Condensation for a Warmer Home

In the past, old model boilers suffered from heat escaping via the flue, resulting in the loss of precious heat for the household. Designers had to look for ways to recover as much heat as possible while allowing the exhaust gases to escape. Their answer came in the form of a condensing boiler, which is now a staple in many homes.

Condensing boilers get their name from their tendency to form water due to the rapid cooling of flue gases. This is the result of a larger or an additional heat exchanger, which traps as much heat as it can and returns it to the boiler. Under current regulations, boiler replacements after April 1, 2005 must be a condensing boiler.

It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler

The boiler in your home is an important fixture and while it has a long lifespan, it will eventually have to be replaced. How would you know when it’s time to let go of your trusty boiler? Here are some signs that will tell you that it’s time for a modern, more efficient replacement:

• If the boiler is located on the floor rather than the wall, it’s likely that it is an old model and less energy-efficient than newer ones. In this case it is a good idea to think about replacing it.
• If the boiler isn’t giving total control over the heating, a new boiler may be better. In some cases, however, simply installing new controls may be the solution.
• If the boiler has sustained too much damage and the costs to repair it is very high, it might be more practical to buy a brand new one instead. 

Common Causes of Boiler Explosion

Boilers are central to a house’s heating system, and a failing boiler has the potential to absolutely heat up your house—the wrong way. Recognize three common causes of boiler explosion and the safety measures you can implement for each.

Fuel-rich mixture. This allows the build-up of unburned fuel in high concentrations. The usual cause of this is the insufficient amount of air supplied relative to the fuel being burned. It would be best to purge thoroughly. However, never add air if there’s fire in the unit because that could trigger an explosion.