New Condensing boilers, the facts

A condensing boiler is a finance saving innovative boiler that contains an extra heat exchanger to enable the hot waste gases transfer much of their inherent heat to start to heat the water in the boiler system. Once running at high efficiency, the water vapour produced in the combustion action distills back into water releasing the latent heat of vaporisation.

A result will be this liquid, refered to as condensate, often acidic, required to be piped outside to a drain or water drain. The boiler is required to be mounted on a wall and the waste fumes will travel through the flue. Hot water is supplied by a small-scale recepticle tank to facilitate rapid hot water availability.

What size of boiler should I purchase?

You should bear in mind that when first fitted central heating engineers frequently installed boilers that had a higher output than strictly necessary.. Whilst this meant that there was never the chance of the boiler falling short on its requirements, irregardless of the winter weather, it also meant that they were only using a piece of their heat generation capabilities, and so functioning under their configured optimal efficiency. If you have insulated your household since the present boiler was fitted in your house, you will likely find that you will need a humbler boiler than before.

Make sure you get advice from a CORGI installer before purchasing your next boiler

Do I need to fit oversize radiators with condensing boilers??

The main driver for smaller fuel consumption from a condensing boiler results from having a larger heat exchanger. Bigger radiators would allow lower return temperatures, and so enable greater energy efficiency, but the extra benefit has not been regarded as cost effective, as you need to remember that that the system is is only using a small part of its overall capacity for the bulk of the heating season. Whilst this affirmation is correct householders would plausibly accept this in smaller properties.

The process we have talked over was contained in the reference document for the SEDBUK project, and assessed whether there needed to be new conditions for condensing boilers. The decision was that no new recommendations were expected, and the test results forall the boiler types use the same SEDBUK formula.

Condensing boilers, your concise summary

A condensing boiler is a high efficiency innovative boiler that incorporates an extra heat exchanger so that the hot waste air transfer a percentage of their inherent heat to start to heat the cold water input. Once functioning at a good efficiency, the water steam developed in the burning process distills back into liquid form liberating the latent heat of vaporisation.

A consequence results in this water, called condensate, typically acidic, will need to be piped outside to a drain or water drain. The boiler will have to be mounted to a wall and the waste gases will travel through the flue. Hot water is initialy served by a little recepticle tank to enable speedy hot water availability.

What size of boiler should I get?

In earlier days boiler installers filled bigger boilers than were needed. Whilst this meant that there was never the chance of the boiler being unable to render sufficient hot water, even in the coldest wintertimes, it also meant that they were mainly working at a part load, and so functioning in an ineffective way. If you have fitted additional loft or cavity wall insulating material since the previous boiler was installed, it is highly likely that you will be recommended to install a smaller boiler than before.

We advocate looking for professional advice from a CORGI recorded fitter before selecting an appropriate replacement boiler.

Do the radiators need to be oversized with a condensing boiler?

The underlying reason for this improved efficiency from a condensing boiler is because it holds a bigger heat exchanger. Larger radiators would result in cooler return water temperatures, and so enable greater energy efficiency, but the further saving is not shown to be cost effective, as you need to remember that that the system is considerably under-loaded for the majority of the heating season. That in all probability remains true, though the smaller heating requirement for new build may well mean that householders would now allow over-sized radiators more willingly.

These consequences were counted during the SEDBUK project, and assessed whether there required to be new conditions for condensing boilers. The result was that no new recommendations were required, and the test results forall the boiler types use the same SEDBUK calculation.

New Condensing boilers, the rudimentary truth

A condensing boiler is a efficient advanced boiler that integrates an additional heat exchanger to enable the hot exhaust gases transfer most of their heat to pre warm the mains water to be heated. When working at maximum efficiency, the water steam developed in the combustion process turns revert back into liquid form relinquishing the latent heat of vaporisation.

A consequence is that this water, refered to as condensate, most times acidic, will need to be piped outside to a drain or soakaway. The boiler will have to be mounted on a wall and the waste fumes will rise through the flue. Hot water is supplied by a small-scale recepticle tank to facilitate rapid hot water accessibility.

Can you suggest on the right boiler size?

You should keep in mind that when first fitted central heating engineers frequently put in boilers that had a higher output than purely necessary.. Whilst this meant that there was never the chance of the boiler failing to meet the demand for heat, even in the coldest winters, it also meant that they were only employing a piece of their heat generation capabilities, and so functioning below their maximum efficiency. If you have installed additional loft or cavity wall insulation since the last boiler was fitted, it could well be that you will need a humbler boiler than the current one.

Before you purchase a new boiler we advocate you get advice from a CORGI registered fitter.

Do I need to fit oversize radiators with condensing boilers??

The main driver for smaller fuel use from a condensing boiler results from having a bigger heat exchanger. Larger radiators would result in cooler return water temperatures, and so result in even better energy performance, but the additional economies suffer from diminishing returns, as you should consider the fact that that the system is is only using a small part of its total capacity for the main heating months. Whilst this affirmation is correct homeowners would probably accept this in smaller properties.

