High efficiency. Space saver. Low costs. These are all important to homeowners who need to heat their home and use hot water. One of the most popular units is the condensing combi boiler that not only provides hot water, but it also reduces the operation and installation costs that other boilers have. This type of boiler works like a central heating boiler and a hot water cylinder at the same time. The name comes from the combination of a condensing boiler and a standard combination boiler. Cold water is instantly heated through a secondary heating circuit, which means that hot water is not stored. Therefore, consumers receive an unlimited supply of hot water for as long as the boiler is firing. Hot water is available within 40 seconds, so a person does not have to run water for a lengthy period of time before it reaches the desired temperature. Consumers save on water and heating costs.
A preferred choice for small homes, condensing combi boilers Geen warm water eliminate the need for some of the requirements that come with more conventional vented heating systems. For example, a separate hot and cold water tank is not required. Also, parts come in a single unit, rather than in separate pieces, which makes the boiler easy to install. By installing a thermostat, water is controlled in the shower, avoiding sudden temperature fluctuation.
The costs for owning one of these units can be somewhat expensive. However, there are some units that qualify for the 2009/2010 tax credit offered by the Federal government. The Embassy Onex is the latest addition to the ambassador line of condensing combi boilers with increased efficiency levels with the indoor/outdoor reset control feature. The Embassy Onex boiler costs approximately $4,275, but qualifies for the $1,500 tax credit. Additional features include a patented ASME heat exchanger; premix burner technology; and, a certified DOE efficiency rating of 93%.
Another condensing combi boiler which qualifies for the tax credit is the Viessmann WB24272, a natural gas unit that costs $5,964.95. The AFUE rating is 95.2%, and the unit comes with a stainless steel plate heat exchanger for instant heating. These boilers do not store water in the cylinder like other boilers, which can waste heat and contribute to adverse environmental conditions.