When searching for a new boiler, you need to make sure the boiler you choose provides you with greater and better efficiency and features. Condensing or non-condensing boilers are available for your home but what are the differences between the two?  

Learning about the difference between a condensing and a non-condensing boiler will help you choose the most energy-efficient heating system for your home.

Condensing Boilers

How Do Condensing Boilers Work?

Condensing boilers are usually fueled gas or oil-fired. By condensing water vapour in exhaust fumes and extracting the latent heat of evaporation, they can achieve great efficiency. The fluid form of the condensed vapour then exits the system via a drain. Condensing boiler systems are also thought to be safer.

What are the advantages of condensing boilers?

1 Increased Energy Efficiency

The improved and increased efficiency of condensing boilers is one of the main reasons why they are preferred by homeowners. This high level of efficiency is made possible because of the boiler's ability to store maximum heat, which also helps when it comes to heating hot water.

Lowers Carbon Footprint

Condensing boilers emit much less carbon dioxide, allowing you to help reduce your carbon footprint. Installing a condensing boiler in your home can save roughly 1000 kg of carbon each year.

Safe for the home

One of the reasons that make condensing boilers safe is because they are completely insulated and take air outside the room, reducing the risk of an accident. You will also be glad to know that there is no danger of harmful substances or gases escaping inside the room.

What are the disadvantages of condensing boilers?

Complex Boiler Systems

For starters, because the external pipe is subject to freezing, the boiler can shut down in extremely cold weather. Furthermore, the acid condensate can cause condensing boilers to corrode. However, they are still very much worth it because of the improved efficiency.

Expensive to maintain

Because of the complexity of the boiler system, condensing boilers are more expensive to maintain, which may affect gas boiler pricing. Even though they are costly to maintain they are cost-effective alternatives in the long run.

Non-Condensing Boilers

How do Non-Condensing Boilers Work?

These are commonly known as open vent boilers and they draw air from the room.  They have a single heat exchange chamber through which all hot gases pass to heat the water contained within the exchanger's walls.  

What are the advantages of non-condensing boilers?

Cost-Effective

Non-condensing boilers are significantly less expensive to install and can help you save a lot of time throughout the installation process.

Easy to Install

When compared to condensing boilers, the process of installing these non-condensing boilers is rather simple, especially when carried out by a fully trained and qualified heating engineer.

Cheaper to maintain

Maintaining and repairing it is less expensive. It could save you a lot more money in the long term than condensing boilers.

Both of these types of boiler systems have different venting requirements and the operating temperature of a non-condensing boiler is usually higher.

What are the disadvantages of non-condensing boilers?

Less Energy Efficient

The efficiency of these boilers is much lower than that of condensing boilers, resulting in greater energy expenses. As a result, the initial savings will be applied to the electricity bill.

Less Environmentally Friendly

If you care about the environment and want to contribute to a greener future, a non-condensing boiler may not be an option for you to consider as it is less environmentally friendly than a condensing boiler.

So, which one should you choose?

Based on their efficiency, savings, sustainability, and ease of usage, condensing boilers are a great option and if you're concerned about large installation costs, we can help! Speak to our heating engineers throughout Telford, Newport, Atterley and Shifnal by calling us on 01952300008.

‍