People who want to install natural gas in their homes often wonder about the differences between a full condensing boiler and a condensing boiler. Knowing the main distinctions makes the selection process much easier.
There are many differences between a full condensing boiler and a semi-condensing boiler. These differences relate both to operating principles and costs. Below, all the key differences between the two are explained in detail.
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What Does a Full Condensing Boiler Mean?
With a regulation introduced in 2018, it was decided that only boilers with high efficiency, energy savings, and performance would continue to be manufactured. As a result, the production of hermetic and conventional flue boilers was discontinued. This shift brought full condensing boilers and condensing boilers to the forefront, increasing their production significantly.
Condensing boilers can be divided into two categories: full condensing and semi-condensing boilers. Among these, models with a premix heat exchanger are considered full condensing boilers. This means that fuel and air are mixed in advance to achieve optimal combustion. For this reason, they are known to provide the highest level of energy savings.
What does a semi-condensing boiler mean? In short, it is created by adding an additional heat exchanger to the existing system to enable partial condensation.
What Are the Differences Between Full Condensing and Semi-Condensing Boilers?
In recent years, boiler usage has become much more widespread. Since natural gas heating is both cleaner and more economical compared to other heating systems, users should carefully research boiler options. Otherwise, if you do not know the differences between boilers, you may face several disadvantages. Here are the key differences between full and semi-condensing boilers:
| What Are the Differences Between Condensing and Non-Condensing Boilers? | |
| Full Condensing Boiler | Semi-Condensing Boiler |
| Full condensing boiler prices are higher compared to semi-condensing boilers. | Boiler prices are more affordable. |
| There is a financial difference. In terms of natural gas consumption, it can reduce the bill by about 5%. | Compared to a full condensing boiler, it shows a financial difference of about 5% to 7%. |
| There are major differences in hot water performance. Compared to a semi-condensing boiler, hot water performance is better. It provides hot water faster, and temperature fluctuations during hot water use are lower. | Compared to a full condensing boiler, hot water performance is lower. For example, temperature fluctuations may be experienced during a shower. This may be related to the distance between the boiler and the bathroom and the boiler’s operating principle. |
| Power options differ. Full condensing boilers are generally produced and sold from 20 kW up to 45 kW. | Semi-condensing boilers are generally available in 20 kW and 24 kW models. |
| Manufacturers producing full condensing boilers are more limited. | You can find semi-condensing boiler options in most major brands. |
Should You Buy a Full Condensing Boiler or a Semi-Condensing Boiler?
First of all, to find the right answer, you should prioritize your needs correctly. Your desire to save money, the size of your home, and your heating requirements will affect the type of boiler you choose. Fuel consumption between condensing and non-condensing boilers is naturally different.
- If your home’s square meter size is small and your main goal is to save on bills, you may prefer a semi-condensing boiler.
- For example, if your monthly bill is 100 TL, with a full condensing boiler you may save around 7 TL. This equals about 85 TL annually. However, when you look at boiler prices, the price difference is usually higher, so semi-condensing models may be preferred for smaller homes.
When considering the advantages and disadvantages of condensing boilers, if your home is larger and you still want to save on bills, then buying a full condensing boiler may be more suitable. This is because the savings in heating can help the boiler pay for itself in a shorter time.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Full Condensing Boiler?
Full condensing boiler models may not provide the same savings effect in every home. Therefore, purchasing decisions should not be based only on whether the device is “condensing,” but also on household usage patterns and technical conditions. For users living in medium-to-large apartments and those who need heating for longer periods during the day, a full condensing boiler can deliver more efficient results, because the advantage of condensing technology becomes more noticeable as the system runs consistently.
Why Do Apartment Size and Insulation Affect Boiler Choice?
Full condensing boiler performance is strongly influenced by insulation. In buildings with low heat loss, the boiler runs at lower power and more steadily, which reduces natural gas consumption and helps the home reach the desired comfort level faster. In poorly insulated buildings, a full condensing boiler still works, but the expected savings rate may be lower. For this reason, it is a better approach to evaluate exterior insulation, windows, and overall heat loss before choosing a device.
Is It More Advantageous in the Short Term or the Long Term?
Full condensing boiler systems are generally more logical for long-term users. The initial purchase cost may seem higher than standard models, but with correct capacity selection and suitable usage habits, the decrease in natural gas consumption can balance this difference over time. Especially for users living in regions with high heating needs during winter, a full condensing boiler can become a more budget-friendly solution within a few seasons.
