Alpine Brochure

Condensing Boiler Q&A
 What is the difference between
condensing and non-condensing boilers?
The answer is “efficiency”. The most efficient boilers
keep heat in the house rather than letting it escape
through the chimney or vent pipe. An ultra-high
efficiency boiler, is able to keep more heat in the heating
system, and manage condensation.
 What happens to the water formed in
the condensation process?
Water will condense from escaping flue gases when
they are cooled to a certain temperature (this is
also known as the “dew point”). In less efficient
boilers with high flue temperatures, this happens
well outside the home – sometimes a number of
feet above the house – and the condensation simply
evaporates. In higher efficiency boilers, the lower
flue temperatures enable this process to happen
inside the heating system. The water produced
in the condensation process can be destructive
to traditional boilers, but condensing boilers are
designed and built to operate under these conditions,
and are equipped with condensate drains.
 Can I use one of these condensing
boilers as a replacement boiler for an
older heating system with large radiators?
These boilers will work in most types of
installations. For large water volume systems using
cast iron radiators, all are a good choice.
For high temperature systems, such as fin-tube
style baseboard radiators, or in homes where it may
be impractical to vent a boiler directly to outside air
without using a chimney, the Burnham ES2, Series
3, or Series 2 gas boilers may be a more viable
option. A consultation with a professional home
heating contractor will provide the best answer.
 Is a condensing boiler going to be the best
choice for my home?
There are many factors to consider when determining the
best choice for your home. The heating system in a home
not only includes the boiler, but also all of the pipes, valves,
pumps, and heat distribution as well. Your professional
heating contractor will be able to determine what heating
equipment will be best suited for your home heating system.
Typically, condensing boilers operate most efficiently in
homes with low system temperatures, such as those with
radiant floor systems or in homes with high water volume
cast iron radiators. Condensing boilers do not use indoor
air for combustion and require a means to vent the boiler
directly to the outside (not chimney venting).
 What's the difference Firetube and Water
Tube heat exchangers?
The first thing to understand is that they do the same thing
(provide heat to system water) in a slightly different manner.
In a Water Tube, system water is pumped through a coil
that surrounds the combustion chamber. a Firetube pumps
the water into a vessel which is divided by vertical fire tubes
that heat the water. Your professional heating contractor
will evaluate your heating needs and will guide you in your
selection.
 Is there any difference in the way a combi
performs vs. a traditional water heater?
A combi boiler creates "on demand" domestic hot water,
while a conventional water heater both heats and stores
hot water. Under most circumstances, there will be little
or no difference between a combi and a traditional water
heater. The exception would be in families that take
multiple showers and run hot-water consuming appliances
simultaneously. If that kind of hot water consumption is the
norm, ask your professional home heating contractor to
show you the comparisons of hot water output so you can
make an informed decision on which method of delivering
domestic hot water is the best fit for your family.
Some common questions associated with U.S. Boiler condensing products…