CONDENSING BOILERS

Get 3 FREE quotes from accredited installers.

Condensing boilers are highly efficient heating systems that recover heat from exhaust gases, achieving efficiencies of up to 98%. Compared to traditional boilers, they can reduce heating bills by 15–30%. Ideal for homes and businesses, they lower fuel consumption, cut CO₂ emissions, and are compatible with modern heating controls for even greater energy savings.

Image

Condensing boilers represent the modern standard in energy-efficient heating technology. Designed to extract maximum heat from the fuel they consume, these systems are a significant upgrade from older non-condensing models. By capturing and utilizing heat from the flue gases that would otherwise be lost, condensing boilers can achieve energy efficiency levels of up to 98%, making them an ideal choice for both homeowners and businesses looking to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

How Condensing Boilers Work?

Condensing boilers use advanced heat recovery technology to make the most out of the fuel they burn—whether it's natural gas, oil, or LPG. The key difference between a condensing and a traditional boiler lies in how they deal with waste heat. Traditional boilers expel hot combustion gases directly through the flue, losing a significant portion of usable energy in the process. In contrast, condensing boilers are engineered to recover this heat before it's lost.

When a condensing boiler operates, it burns fuel to heat water like any other boiler. However, it also includes a secondary heat exchanger. As the hot flue gases pass through this secondary exchanger, their temperature is reduced to the point where the water vapor in the exhaust begins to condense. This phase change releases latent heat—a powerful and otherwise wasted energy source.

The boiler captures this latent heat and uses it to preheat the water returning from the radiators before it goes into the primary heat exchanger. By doing this, the boiler doesn’t need to work as hard (or use as much fuel) to bring the water up to the required temperature again. The result is a highly efficient process that reduces energy waste and cuts fuel consumption significantly.

Because of this process, the exhaust gases leaving a condensing boiler are much cooler—typically around 55°C compared to 180°C or more in older systems. And because the exhaust is cooler, flue gases can be safely vented through plastic piping instead of metal flues, allowing for more flexible installation options.

In most cases, you’ll also notice a small pipe from the boiler that drains the condensate—this is the liquid water produced during the condensation process. It’s typically routed to a household drain and is a completely normal and expected part of condensing boiler operation.

Overall, condensing boilers achieve remarkable efficiency by reusing heat that older systems simply waste. This process is both eco-conscious and cost-effective, making condensing technology the benchmark for modern heating systems.

Image

Key Benefits of Condensing Boilers

  • Higher Efficiency: With efficiency ratings between 90–98%, condensing boilers outperform older systems by a wide margin.
  • Lower Fuel Bills: Due to better energy utilization, users can expect to save 15–30% on annual heating costs compared to non-condensing systems.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Reduced fuel usage leads to lower CO₂ emissions, supporting sustainability and helping meet climate targets.
  • Quieter Operation: Modern condensing units often operate more quietly than older models, contributing to a more comfortable home environment.
  • Compact & Versatile: Condensing boilers come in various sizes and can be wall-mounted, making them suitable even for homes with limited space.

Ideal Applications

  • Residential Homes: Especially those with high heating demand or older, less efficient systems.
  • Commercial Buildings: Offices, schools, and apartment blocks benefit from the scalability and energy efficiency.
  • New Builds & Retrofits: Whether you're building new or upgrading an older system, condensing boilers are the go-to choice for efficiency and compliance.

Savings Potential

Switching from a standard boiler to a condensing boiler can lead to substantial financial savings:

  • Typical Annual Savings: €250–€600 for a detached home, depending on size, insulation, and heating habits.
  • Long-Term ROI: With proper maintenance, a condensing boiler can last 15–20 years, offering significant long-term value.
  • Government Grants: In Ireland, SEAI grants and incentives may be available for homeowners upgrading to energy-efficient boilers, further improving cost-effectiveness.

Saves you money

Get 3 FREE, no-obligation quotes and choose the one that suits you best.

Saves you time

Don’t waste your time looking for companies. They contact you.

100% free service

Our Service is 100% free without any hidden fees and no obligations.

Required field
Required field!
Required field
Required field
Required field
Invalid Input
Image

Provides unbiased advice and quotes to help consumers reduce their carbon footprint efficiently and cost-effectively. Founded by physicist Adam Lappin, with over 10 years in the global solar industry, we select reputable companies to ensure quality installations and maximum value.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Required a valid email address!
Wrong data