Why Do Prices Vary So Much Between Models?
Full condensing boiler prices vary not only by brand, but also by capacity, modulation range, heat exchanger design, and technological features. For example, manufacturers such as Baymak, Bosch Home Comfort, and Buderus offer different kW options and different equipment levels, so it is normal for prices to look variable even within the same product group. Instead of choosing the most expensive model, selecting the one that meets your home’s needs and offers high efficiency is a healthier approach.
Is Switching from an Old Boiler to a Full Condensing Boiler Worth It?
For users who are considering upgrading their existing device, switching to a full condensing boiler system is often considered a logical choice. If older-generation boilers run with higher fuel consumption, new-generation full condensing models can provide more balanced heating and improve comfort. Before making the switch, the compatibility of the installation and the flue system should be checked. In addition, to increase full condensing boiler efficiency, it may be helpful to evaluate supporting elements such as radiator length/coverage and thermostatic valves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boiler prices depend on multiple variables. The square meter size of your home, the heating level you want, and the brand you choose are some of these factors. In particular, checking Vatan boiler prices may help you see different options.
1 – Which Condensing Boiler Is the Best?
When comparing the best condensing boiler reviews and prices, E.C.A Proteus Premix ranks first according to user reviews. After that, Vaillant boilers take second place.
2 – Which Boiler Brand Is the Most Economical?
Full condensing boilers are the most economical boilers. The reason is that they reuse more of the heat produced during combustion instead of wasting it through the flue. Among the most economical boiler brands, Vaillant can be considered one of the leading options.
3 – Which Boiler Operates the Quietest?
Bosch Condens 2200i, which is in the A class in terms of energy efficiency, has been recognized as one of the quietest operating boilers.
4 – How Many kW Boiler Is Needed for a 100 Square Meter Home?
A general rule of thumb is approximately 1.5–2 kW for every 10 square meters.
5 – What Does a Full Condensing Boiler Mean?
A full condensing boiler is an advanced boiler type that converts the hot gas and water vapor produced during combustion not only partially but at the highest possible rate back into heat. This reduces energy loss through the flue and can meet the same heating need with lower natural gas consumption.
6 – Is a Full Condensing Boiler Good?
A full condensing boiler is a good choice in terms of efficiency and savings when used under the right conditions. Especially in homes with regular heating needs, it offers more stable operation compared to traditional models and can reduce fuel consumption in the long term.
7 – Does a Full Condensing Boiler Consume Too Much Gas?
A full condensing boiler does not consume too much gas when selected with the correct capacity and used in suitable insulation conditions. On the contrary, because it can run for long periods at low flame power, it helps reduce sudden consumption increases and provides more controlled natural gas usage.
8 – Which Is the Best Condensing Boiler Brand?
The best condensing boiler brand cannot be limited to a single name because it varies depending on expectations. When service network, spare part availability, energy efficiency, and price balance are evaluated together, the brand that best suits the user’s needs should be chosen.
9 – Which Boiler Has the Longest Warranty?
Warranty periods for boiler models are usually offered as standard, but some brands may extend the warranty for an extra fee or during promotional periods. A long warranty alone is not enough; what the warranty covers should also be reviewed carefully.
10 – Is E.C.A Better or Buderus?
E.C.A and Buderus appeal to different user profiles. E.C.A generally stands out with its price-performance balance, while Buderus is preferred more by users looking for upper-segment features and long service life. When deciding, the size of the home and budget are key factors.
11 – Buderus or Vaillant?
Buderus and Vaillant are among the strong brands in the condensing boiler segment. Buderus stands out with durability and technical design, while Vaillant can be preferred for usage comfort and quiet operation. The choice should be made according to usage habits.
12 – Is E.C.A Better Than Demirdöküm?
When choosing between E.C.A and Demirdöküm, service availability and technical support are important criteria. Demirdöküm draws attention with a wider service network, while E.C.A may stand out with simple use and more accessible pricing.
13 – How Much Does a Buderus 24 kW Boiler Cost?
Buderus 24 kW boiler prices may vary depending on the model, technical features, and the sales period. For accurate pricing, authorized dealers or current promotions should be considered, and installation and additional services should be included in the evaluation.
14 – How Many m² Can a 24 kW Boiler Heat?
A 24 kW capacity boiler can heat approximately 120 to 160 square meters in a home with average insulation. However, the exact result varies depending on building insulation, floor level, and the climate conditions of the region.
