Select condensing boilers and furnaces
More heat for less fuel
About 10% of the heat from the burner in a boiler or furnace is held in the water vapor in flue gases. In a condensing unit, much of this moisture condenses in a heat exchangerDevice that transfers heat from one material or medium to another. An air-to-air heat exchanger, or heat-recovery ventilator, transfers heat from one airstream to another. A copper-pipe heat exchanger in a solar water-heater tank transfers heat from the heat-transfer fluid circulating through a solar collector to the potable water in the storage tank., capturing the latent heat before combustion gases go out the flue. The moisture (condensate) then drains away. The full benefits of a condensing boiler are not realized unless return water temperatures are kept below approximately 120°F. Exhaust gases are cool enough to be vented in plastic pipe.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
: Up to 4 points for very high-efficiency HVAC(Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Collectively, the mechanical systems that heat, ventilate, and cool a building. equipment (EA 6).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: Up to 17 points for a high-efficiency gas boiler; up to 14 points for a high-efficiency oil boiler; up to 17 points for a gas or propane heater; and up to 14 points for an oil furnace, all depending on climate zone (703.4).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Learn more in the Green Product Guide
