Gas condensing boilers

It is now building regulations to fit an "A" or "B" rated energy efficient boiler whenever replacing an existing boiler or installing a new system. These boilers are condensing, which basically means that they condense the heat that traditionally used to exit through the flue (out to atmosphere) at several hundred degrees centigrade, to a much cooler flue temperature resulting in a water vapour. This then increases the efficiency of the appliance to around 90-93%, as opposed to an old cast iron boiler which may have been no more than 50% efficient.

Gas prices have increased by 100% in the past 3 years and there is speculation that it may increase again in the coming year, so when it comes to choosing a replacement boiler ensure that it is a good quality natural gas condensing boiler. This not only complies with regulations (for which you will have a certificate), but without one, you will encounter problems when you come to sell your property.

Some gas installers are still fitting cheap non condensing boilers, these undoubtably will be cheaper to install but will cost you more in the long term. Other "cheap" condensing boilers are available with 12 months guarantee but we recommend going for a better quality with a longer guarantee as it will definately be worth the extra outlay in the long term.

Condensing boilers can be installed almost anywhere. The picture above shows an installation in the cellar of a large Victorian house. The cellar, being underground was not a problem for us, as we chose a small commercial appliance with a flue that could be adapted externally to its safe terminal.

Lofts are also a common place to install condensing boilers and they often free up valuable space in the kitchen where most have been.

IT DOESN'T PAY TO KEEP AN OLD INEFFICIENT SYSTEM GOING!

 Above is one of our many commercial installations. This one is at the famous Beckenham Cricket Club, also known as the Beckenham Tennis Squash & Hockey Club.

We provided a commercial Andrews condensing storage water heater to provide over 25 showers being used simultaneously often with over 400 people showering over a 3/5 hour period plus kitchens and numerous basins being used. We fitted a seperate condensing boiler for multi-zoned heating.

Since completion of this installation we have been informed by the club Manager that the monthly gas costs are almost half compared with the old system that was removed, the showers are better than ever before and the building is warm throughout for the first time in recolection.

With the massive saving in fuel costs (despite energy price rises) this complete refurbishment, which was a large capital outlay, will have recovered the installation cost through gas savings alone within 3.5/4 years! If & when we undertake a solar pre-heat hot water system, this will again provide massive fuel savings and drastically reduce their carbon footprint.