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What is a Condensing Boiler?

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 16:24:58 GMT

What is a condensing Gas Boiler?

Condensing Vs Non-Condensing Boilers

Condensing boilers represent the standard for modern efficiency. They are so-named thanks to their ability to condense water vapour present in the exhaust gases, which recovers a portion of the heat. This is then used to heat up cold water entering the boiler.

Since 2005, it has become mandatory to install condensing boilers if your old boiler needs replacing. Condensing boilers significantly reduce carbon emissions and are up to 99% efficient while non-condensing are at best around 78% efficient. In the UK, all new gas or oil-powered central heating boilers must be of the condensing sort. According to the Energy Savings Trust, a new condensing boiler could save you more than £300 in heating each year.

Contrary to popular perception, modern condensing boilers are no less reliable, nor more difficult to maintain than their counterparts from yesteryear. Install a condensing boiler one in your home, and you stand to recoup your losses within just a few years.

How do condensing boilers work?

The basic technology in a condensing boiler is essentially the same as that which you’ll find in any traditional boiler. However, in condensing boilers, heat from flue gasses being burned is recovered and recycled, helping you to heat your home for less.

In a traditional boiler, flue gases are often released that are in excess of 300 degrees C. A condensing boiler uses a larger or secondary heat exchanger to reduce this heat to just 50 degrees C or thereabouts. The heat is then used again to heat the water, reducing the demand on the gas and thereby reducing your energy bill.

This fall in temperature causes condensation, from which the name is derived. This condensation can be as much as two litres an hour for a very efficient boiler and is drained into your waste water outlet by what is known as a condensate pipe.

Because they are able to reuse energy that already exists, condensing combi boilers help to save money on your energy bills. They also have a much lower carbon footprint, helping you to combat climate change by reducing CO2 emissions.

Frozen Condinsate pipe - Useful Information

If your boiler has stopped working in freezing temperatures, then there is a good chance that your condensate pipe has frozen. Luckily, this isn't a big problem and it can be easily resolved yourself without the need for an engineer. This page will provide you with all the information needed to help you defrost your condensate pipe.

What is a condensate pipe?

Condensing boilers require an additional pipe to be fitted to carry away waste water that forms as a result of the normal condensing process. This is called the condensate pipe, it is normally plastic and runs from the boiler to a household drainage system or soakaway outside.

Evidence of condensed water running through the condensate pipe is an indication that your boiler is working normally.

How do I know if the condensate pipe is frozen?

If part of your condensate pipework is outside and does freeze during a prolonged period of very cold weather, you might hear a gurgling noise coming from the boiler and if your boiler has a digital display, you may see an ‘EA’ error code too. There’s no need to worry if your condensate pipe freezes. You can usually thaw it safely without the need to call an installer or engineer.

Top 3 Combi Boilers 2020

Wed, 06 May 2020 16:39:21 GMT

Top 3 Gas Combination boiler of 2020

Currently gas combination boilers are the most popular kind of boiler in UK.

However, choosing a brand from a whole range available in market, can be quite confusing and time consuming. Below is Thomson Heating's top 3 Combinations boiler that offer value for money along with great manufacturers guarantees.

What makes a good combi boiler

To get the best combi boiler, it's crucial to go for a reliable brand that won't break down, and getting one that's the right size and fit for your home. An unreliable combi boiler will fail early and is likely to result in regular costly repairs. On average, it costs almost £200 for a boiler repair – so it pays to invest in one that will last.

1. Worcester Greenstar 8000 Style ( Output range 30kW - 50kW) Available in High Gloss White or Black

The Worcester 8000 Style boiler features innovative new technology that will maximise your comfort and give you the best heating and hot water performance on the market.

With the unique intelligent filling system that constantly monitors your heating systems pressure and, if the pressure drops it will automatically re-fill your system.

The Worcester Greenstar 8000 come with a 12 year parts and labour Guarantee if installed by a Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer - Thomson Heating Group are platinum Accredited Installers.

Want a quote for the 8000 Style - Click Here

2. Worcester Greenstar 30i ( Output Range 25kW - 30kW)

This is by far the most popular boiler that we install, to date we have installed more than 600 Worcester 30i boiler. With a 10 year manufacturer guarantee on parts and labour you can relax knowing you will be in safe hands.

Our Greenstar i combi boiler is the replacement for the well-established award-winning Greenstar i Junior, which has been installed in over 1 million homes across the UK.

Perfect for small to medium sized homes with one bathroom, the boilers' new features have been designed based on installer feedback. These boilers now include increased outputs, higher hot water flow rates of up to 12.3 litres/min, a user friendly control panel and a larger condensate siphon that eliminates the risk of condensate freezing*.

Want a quote for a new Worcester 30i? Click Here

3. Glow Worm Ultimate 3 ( Output Range 30kW and 35kW)

The Ultimate 3 combi boiler is available in a choice of 30kW and 35kW models and features high DHW flow rates and an aluminium heat exchanger for proven reliability and performance. The Ultimate comes with a 7 years parts and labour from Thomson Heating. We would highly recommend the Ultimate 3 as the best mid range boiler on the market that will suit most budgets.

