Condensing Boilers: What You Need to Know?

Condensing boilers have become an essential heating solution for homeowners looking to improve their energy consumption while reducing their environmental impact. Unlike traditional boilers, they benefit from advanced technology that makes it possible to recover some of the heat contained in the flue gas resulting from combustion. This process offers high efficiency, leading to significant energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions.

In this article, we explain in detail how a condensing boiler works, along with its key benefits, making it an important option for improving your home’s thermal comfort while reducing your energy bills. goes You will also find out the financing available for installing this type of boiler and how this solution can be integrated into an overall energy efficiency plan.

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To fully understand the benefits of a condensing boiler, it is important to know how it works and how it differs from a conventional boiler. The principle of a condensing boiler is based on the recovery of the latent heat contained in the combustion fumes. This process maximizes the energy generated from the fuel used, whether natural gas, fuel oil or propane.

Recovery of latent heat from smoke.
In a conventional boiler, the fumes resulting from combustion are extracted at a high temperature (around 200°C). Due to this, some part of this heat is lost. With a condensing boiler, these fumes are cooled until condensed into water vapor. During this condensation process, a quantity of heat is released, known as latent heat, which is then recovered to heat the heating circuit or produce domestic hot water.

High efficiency and energy saving
Thanks to this method, the efficiency of condensing boilers is higher than that of conventional boilers, often reaching more than 100% if we take heat recovery into account. This translates directly into significant energy savings and reduced fuel consumption, whether gas, fuel oil or propane.

**Good to know:**

The efficiency of a condensing boiler also depends on the return temperature of the heating circuit. The lower this temperature, the more efficient the condensation, which maximizes energy savings. This is why it is often recommended to be combined with low temperature radiators or heated floors with low temperature emissions.

Advantages of Condensing Boiler

1. Significant energy savings
   One of the main advantages of condensing boilers is the ability to achieve substantial energy savings. By recovering latent heat from the smoke, it uses less fuel for the same level of heat, significantly reducing the energy bill. It is estimated that switching to a condensing boiler can result in a reduction of between 15% and 30% in natural gas or fuel oil consumption compared to conventional boilers.

2. Better energy efficiency
   Thanks to the recovery of the heat contained in the flue gases, condensing boilers show more than 100% efficiency at PCI (Low Calorific Value), compared to 85 to 90% for conventional boilers. This high energy efficiency makes it a particularly suitable solution for energy renovation projects aimed at improving overall home performance.

3. Reduction of CO2 emissions
   By reducing fuel consumption, condensing boilers help reduce CO2 emissions. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option than conventional boilers, and is strongly encouraged as part of energy transition policies. In France, natural gas-fired boilers are particularly preferred to replace old oil-fired boilers, which are more polluting.

4. Excellent thermal comfort
   Condensing boilers allow the whole house to be heated evenly and efficiently. Combined with low-temperature radiators or underfloor heating, they provide excellent thermal comfort by spreading soft and even heat throughout the home. In addition, they ensure the production of domestic hot water, making it a versatile piece of equipment, especially suited to the needs of modern homes.

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To maximize the efficiency of a condensing boiler, be sure to adapt the temperature of your heating system to the needs of each room. A professional quote can help you choose the best accessories to improve your thermal comfort.

Different models of condensing boilers

There are several types of condensing boilers, each suited to specific needs depending on the size of the house, the fuel used and the efficiency required. Here is an overview of the main models available in the market.

Natural gas condensing boiler
Natural gas condensing boilers are the most common in France. They are particularly suitable for areas served by natural gas networks and offer an excellent performance/price ratio. These boilers are easy to install and maintain, and they provide efficient heating while achieving significant energy savings.

Propane condensing boiler
Propane condensing boilers work like natural gas boilers, but are used in areas not served by a gas network. Propane is a more expensive fuel than natural gas, but it’s an interesting alternative, especially for detached homes or second homes. It is stored in a tank and provides the same heating comfort as natural gas.

Oil fired condensing boilers
Oil-fired condensing boilers are an option for homes that cannot access gas or propane. Although oil is more polluting and more expensive, oil-fired condensing boilers are more efficient than older conventional boilers, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, with the tendency to reduce fuel oil consumption, this solution is less encouraged.

Installation and maintenance of condensing boilers

Installation of condensing boiler
The installation of a condensing boiler requires specific work, mainly due to the flue gas recovery system and the condensation management. It is therefore important to contact a professional to ensure that the installation complies with current standards. Also, the condensing boiler can be floor mounted or wall mounted depending on the space available in the house.

Good to know:

Before installing a condensing boiler, it is advisable to request several quotes to compare prices and services offered by professionals. Don’t hesitate to use platforms like Effy, which allow you to get reliable quotes and get in touch with certified installers. This not only guarantees you a professional installation, but also gives you access to the best offers to optimize your budget.

Regular maintenance: an essential step
Like all heating equipment, a condensing boiler must be subject to regular maintenance to guarantee its longevity and proper functioning. This annual maintenance is also mandatory for all boilers in France, and must be carried out by a qualified professional. Good grooming allows you to:

• Maintain optimum boiler performance.
• Prevent the risk of breakage and extend the life of the device.
• Ensure the safety of the installation, particularly by checking the smoke extraction system and proper management of condensation.

This maintenance includes cleaning key elements, checking settings and measuring CO2 emissions to ensure the boiler is operating in optimal environmental conditions.

Financial assistance for installation of condensing boiler

To encourage the adoption of more efficient and environmentally friendly heating solutions, several subsidies are available for the installation of condensing boilers in France. This support makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of work, making investment more affordable for households. Here is an overview of the main aids:

1. MaPrimeRenov’
   MaPrimeRénov’ is a public aid aimed at financing energy renovation work. Accessible to all owners, it allows them to benefit from financial support for the installation of a condensing boiler, depending on the household’s income and the nature of the project. The goal of this system is to encourage energy transfer by making work more accessible.

2. Energy Efficiency Certificate (EEC)
   CEEs are another important source of funding. The system requires energy suppliers to encourage consumers to take energy-saving measures. In this context, individuals can avail assistance in the form of bonus for installation of condensing boilers. The amount varies depending on the location of the residence and the energy savings achieved.

3. Zero Rate Eco Loan (Eco-PTZ)
   Eco-PTZ allows you to finance the installation of a condensing boiler with no down payment and no interest payments. The loan, which can reach up to 50,000 euros, is available to owners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their home.

4. Reduction in VAT rate
   The installation of a condensing boiler is subject to VAT reduction of up to 5.5% if the work is carried out as part of an energy renovation. This represents a direct savings on the total cost of the project.

5. Local support
   In addition to national aid, many local authorities provide financial assistance or support for the installation of condensing boilers. Contact your town hall or departmental council to find out what measures are available in your area.

In summary, the condensing boiler stands out as a heating solution that is efficient, economical and environmentally friendly. Thanks to its high efficiency and the recovery of latent heat from the flue gases, it allows significant energy savings while reducing CO2 emissions. In addition, its installation is encouraged by multiple financings, making this investment more accessible to households.

Whether you choose a natural gas, propane or fuel oil condensing boiler, this choice represents a real opportunity to improve your thermal comfort while reducing your environmental impact. Remember to hire a certified professional to install and maintain your equipment to ensure optimal long-term operation.