What is a condensing boiler and do I have to have one?
A condensing boiler is a high-efficiency boiler which condensates from within the heat exchanger.This is then discharged via a plastic drain pipe to the outside. Much of the heat produced in the combustion process is absorbed into the heat exchanger instead of going up the flue as before, hence less fuel is burned. From the 1st of April 2005, the government brought in new regulations concerning the fitting and specification of Gas & Oil boilers. This they did in an effort to reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide discharged through boiler flues and to lessen the effect of these gases on the environment. The new regulations mean that all boilers (Gas) fitted in new build and most replacement have to be condensing SEDBUK rated A or B. SEDBUK means a boilers efficiency rating of over 86%. In April 2007 it is expected that a ruling stating all Oil boilers fitted should be condensing too. All Gas boilers must be fitted by a CORGI approved installer and Oil boilers by a OFTEC registered enginee
