Is balanced flue more energy efficient for outside boiler?

[Batmanjd]

Hi, I've got an outside boiler in a small brink enclosure. It has a short open flue. I've heard that if a balanced flue is used, the hot exhaust gas warms up the incoming air, acting like a heat exchanger, increasing boiler efficiency. Is this correct? If so, what is the maximum length that I could use for a balanced flue? (The existing flue is about 700mm long within the brick enclosure.)
Thanks, JD

 

[Aquaheat]

I think that you may be confusing this with an air to air heat exchanger.

Make and model of boiler and i bet that within 10 minutes you will have the efficiency of your boiler.

 

[Batmanjd]

Hi, I don't know the make of the boiler as it's running and it's wrapped in a heat jacket. But the burner is a relatively new Sterling (Electro Oil). The boiler is about 30-35 years old it seems.

Would an air-to-air heat exchanger be worth getting, or would a new boiler be the best bet?

 

[Aquaheat]

I think we are on two different subjects at the moment.

The fact that a flue warms up air as it draws it in is the basic principle of an A2A unit. You already have a balanced flued appliance in situe.

What i was trying to get across is the fact that you may have the 2 basic principles crossed as a balanced flue does not work like that. All it is doing is drawing in intake air and expelling POC. This is not like a high efficiency unit.

 

[Aquaheat]

Would an air-to-air heat exchanger be worth getting, or would a new boiler be the best bet?

In response to that, i couldn't honestly say.

But in the ethics of not trying to hijack a post i would be interested in other guys views with regards to "renewable" energy as i have yet to get stuck into properly as yet.

 

[Batmanjd]

Thanks for the replies. I don't have a balanced flue or A2A at present. I'm wondering if it is worth getting something that is more energy efficient. I'l try other areas for energy efficiency as you suggest.

Thanks