Vaillant and Glow-worm are both part of the Vaillant Group, Europe’s second largest heating manufacturer, but when it comes to choosing the right manufacturer for you, their boiler ranges offer different advantages.

While Vaillant are one of the leading manufacturers thanks to delivering highly efficient units, Glow-worm boilers tend to be much more affordable with no compromise on reliability.

Looking for a new boiler quote - click here

Thomson Heating Sponsor Bishopton Ladies FC

Tue, 05 May 2020 15:49:13 GMT

A successful partnership - Thomson Heating and Bishopton Ladies FC

Thomson Heating came on board as principal sponsor's in 2019 which culminated in the Ladies winning the League Championship on the final day of the season.

We are proud to announce the partnership will now continue in 2020, with the additional bonus of brand new strips.

It has been a pleasure to watch the team grow from strength to strength, a real inspiration to the next generation of footballers.

Keep up to date with all the action - Follow Bishopton Ladies on Facebook here

Warm Regards

David Thomson

Importance of Boiler Servicing

Tue, 05 May 2020 15:16:01 GMT

Importance of Boiler Servicing

A boiler service is much like an MOT for your boiler. It can highlight serious issues and can protect you against expensive repairs by catching issues early.

Why is getting your gas boiler serviced so important?

Any gas appliance in your home can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a highly poisonous gas which occurs when natural gas doesn’t burn as it should. This is the result of a gas appliance being improperly fitted, repaired or maintained, or when vents, flues or chimneys have become blocked - and that’s why it’s so important to have all of your gas appliances checked once a year by Thomson Heating's Gas Safe registered engineers.

Three main risks can arise from having an unsafe gas appliance in your home:

Gas leaks - A gas leak can cause fires or explosions. If you think you can smell gas, then you’ll need to call your emergency service provider immediately. During a gas safety check, a Gas Safe registered engineer will do a visual inspection of pipework and a tightness test to confirm there aren’t any gas leaks.
Fires and explosions - Safe appliances burn gas in a controlled way, but a faulty appliance or pipework may leak gas which can then be ignited, causing a fire or explosion.
Carbon monoxide poisoning - Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that can be especially deadly because you can’t see, taste or smell it.

What is involved in a Service, and how long does it take?

At Thomson Heating we carry out the following inspections during your annual boiler service. The annual service will take one hour with extra appliances adding an additional 30min.

Gas tightness test at the meter
Visual inspection for ventilation, flue terminations and leaks
Cleaning of burners and probes
Checking for any working faults
Checking of operating pressures
Analysis of the flue; checking that there are no blockages or high levels of carbon monoxide
Checking of controls and settings
Check system pressure, topping up if required.
Check over all radiators, removing any excess air ( bleeding radiators).
Issue Gas Safety certificate via email ( a hard copy can be posted out).

We will also provide you with a reminder for the next time a service is due so that you do not forget.

Warranty

In order to maintain your boilers manufacturer warranty, it is mandatory that you have a boiler service every year.

No service will mean even – if you are still within the warranty period, you will have to pay for the repair of any fault that occurs with the boiler. A cost that can easily be avoided by getting it annually serviced.

To book in your annual service with Thomson Heating please call our office on 0141 390 6946.

For more information see our servicing page on our website - Click here

Warm Regards

David Thomson

Why Choose a Worcester Accredited Installer?

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:14:34 GMT

What is a Worcester Bosch Accredited installer mean and what are the benefits?

Thomson Heating Group are very proud to your local Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer .

A Worcester Bosch accredited installer (WAI) is an independent boiler installation company who have been recognised by Worcester Bosch due to the high quality workmanship they produce. All Worcester Bosch accredited installers must undertake extensive training carried out at Worcester Bosch HQ. The companies selected on to the scheme are entrusted by Worcester Bosch to carry out new boiler installations to the very highest level.

There are very strict standards that boiler installation companies must adhere to be allowed onto the scheme including Gas Safe, oftec and must complete a logic training course to be allowed on.

Benefits Of Choosing A Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer

Choosing a WAI to fit your new Worcester boiler will give you many benefits. Due to the training and experience of being a WAI – like Thomson Heating Group – they are the ideally placed to offer you expert recommendations and suggestions for your new Worcester boiler installation. Some of the benefits include:

Extended guarantee’s on all Worcester Bosch products
Expert advice regarding heating & hot water products and the suitability for your home
Safe installations carried out by experts who are fully trained by Worcester Bosch
Free, no obligation quotes
Aftersales service from the UK’s largest boiler manufacturer

We have carried out 100’s of Worcester Boiler installations locally to a very high standard, for our customers this means you get complete peace of mind backed up Thomson Heating group and Worcester Bosch.

Get A Quote For Your Worcester Bosch Boiler

Considering a Worcester Bosch boiler for your home? For more information or a free no obligation quote please get in touch with us today. Call 0141 390 6946 or leave a message on our contact us form.

Warm Regards

David Thomson