Busting the Myths about Condensing Boilers

When researching condensing boilers for your UK home, you might initially feel overwhelmed, especially with all the misconceptions surrounding this home comfort system. Fear not, as MPC Energy is here to shed light on the topic. As part of the complete guide to installing an energy-efficient boiler, this article aims to bust the myths about condensing boilers, easing your journey towards a cosy, warm home.

What Is a Condensing Boiler?

First things first—what makes a condensing boiler different from a standard boiler? At the forefront of modern heating technology, condensing boilers operate on the principle of water vapour condensation, letting them harness the heat from exhaust gases that traditional boilers discard. This makes your home more comfortable with less energy use.

Busting Condensing Boiler Myths

Separate the myths from the facts before installing a new boiler in your home. Here’s what you need to know.

Myth: Condensing boilers are only efficient when fully condensing

The notion that a condensing boiler must be in full condensing mode to be efficient is misleading. These modern heating systems feature a large heat exchanger, making them adept even without condensing at full capacity. A brand-new gas-run condensing boiler offers an impressive 92 to 95 per cent efficiency rate, casting a long shadow over the 85 per cent efficiency rate of non-condensing versions.

Myth: Condensing boilers are expensive

At one time, the price of condensing boilers was hefty enough to make anyone shudder. But thanks to recent advancements in manufacturing, the cost of materials for condensing boiler heat exchangers has plummeted. This price drop has made condensing boilers more accessible and debunks the myth that condensing boilers are expensive.

Myth: Condensing boilers need larger radiators

The idea that condensing boilers need more expensive, oversized radiators for optimal performance is only partly true. However, larger radiators only offer about a 3% increase in heating capacity, which hardly justifies the extra cost. So, don’t worry about pairing your condensing boiler with standard radiators; they get along just fine, ensuring your home stays toasty without burning a hole in your pocket.

Myth: Condensing boilers are less reliable than traditional boilers

As with any new technology, early condensing models faced a few reliability hiccups, which likely caused this myth to spread. However, significant upgrades over the last decade have morphed condensing boilers into reliable home heaters.

Myth: Condensing boilers are difficult to install

Most accounts of installation difficulties are greatly exaggerated. Besides finding a spot for the condensate drain, the installation process of a condensing boiler mirrors that of an ordinary gas or electric boiler. And with professional installers at your beck and call, transitioning to a condensing boiler is hassle-free.

Myth: The condensing boiler plume is a bother

Condensing boilers produce a noticeable mist of water vapour around the flue terminal, which some homeowners deem bothersome. However, this mist is a visual testament to the boiler working as intended, efficiently condensing the flue gases into usable heat for your home. Besides, a well-placed condensing boiler flue keeps the plume away from nearby properties and pedestrian paths, keeping homeowners and their neighbours happy.

Myth: A condensing boiler’s condensate is harmful

When homeowners learn that condensate is acidic, they often worry about its safety. But with pH levels of 3.5 to 5, condensate is about as acidic as black coffee or tomato juice, so there’s little to worry about. As for the amount, condensing boilers produce about one litre per hour of condensate. This is inconsequential with a proper drain pipe in place.

Myth: Condensing boilers are difficult to maintain

The maintenance requirements of a condensing boiler are nearly identical to non-condensing models. The only difference is that the condensate drain must be checked to ensure it’s clear and draining as intended.

Myth: Condensing boilers are hard to come by

The myth surrounding the availability of condensing boilers has crumbled with the rise of regular and combination condensing boilers, the latter of which are more suitable for smaller households and flats. Today’s homeowners are spoilt for choice, with condensing boilers as widely accessible as their traditional counterparts.

Myth: Condensing boilers can’t pair with existing heating systems

Transitioning to a condensing boiler doesn’t require overhauling your existing system. Most existing boilers graciously accommodate a condensing boiler upgrade, with only a site survey and cleaning needed to ensure a seamless transition.

Myth: A 20 degree F system ΔT is a must

ΔT (Delta T) refers to the difference between the supply and return water temperatures. This temperature differential is crucial as it impacts the boiler’s efficiency and operational performance. The outdated notion of maintaining a low ΔT to keep the hot water return temperature above condensing conditions no longer applies to modern condensing boilers. These systems are designed to operate more efficiently with lower return water temperatures, marking a significant advancement in energy conservation.

Myth: Hot water reset doesn’t work on condensing boilers

Hot water reset involves resetting the hot water supply temperature based on outside air conditions. This strategy has been successfully used on hot water systems for years. You don’t do this manually with condensing boilers—not because hot water reset doesn’t work but because they have this feature built-in, a testament to their efficiency.

Myth: Variable-flow-primary systems are complex

The argument that variable-flow-primary systems are more complicated is nothing but a myth. In reality, these systems are often simpler than the primary-secondary systems non-condensing boilers use, requiring only one set of pumps, less equipment and fewer devices to control. The ease of operation and maintenance associated with variable-flow-primary systems makes them a worthy companion to condensing boilers.

Switch to a Condensing Boiler

If you crave a greener, warmer home this winter, switching to a condensing boiler could be worthwhile. MPC Energy Ltd can help make it happen. With over 30 years of combined experience in the energy efficiency industry, our dedicated and qualified team are here to guide you through the transition for a smooth, hassle-free experience. We offer free energy advice and can steer homeowners toward government schemes designed to assist low-income Scotland residents. Call us at +44 141 951 7887 today to learn more, or contact us online to request a quote for a condensing boiler.