These days everybody is talking about energy efficiency. In particular, those with HVAC jobs have seen increasing demand on the specification of high-efficiency condensing boilers. The heating industry has responded with the development of new technology to help their clients reduce energy costs in the face of rising fuel prices.

Those with HVAC jobs would know that in order to maximise energy usage, specifiers and installers need to take into account more factors than simply upgrading to a high-efficiency system. In the case of boilers, for example, manufacturers have produced a wide range of high-efficiency commercial condensing boilers that both meet and exceed this country?s legislative requirements. However, because many existing commercial and industrial heating systems can be quite old, it may be difficult for them to adopt condensing technology.

A condensing boiler typically condenses the water vapour, which is produced by the burning fuel in the boiler, back into liquid water. In the process, the latent heat of vaporisation of the water is released into the heat exchanger, which can be used to heat up the cool water collected through the aforementioned condensation. Those with HVAC jobs would know that the actual operating efficiency of a condensing boiler depends on the temperature of the returning water stream -- if it is too warm, then little condensation take place and little extra energy is extracted. Additional factors to be considered include updates of the flue system and changes in the water distribution characteristics.

More importantly, it is important for those with HVAC jobs to check the existing heating systems first. Some of these may require cleansing and water treating before they can be successfully teamed with a condensing boiler.

Finally, controls have a significant role to play in achieving optimum efficiency levels. Unless those with HVAC jobs can manage and operate a high-efficiency condensing boiler appropriately, its benefits can be considerably reduced. Statistics show that system efficiency can increase by up to 10 percent when independent control systems are used. Paying attention to factors like this helps prevent premature failure and ensure the condensing boiler can function to its potential.