Gas Boilers

When choosing a new boiler for your home, it is important that you find the right one for your needs for the right price. That being said, when seriously considering a specific boiler, it is always a good idea to think about the long-term effects your boiler will have when considering things like efficiency, productivity, reliability, and durability. 

Condensing Gas Boilers vs. Traditional—Which is Better?  

Condensing boilers are known for being extremely energy efficient as they provide optimal heat for a home heating system when operating at lower temperatures. In doing this, these temperatures create condensation within the venting system of these boilers. It is important to note that while condensation can cause harm to the heat exchangers of traditional boilers, the heat exchangers in condensing boilers are equipped and intricately designed to operate in this manner and therefore condensation does not cause harm to this process. The lower the energy consumption is based off of the lower operating temperatures, and therefore can secure more heat within the operating system. Those who choose a condensing boiler are able to attain 90% or more of energy efficiency. 

With traditional gas boilers, they burn propane, or natural gas to heat the water in a home heating system. Traditional gas boilers are specifically vented outside by using a vent pipe or chimney flue. A key difference between condensing gas boilers and traditional ones, are that traditional boilers operate at higher temperatures, which requires a portion of the heat to be vented outside during the combustion process. The efficiency one typically gets, in choosing to go with a traditional non-condensing boiler, is anywhere from 80%-85%, depending on the type and age of the boiler itself. 

Boiler Efficiency Ratings: Everything you need to Know: 

What is the AFUE and what does it mean? 

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the rating in which a boiler’s efficiency is measured. Taking the ratio of a boiler’s annual heat output compared to the total annual fossil fuel energy it consumes generates this. An AFUE of 80% means that 80% of the fuel energy becomes heat for your home, and the remaining 20% either escapes through the boiler into the space where the boiler is located, or up through your chimney. Long story short, the higher the rating, the more you will save. 

A benefit to keep an eye out for when shopping for boilers is the ENERGY STAR® label, as this is the symbol that is widely known for is efficiency. In order for a boiler to obtain this label, the product itself must exceed or simply meet the EPA’s minimum efficiency ratings. When dealing with gas boilers specifically, both the K2^TM and Alpine^TM are ENERGY STAR® certified. 

In making the change from an 80% efficient boiler, to a 95% Alpine ^TM or K2^TM, this is an easy fix that can offer an additional 15%-20% savings in energy costs alone. To put it simply, this will equal at least one, if not provide multiple months of heating fuel costs for every year the boiler is in operation. 

When weighing the options between a traditional and condensing gas boiler, be sure to give Advanced Boilers & Hydronic Heating a call. We are the proud leading boiler servicer in the Denver area and have been for over a decade. With a team of highly skilled, certified and experienced professionals, we understand how important it is to find the right boiler for your needs, for your home, and for the best price. We are more than happy to give you a quote on the different boiler options, as well as answer any other questions you may have. Don’t hesitate and give us a call today!