Condensing Boilers - Variable Control Output

Not all condensing boilers are the same!

When deciding on a condensing boiler, we know that as a result of their superior heat exchanger design, we are getting a more efficient boiler. Typical efficiencies of 86% are achievable when fitted to an existing central heating and hot water system with an 80° - 70°C design. But, by lowering the return water temperature, condensing boilers are capable of achieving efficiencies up to 98%.How then can we lower the return water temperature of our heating, increase efficiency and at the same time save gas?

The eco hometec answer is the Condensing Boilers Variable Controlled Output (VCO)

To achieve optimum efficiency from a condensing boiler we need to control the temperature of the water returning to the boiler. This can best be achieved by adjusting the output of the boiler and/or the pump speed. The outside air temperature generally determines the load on a heating system. In the England & Wales the normal design criteria is to size a boiler to provide enough heat to keep a house or building warm at -10°C. In Northern Scotland the normal design criteria -50°C and in some Scandinavian countries can be a slow as -20°C.

As the outside air temperature rises then less heat is required to heat the building. If we were using gas fires to heat our home then as the building warmed up we would turn down the gas fire. This has the desired effect of lowering their output and at the same time reducing gas consumption.

If we are using a central heating boiler to heat our home then in an ideal installation, as outside air temperature rises, we would turn the boiler down to lower its output at the same time reducing gas consumption. The only problem was, until now, the output of a gas boiler was determined by the set up of the gas valve and only the service engineer could carry out adjustments.

Until eco hometec developed Variable Controlled Output it was simply not possible to constantly adjust a boilers output and flow temperature to cope with changing weather conditions.

How does the Condensing Boiler Variable Controlled Output (VCO) work?

Unlike most boilers, with a constant flow temperature, eco hometec condensing boilers incorporate an integral compensating and modulating digital controller that automatically adjusts the boilers output depending on outside air temperatures. This feature, Variable Controlled Output (VCO), is the very latest from eco hometec in condensing technology and ensures the boiler maintains optimum efficiencies even when operating at part load. A key component of VCO is the ECONOX premixing, radiant, gas burner.

A unique feature of the ECONOX burner is its radiation cylinder that has been specially designed to suit the geometry of the combustion chamber. It is composed of a perforated sheet of stainless steel with a metal fleece on its surface. On the surface of this burner, accurate quantities of premixed gas and air are burnt almost without a visible flame.

The eco hometec on-board computerised VCO system with integral fault diagnostic facility, ensures that optimum efficiency is maintained when operating in both heating and domestic hot water modes.

The heat exchanger makes sure that as much heat as possible is transferred from the boiler's burner - and as little as possible lost in gases through the flue. If you are building or planning to build and are interested in how the eco hometec range of Condensing Boiler can contribute to your hot water and central heating demands please select a link below for specific Condensing Boiler information or submit your Building plans here.

The eco hometec Condensing Boiler (shown below)

Condensing Boiler - Cutaway

Condensing Boilers - Frequently Asked Questions

Question - Why were such inefficient non condensing gas boilers designed?

Fossil fuels were cheap and the environmental consequences of burning and wasting so much fuel were not fully appreciated.

Question - Does an eco hometec condensing boiler need to maintain hot flue gas temperatures?

No, eco hometec condensing boilers and flue systems are designed and constructed from stainless steel and PPS plastic. The condensate water, from condensing flue gases, does not affect these materials.

Question - What are the advantages of a condensing boiler?

Unlike conventional boilers eco hometec condensing boilers do not need to waste gas maintaining high flue gas temperatures.

Question - What does that mean in real terms?

By design eco hometec condensing boiler's use less gas. They are a lot more efficient than other boilers and will significantly reduce your annual heating and hot water costs.

Question - Why should I choose an eco hometec boiler?

Heating our homes and water for showers and baths is very costly and bills in the future will only get bigger. By choosing an eco hometec condensing boiler you can rest assured you have chosen the most economical and environmentally friendly condensing boiler available.

Question - Finally, what about the environment?

All eco hometec condensing boiler's use less gas and the emissions from eco hometec condensing boiler's are lower than the German 'Blue Angel' standards (The Blue Angel (Blauer Engel) is a German certification for products and services that have environmentally friendly aspects.)

As you can now see there really is no reason at all for choosing a boiler constructed to an old and inefficient design that needs to maintain high flue gas temperatures.

Please browse our website for more information about eco hometec and our range of eco Heating products including Condensing Boilers then click here to submit your plans or contact us on Freephone 0800 8620278 to speak to one of our team or e-mail us on sales@eco-hometec.co.uk.