Selecting the correct kind of boiler for your home’s heating needs can have a big impact on comfort and energy efficiency. Condensing and convection gas boilers are two of the most common options available. Which one, though, is more appropriate for your house? To help you decide, let’s examine the distinctions between these two kinds of boilers.
First, let’s review the fundamentals. A gas boiler is a type of central heating system that heats water by using gas. The heated water is then sent through pipes to radiators or underfloor heating systems to give your house warmth. The basic idea behind how condensing and convection gas boilers heat water is the same, but their approaches to managing and utilizing heat are different.
The purpose of condensing gas boilers is to recover and reclaim heat that would otherwise escape through the flue, thereby optimizing energy efficiency. They accomplish this by allowing water vapor in the exhaust gases to condense, which releases latent heat that is then transferred back to the heating system. Comparing this process to conventional non-condensing boilers yields higher efficiency ratings and lower fuel bills.
Convection gas boilers, on the other hand, use convection from nature to disperse heat throughout your house. Warm water from these boilers naturally rises through pipes to radiators, where it disperses warmth throughout the room. Convection boilers may not be as energy-efficient as condensing boilers, despite being easier to design and install.
Which is therefore better for your house? The answer is contingent upon a number of factors, such as your current infrastructure, budget, and heating requirements. Although condensing boilers usually cost more up front, their greater efficiency over time can result in long-term energy bill savings. On the other hand, convection boilers might be less expensive initially, but their long-term energy costs might increase.
| Condensing Gas Boiler | Convection Gas Boiler |
| High efficiency | Lower initial cost |
| Extracts more heat from flue gases | Simpler design |
| Lower fuel bills | Easier maintenance |
What is a convection boiler
This initial plan seemed like a natural progression of stove heating. The applied design calls for heating the heat-transporting fluid over an open flame as a result of burning fuel, which can be gaseous, liquid, or solid. The firebox design is dictated by its choice. The energy carrier, which is often water moving through heating pipes, is heated by the flame. Radiators that heat buildings farther away from the boiler receive heat from it. After cooling, the coolant is brought back to the regenerator via the return line, where it is reheated and the cycle is restarted. Either the fluid will circulate naturally or the system’s electric pumps will pump it.
The boiler can be single-circuit, used only for heating, or two-circuit, used to heat water for domestic use, depending on its intended use.
Chimneys allow the byproducts of fuel combustion to naturally drain out. Here, it is intended to draw air from the space where the boiler is located. If required, the furnace is equipped with a closed fuel combustion chamber where gas exchange is forced through the use of electric fans. The boiler can be placed anywhere thanks to this system, which goes by the name of turbine. Through intakes and ducts outside the room, combustion products and the oxygen supply are released.
Benefits of this kind of boiler:
- a wide range of options in terms of functionality and prices;
- simplicity of design, installation and operation;
- availability of energy-independent models.
In the construction of private homes, these designs are prevalent.
What is a condensing boiler
The purpose of this scheme was to reduce the amount of fuel burned. In convection boilers, heat loss occurs when exhaust gas mixtures are removed directly into the atmosphere due to heat loss. This is because the exhaust air outlet temperature is designed to exceed 60 degrees Celsius in order to prevent condensation.
Condensing boilers are equipped with a water economizer, an extra heat exchanger. Its function is to recover heat from heated water vapor, which is a byproduct of combustion. Its walls collect condensate, which lowers fuel consumption. This type of heat exchanger is regenerative in nature. Installed at the hot air flow outlet, it captures residual heat and uses it to heat the coolant initially before cooling it down and reintroducing it to the combustion chamber. It is designed to function in a harsh environment as a system of pipes with a larger surface area for heat transfer and is composed of acid-resistant metals.
Its operation within the temperature range is a feature of its operation. For condensate to form on its walls it is necessary for the water circulating inside to be colder than 50 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to the dew point for water vapor. The cooled water returned from the radiators is heated in the economizer before the final heating by the combustion of fuel. Smoothing of temperature peaks is the source of efficiency increase (k).п.д.). Specific features of energy carrier movement assume forced type of liquid circulation in the system. The disadvantages include the necessity of condensate drainage and its utilization, as it is a liquid in the form of acid, the discharge of which into the sewage system is directly prohibited.