The SEDBUK initiative considered these subjects, and evaluated whether there required to be new considerations for condensing boilers. The conclusion was that they need not, and the test results for both cases use the same SEDBUK computation.

A condensing boiler review

A condensing boiler is a high efficiency modern boiler that incorporates an additional heat exchanger in order that the red-hot waste gases transfer much of their heat to pre warm the water in the boiler system. When running at a good efficiency, the water steam produced in the burning process turns revert back into water loosing the latent heat of vaporisation.

A consequence is that this liquid, called condensate, most times acidic, needs to be piped outside to a drain or soak away. The boiler should be fitted against a wall and the output fumes will pass through the flue. Hot water is initialy served by a small recepticle tank to enable convenient and rapid hot water availability.

Can you advise on the right boiler size?

It was a past practice to install outsize boilers. Whilst this ensured that there was no possibility of the boiler being unable to furnish sufficient hot water, even in the coldest winters, it also meant that they were only employing a part of their heat generation capabilities, and so running in an ineffective mode. If you have improved the energy efficiency of your household since the last boiler was fitted, it could well be that you will be commended to install a smaller boiler than before.

We advocate looking for professional advice from a CORGI registered installer before selecting a suitable substitute boiler.

Do I need to set up outsize radiators with condensing boilers??

The underlying reason for this amended efficiency from a condensing boiler is because it comprises a bigger heat exchanger. Bigger radiators would result in cooler return water temperatures, and so result in even better energy performance, but the extra economies suffer from falling returns, as you should count the fact that that the system is running at very low capacity for the majority of the heating season. That in all probability remains true, though the reduced heating requirement for new build may well mean that homeowners would now allow over-sized radiators more willingly.

The SEDBUK project looked at this, during which it was considered whether condensing boilers required to be treated differently from others. The outcome was that no new recommendations were required, and the test results forall the boiler types share the same SEDBUK computation.

British gas boiler installation services have been developed to install your new or replacement central heating boiler from British Gas.

The first step in installing a new boiler is for you to book an appointment with heating sales advisor. This free visit will enable the heating sales advisor to ascertain your heating needs and recommend the right boiler for your family.

All the heating sales advisers have professional energy efficiency qualifications. During the 90 minute review they will conduct an energy assessment of your property and your existing central heating system. Using a laptop based analyses suite they will then calculate how much of a new boiler or central heating system could save you in heating bills.

If you require financial assistance to purchase the new boiler the heating adviser can also review with you a detailed quotation and the monthly cost.

The final decision rested in your hands. If you are happy with the quotation provided to you can arrange a convenient time for British gas boiler installation engineers to visit to complete the installation.

To ensure that the installation can be completed without any delay, British gas will forward to you any materials or parts required one or two days before the installation is due to commence.

All British gas central heating installation engineers are corgi qualified. Trained at the British Gas national academy, you can be certain that they will conduct the installation to the highest standards and that they have been kept appraised of the latest changes in any national safety procedures.

When they have tidied up and left you will be the proud recipient of a new heating boiler. Should any maintenance or care be required in the future you can trust British gas maintenance engineers to look after your system. Currently all new and replacement boiler installations receive complimentary after-care with one year’s free home-care 200 which will look after your boiler and central heating system. The service offers unlimited callouts parts and labour.

Full details of British gas boiler installation services are contained within this site.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

You may observe common flu like symptoms in someone who is actually suffering from Carbon Monoxide inhalation with features like: -
- ongoing headaches
- loss of balance
- fatigue
- urge to vomit

If you notice symptoms such as these when you have gas appliances in the home, stop using the appliance without delay, increase ventilation to the rooms, take any inhabitants outside and ensure that your gas appliances are inspected by a CORGI registered gas engineer.

What will Carbon Monoxide Poisoning result in?

Carbon monoxide is poisonous so you should be very careful.Do not read this or other articles and form your own judgement. Quick action can save your and your family’s lives. Anyone can fall victim to CO poisoning, even the fit and healthy. This also applies to household pets.

Leaving no smell and having no taste Carbon Monoxide is very dangerous and toxic. Typical gas fire or boiler operation produces harmless gases but lack of oxygen can result in Carbon Monoxide creation. The standard flue gases from a boiler, or other gas appliance such as a gas fire, contain Carbon Dioxide, this is displaced by Carbon Monoxide when the oxygen levels are reduced. Many people suffer from Carbon Monoxide poisoning each year although the implementation of strict boiler ventilation regulations and access to professional maintenance and servicing has cut the number of deaths to 30.

How can I see I have a carbon monoxide problem?

If your gas appliances have indications of discoloration on their surface or on the walls near them you may be seeing some of the results of poor ventilation and production of excess waste gases. Poor ventilation can reduce the volume of oxygen available to burn gas within a boiler resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, in these circumstances a pilot light may change from burning with the usual blue colour to a yellow colouration. Changes in the colour of the pilot light indicate that all is not well with the boiler and it should be serviced as soon as time permits.

Tell me how to reduce the chances of Carbon Monoxide related illness.

