
Viessmann develop all their solutions with the future in mind. This means that systems are designed to integrate seamlessly, giving you the chance to future-proof your home or business by incorporating renewable and alternative energy sources. The vast majority of Viessmann products are also smart home ready, allowing you to control your system and save money wherever you are with just a tap.