A Guide to Condensing Boiler Installation UK
29/06/2015 09:43
A Guide to Condensing Boiler Installation UK
Condensing boilers are water heaters that are fuelled by oil or gas. These boilers are capable of achieving high efficiencies by utilising the unused heat in the exhaust fumes. The water vapours produced during the process are collected as a liquid and then sent to a drain point.
Installation difficulties
The installation of a condensing boiler requires a few additional considerations to be made for installation compared to a conventional boiler. Here are some of the most common boiler installation issues that need to be worked upon:
- Condensing boilers create plumage (water vapour from the flue/exhaust) which can be a nuisance to neighbours. Extra considerations need to be made where flue terminals are located.
- The flue design of condensing boilers can be different from conventional versions. Considerations need to be made regarding its design.
- Liquid condensate forms in the boiler and needs to be discharged regularly to a drain point. Considerations need to be made on how to get the condensate to the drain along with protection against freezing (where applicable).
It is always important to place flue of the condensing boiler in such a way that the products of combustion do not create a nuisance for the household or affect the neighbours/ nearby buildings. It is necessary to follow the requirements laid down in relevant approved documents and boiler manufacturer’s instructions. These documents take into account most considerations for safety and practicality, however, sometimes, the judgement of a competent person (Gas Safe/OFTEC registered) may be required.
The need for a professional service!
The installation of a condensing boiler can be difficult and a professional should always be employed to undertake both the assessment and the installation to avoid further issues. The correct installation of a condensing boiler not only ensures its safety, but can maximise its efficiency as well as durability. The installer needs to carry out a condensing boiler installation assessment prior to commencing the task.
Factors that ought to be considered during an assessment/survey:
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Boiler location
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Boiler types
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Boiler specifications
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Needs of the property/users
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Flue routes and designs
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Flue termination
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Fuel types
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Building regulations
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Manufacturer’s instructions
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Planning/building control notification
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System design
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Energy efficiency
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Condensate termination
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Gas supplies
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Water hardness
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External factors (e.g weather such as strong rain and wind)
Boiler Location
The location of the new boiler can be a major factor in calculating the total costs and so, considerations need to be made to keep installation costs as low as possible. Also, considerations such as noise when in use, accessibility (for maintenance) and aesthetics are also important.
Since a condensing boiler is fully sealed and takes air in directly from the outside it offers a much lower risk from carbon monoxide and other combustion issues as long as it is installed correctly.
Boiler Types
There are many varying models of condensing boilers; Also, various brands should be considered carefully to ensure that aspects like operating costs and down time are kept to a minimum over the life of the boiler; however it is also important to get the right type of boiler system for your property to prevent performance issues. Condensing boilers may be combination boilers or heat- only boilers; so, choosing the right one can surely make all the difference.
Boiler Specifications
A boiler’s technical specifications will need to be checked prior to the boiler being installed so as to ensure that not only will the boiler fit in the desired location(s) but will also perform as intended. Prior to a condensing boiler installation, during the assessment a qualified heating engineer should calculate the required boiler output (in KW) that would work the best; mainly depending on how big or small the property is for space/tank heating purposes and on water flow rates for combination boilers.
Needs of the Property/Users
Boiler systems should be designed around the needs of the users and the property, keeping in mind the hot water requirements of the property so that the system performs well and its efficiency is maximised. Condensing combination boilers usually operate at efficiencies of just 60-70% when in hot water mode. For properties with high hot water demand, a storage system will be better as the boilers can run at efficiencies beyond 90% when heating a cylinder or store.
The requirement of hot water varies and several factors come into play. A properties size, hot water consumption/demand, frequency of consumption and other factors come into play, so the boiler should be chosen accordingly for the most efficient domestic heating system.
Flue Routes & Designs
Long and complicated flues can be expensive to install and can present maintenance problems (flues need to be accessible to inspect during maintenance). To ensure maximal safety and keep costs to a minimum, the design of the flue needs consideration. In a condensing boiler, a drain needs to be installed on the flue to remove condensation; however, where possible, it should not be routed externally to reduce the risk of freezing and where run outside countermeasures to help prevent the condensate pipe from freezing should be implemented. Also, design considerations such as thermostatic radiator valves, outside weather compensation control systems, surface area of the radiators, etc must be taken into account.
Flue Termination
Flue terminals need to be installed in a way to ensure that no products of combustion enter a property and are safely discharged to outside.
Fuel Types
In existing properties, fuel supplies already present (mains gas, bottled gas or oil) will often dictate the choice of fuel type. Generally speaking mains gas is the cheapest per kilowatt, followed by bottled gas and then followed by oil; however the costs and/or availability of connecting onto mains gas may sway a decision towards oil or bottled gas.
Building Regulations
It is a legal requirement that building regulations are followed and EN/BS are upheld. The sheer volume and complexity of the regulations in place by its self means that you will need to ensure that you are using a well experienced engineer/company to install a boiler.
Manufacturer’s instructions
Prior to installation, it is highly recommended to go through the manufacturer’s instructions and boiler’s installation literature for guidance.
Planning/building control notification
Building Control tends to carry out site inspections to determine that building works are being undertaken in compliance with the Building Regulations. Notification must be give to applicable work before it goes ahead, however there is an alternative to use companies that are part of a suitable competent person scheme (such as Gas Safe) to self certify their work upon completion which will satisfy the needs of planning/building controls.
System design
System design and installation are critical and are the foremost factors towards determining the overall efficiency and performance of the heating system. An appropriate choice out of Combi boilers, Heat-only boilers, and System boilers can be a crucial decision.
Energy efficiency
Installing a condensing boiler can truly make your home go energy efficient. It is because these boilers are able to make better use of the heat they generate from burning fuels like oil or gas, however correct installation of the boiler, system and controls is required to ensure maximum efficiency.
Condensate termination
The condensate drainage pipe should be routed and terminated so that the condensate drains away from the boiler under gravity to an internal foul water discharge point (or alternative such as a soak away). Where gravity is not an option, pumps can be utilised.
Gas supplies
The type of boiler that is to be installed depends on the fuel which is available in the area; Majority of homes in UK have mains gas supply, although in remote areas, people may have to rely on oil or LPG.
Water hardness
Water softeners and scale reducers/inhibitors may be used, especially in areas where water is hard, but where and how to install them requires due consideration.
External factors (e.g. weather such as strong rain and wind)
When choosing a condensing boiler, factors such as strong wind and rain shouldn’t be ignored. A qualified heating engineer should be able to give you the best advice and take factors such like this into consideration to help prevent issues in the future.
If you are looking for a boiler installation in Stroud, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury or the surrounding areas, contact FORTHRIGHT today for free, no obligation quoation.