As mentioned carbon monoxide is produced when a gas flame burns with insufficient oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere. Assuming that a ventilation audit of your proposed installation was completed before your boiler was fitted the best defence to this is the regular and expert servicing of any gas appliances that you have including your boiler. Any engineer you contract to service your gas appliances should be CORGI-registered which will ensure that they have the training required to complete the task to the required standards. Carbon monoxide detectors, carrying a British Standard kite mark, are an important addition to a plan to protect your home against possible poisoning by CO gas. Gas appliances require adequate ventilation and you should check that this is satisfactory, one particular danger area is the covering up of ventilation vents in the summer through home decorating and the storage of surplus items.. Also regularly inspect for plants which might be growing near a vent outside as over the course of a year they can also block them. Birds can often build nests in chimneys and block the airflow to gas appliances without you knowing, a visual inspection from the ground should be included within your ventilation action plan. It is important to be aware of the different sounds from your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. In an emergency you need to be are aware of the different sounds so you know which detector was triggered.

When I buy a detector what should I look for?

Preferred CO detectors should contain an audible alarm and be have British Standards certification. Key points for these alarms are a 5 year plus battery and the loud alarm alerting family members to the presence of carbon monoxide to the need to get to fresh air. Battery powered models with electronic detection are better than the paper based models which use chemical reactions to show a spot on a cardboard detector that changes colour when carbon monoxide levels have increased. Chemical CO detectors loose their effectiveness after 6 months and have to be changed, this increases the lifetime cost and puts you at risk if you forget to change the detector when it has expired. Audible alarms are a significant advantage if CO levels rise at night as the noise will wake you and your family. In addition to do it yourself stores carrying these detectors you may be able to purchase an approved model from your utility company.

Can the general public purchase carbon monoxide detectors?

CO detectors are important household aids in detecting carbon monoxide and giving early warning of potential problems. Several types of detector are now becoming available in DIY shops and the supermarket chains. Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. CO detectors are not yet as reliable as the smoke detectors in your home but the technology is becoming more reliable and they are an important early warning mechanism. You should always ensure you have a proper maintenance schedule for your appliances, having a carbon monoxide detector does not enable you to save on regular appliance servicing.

The benefits of installing a Carbon Monoxide detector

Early advice of rising levels of CO can give people enough time to leave a building before the symptoms of CO poisoning occur. The installation of CO detectors gives this warning. Properly installed detectors monitor carbon monoxide levels over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms of poisoning. Unlike smoke detectors, they do not need to be placed near ceiling level. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed where the alarm can be heard from your bedroom, you need to be woken quickly should the alarm be triggered.

Test your CO Detectors

A detector should be tested several times each the year to make certain that it is working as designed. Detectors should come with instructions detailing the steps to take to check the effective functioning of the detector. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the service instructions if found to be defective. Many detectors have a test button, this does not test the detector but its purpose is to trigger the alarm so that you can confirm that the sound and the battery are working. You should note when the detector needs to be replaced, some have an operating life of only 48 months. Some detectors last up to 5 years and operate off the mains or battery. You will need to select a model that meets your needs. Some detectors incorporate smoke detection and also carbon monoxide gas detection. They will have their own installation instructions which you should follow closely.

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British Gas Homecare gives you access to trained Plumbers and Electricians with NO call out, labour or parts bills when you have an emergency.Apply today and take care of your Home Cover Level Product Features HomeCare Free Parts, Labour and Unlimited Call-Outs. 100 Looks after your boiler and controls click for HomeCare 100 200 Looks after your central heating system including your boiler, radiators, controls and hot water click for HomeCare 200 300 Looks after your whole central heating system and your plumbing and drains click for HomeCare 300 400 Looks after your whole central heating system, plumbing and drains and electrics click for HomeCare 400 Don’t scramble for the yellow pages when you have a home emergency Get British Gas Homecare NOW with a 24 hour help line to bring in the British Gas experts. What is the main difference between the levels of care? System Component HomeCare 100 HomeCare 200 HomeCare 300 HomeCare 400 Boiler or central heating Boiler and controls Yes Yes Yes Yes Radiators Yes Yes Yes Central heating pipes and hot water cylinder Yes Yes Yes Plumbing and drains Internal hot and cold water supply pipes Yes Yes Cold water tank Yes Yes Internal and external drains Yes Yes Home electrics Existing electrical wiring, fixtures and fittings Yes £13 pm click for HomeCare 100 £17 pm click for HomeCare 200 £22.50 pm click for HomeCare 300 £27 pm click for HomeCare 400

HomeCare from British Gas looks after your home.
The service is available to everyone,
not just British Gas customers,
offering four different levels of care to suit your needs.

What will I see if I have a carbon monoxide issue in my home?

Gas combustion in an oxygen poor atmosphere can produce visible deposits which can discolour gas appliances and the walls surrounding them. A yellow pilot light is an indication of a problem in the gas combustion chamber which may be caused by a lack of oxygen through poor ventilation. Treat the pilot light like a traffic light, if it turns yellow this is a warning and you should arrange for the boiler to be serviced as quickly as you can.