What is a condensing boiler

To create a comfortable temperature in a private home, various heating devices are used. One such device is a condensing boiler. A heating device of this type is considered innovative and is widely used in European countries. What is a condensing boiler? Where is it best to use it and how does it differ from other devices of this type?

What is a condensing boiler

First of all, you need to understand the device. Condensing boilers are heating devices. The principle of their operation is similar to other similar designs. When fuel burns, heat is released, which heats the coolant. As a rule, boilers of this type use main or liquefied gas in their operation. It is this type of fuel that makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the device to 90 percent.

The designers didn't stop there. In a condensing boiler, the efficiency level is much higher than ninety percent. This “addition” literally appeared out of thin air. When gas burns, water is formed, which comes out along with smoke. In this case, about ten percent of energy is lost. The designers of condensing boilers made sure that these calories were not wasted.

The main elements of the device are as follows:

• chamber where fuel combustion occurs;
• heat exchangerHere, the heat from the burned fuel is transferred to water or another coolant;
• coaxial chimney. Designed to remove gases from burnt fuel to the outside;
• automation. The devices allow you to monitor and control the condition and operation of the boiler;
• additional devices. This includes an expansion tank, circulation pump and more.

Despite the common components of heating systems with other types of boilers, there is an important distinguishing feature. The condensing device has a different configuration of the heat exchanger and chimney. Gases from fuel combustion pass through an additional chamber. Here the water contained in the smoke is cooled and gives off its heat to the incoming water. It is due to this that increased efficiency is obtained.

Where is it used?

What the device is used for is clear from its name. The condensing boiler is designed for heating systems of private houses and apartments. Depending on the equipment, the design can be used for two purposes:

1. If there is one circuit, the boiler is used only to heat the coolant in the heating system.
2. If the device is equipped with two circuits, the scope of application expands. In this embodiment, the boiler is used both in the heating system of a private house or apartment, and for hot water supply.

Important! It is better to entrust the installation of a condensing boiler to professionals. A special chimney is used here. If it is installed incorrectly, condensation will accumulate inside the system and quickly disable it.

Difference from other types of boilers

The main difference is the special design of the heat exchanger. The design allows you to receive additional heat from water vapor contained in the smoke from burnt fuel.Otherwise, a condensing boiler is similar to other types of heating devices for heating systems.

When making his choice, the buyer always pays attention to the positive and negative aspects of the device. In the case of condensing boilers, the advantages of the devices include:

• The first undoubted advantage is fuel economy. Even in comparison with an innovative convection boiler, it is more than thirty percent. And the less fuel spent, the more money saved;
• environmental friendliness. Due to its characteristics, the boiler produces less harmful emissions into the atmosphere;
• The smoke exits at a low temperature. This is also due to the operating features of the device. As a result, the chimney can be made of plastic. Another advantage of the low temperature of the exhaust smoke is improved fire safety.

There are also other advantages. For example, condensing heating boilers are quieter than their “brothers,” which improves living comfort. But the device also has its drawbacks. Here, first of all, experts point to the high cost of the device and additional accessories for it. The unit has an innovative and complex design. This makes the boiler many times more expensive than its “brothers” with similar power.

Important! When purchasing, you should also consider the cost of spare parts. Condensing boilers have a sensitive heat exchanger. If the device is not used correctly and periodic maintenance is not carried out, then if it breaks down, repairs will be expensive.

Another drawback is the problems that arise with the disposal of condensate. Up to three liters of liquid are produced per hour of boiler operation, depending on its power.However, condensate is not pure water. This includes various oils and acids. It is difficult to dispose of such a volume of “unclean” liquid, especially if the house is not connected to a centralized sewerage system.

But all these disadvantages are compensated by the benefits of fuel economy. Expensive condensing boilers are innovative devices. With proper use and timely maintenance, they last a long time. Over the entire period of operation, increased costs can be fully covered by savings on gas purchases.