The benefits of these kinds of boilers include lower operating costs, though more research is needed on this.
When it comes to heating your home efficiently, choosing between a condensing and a convection gas boiler is crucial. Condensing boilers are praised for their high efficiency and ability to recycle heat from exhaust gases, leading to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. On the other hand, convection boilers, while simpler in design, may be more suitable for smaller spaces or those with less demanding heating needs. Understanding the specific requirements of your home and considering factors like budget, energy efficiency, and available space can help you make the best choice for your heating system. Ultimately, both types of boilers have their advantages, and the decision boils down to what suits your home and lifestyle best.
Differences in spending and calculations
The manufacturer indicates the product’s technical characteristics in the passport; for boilers, these are as follows: Convection efficiency ranges from 90 to 93%, while condensing efficiency can reach 110%; the remaining 20% is purely arithmetic. The latter’s cost is significantly higher, so the comparison of figures does not support the former. It is necessary to conduct a more thorough analysis that takes into consideration the specifics of a given operating environment and calculation techniques.
According to European data, condensing models have a five-year payback period. However, for domestic consumers, this period varies because of low fuel costs, a lack of low-temperature heating options with warm floors, and larger multi-sectional radiators.
As a result, prospective savings ought to be computed beforehand. A house with construction-grade insulation loses one kilowatt-hour for every ten square meters. For a 100 square meter home. м. It will take 240 kW to make up for daily heat losses in the average strip of Russia. For ease of computation, natural gas is used as the fuel. Its specific heat of combustion is 10 kW per cubic meter, meaning that a boiler with a capacity of 1 kW will need to burn 0.1 cubic meters of gas in the furnace.
The daily requirements for a convection boiler (k.п.д. – 90%) are 240 kW * 0.1 cu. m. м. * 1,07 (90%) = 26 cubic meters. At the rate of 5 rubles per centimeter, the daily cost will be 128 rubles. For condensing, the following computations will be performed: 240 kW * 0.1 cu. м. * 0,91 (110%) = 22 cubic meters is the daily amount. The daily price of gas is 109 rubles. Every day, about 20 rubles are saved.
However, it’s important to remember that some areas have gas that is significantly more expensive than others, and some homes have much larger spaces.
Used in the calculations to.п.д. used in calculations differ from the passport ones, prescribed by manufacturers. This is due to the specificity of fossil fuel calorie calculations. There are two terms: "higher" and "lower" fuel heat of combustion. Initially, it was thought that the energy consumption for moisture evaporation and condensate formation was negligible and could be neglected in calculations. Therefore, the performance of thermal systems was calculated using the "lower" term. As the value of this share of costs was clarified, they began to use the figures of "higher" fuel heat of combustion, which led to values exceeding one hundred percent. From a physical point of view, this is impossible, because the amount of energy obtained during combustion can not be more than stored in the composition of chemical bonds, but traditionally established methods have not changed, which led to an efficiency of 110 percent.
There are a few things to take into account when deciding between a condensing and a convection gas boiler for your home’s heating requirements. Because each type has pros and cons of its own, choosing between them is a bit difficult.
Energy efficiency is one important factor to take into account. Because they are made to absorb and utilize heat that traditional boilers would otherwise waste, condensing boilers are renowned for their exceptional efficiency. They are an eco-friendly option because of the potential for lower energy costs and carbon emissions.
Conversely, convection boilers have long been a dependable choice. They can still effectively heat your home even though they might not be as efficient as condensing boilers. Convection boilers are also frequently less expensive up front, which is advantageous for people on a limited budget.
Consideration should also be given to longevity and maintenance. Because of their intricate design, condensing boilers typically require more frequent maintenance, which can eventually lead to higher upkeep costs. Convection boilers, on the other hand, require less maintenance and have a simpler construction. They may also last longer.
The ideal option for your house will ultimately rely on your unique requirements and tastes. A condensing boiler might be the best option if environmental impact and energy efficiency are your top concerns. However, a convection boiler might be a better choice if simplicity and upfront cost are more important to you.
Whichever type you select, for best results and longevity, correct installation and ongoing maintenance are necessary. To find the ideal solution for your home’s heating requirements, make sure to speak with a licensed heating professional.
