What type of boiler is typically more efficient for residential use?

A condensing boiler is typically more efficient for residential use because it utilizes two major principles to enhance efficiency. Firstly, it recycles exhaust gases that would normally be vented outside in traditional boiler systems. By capturing and reusing this heat, condensing boilers can achieve a thermal efficiency of over 90%, significantly improving energy use in comparison to other types of boilers.

Secondly, condensing boilers operate at lower temperatures; they are designed to condense water vapor from the exhaust gases back into liquid form, which releases additional latent heat. This is a key feature that distinguishes condensing boilers from conventional options, which do not capture this heat, leading to higher waste and lower efficiency.

In contrast, fire-tube boilers, while they have their applications, typically do not match the efficiency levels of condensing models as they do not utilize this condensation process. Conventional boilers, while common, are usually less efficient than condensing types due to their design and operational temperature ranges. Low-pressure boilers mainly serve specific applications, and while they can be effective, they are not typically designed with the same efficiency principles that condensing boilers use for residential settings.