2023 Top Condensing Boiler Options, Pros & Cons, Reviews

If you are looking to increase the energy efficiency of your heating system and replace an old boiler, its best to install a condensing boiler.

A condensing boiler will provide at least 95% energy efficiency (AFUE) compared to 80-85% of a conventional boiler.

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Best Condensing Boiler

A selection of the top 7 recommended condensing boiler models is presented below along with their cost, efficiency, type, capacity range, warranty information, pros and cons.

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1. Lennox GWM-IE Boiler

Cost: $1,675-$6,400

Efficiency: up to 95% AFUE

Available Types and Ranges: Heating-only boilers (50-200 MBH)

Warranty: 15-Year Limited Warranty on Heat Exchanger; 10-Year Limited Warranty on covered components

Pros:

• Boiler has been designated as one of the Most Efficient ENERGY STAR certified products in 2018
• Boiler has economical electronic ignition switch that monitors temperature and prevents excessive use of the burner
• The heat exchanger tube is self-cleaning and the mesh burner is corrosion resistant, hence reasonably long warranty is offered

Cons:

• The price may be quite high compared to other brands

2.Bosch Greenstar Boiler

Cost: $3,000-$5,230

Efficiency: up to 95% AFUE

Available Types and Ranges: Heating-only boilers (57-151 MBH) and Combi boilers (100-151 MBH)

Warranty: Lifetime heat exchanger warranty pro-rated after 10th year; 5-year parts and labor warranty

Pros:

• Boiler comes in both heating-only and combi versions
• Both wall-hung and floor-standing models are available
• Boiler has an advanced Aluminum-Silicon alloy heat exchanger, which offers increased flexibility compared to traditional stainless steel. The heat
exchanger also has a coating that prevents scale build-up extending the life of the boiler and minimizing servicing

Cons:

• The price may be quite high compared to other brands
• Turndown ratios are slightly lower compared to market average

3. Triangle Tube Challenger Solo and Combi Boiler

Cost: $1,785-$2,565

Efficiency: up to 95% AFUE

Available Types and Ranges: Heating-only boilers (50-125 MBH) and Combi boilers (105-125 MBH)

Warranty: Limited 10-year heat exchanger warranty; limited 1-year warranty on component parts

Pros:

• Boiler comes in both heating-only and combi versions
• The pre-assembled primary-secondary manifold is included with all Challenger boilers. The manifold simplifies the installation saving time and money
• Boiler has compact size which makes it perfect for closet application
• Boiler prices are lower compared to other condensing boilers

Cons:

• Boiler has aluminum heat exchanger which is less durable and more prone to corrosion than stainless steel.

4. Westinghouse Combi Boiler

Cost: $2,440-$2,750

Efficiency: up to 96% AFUE

Available Types and Ranges: Combi boilers (140 & 199 MBH)

Warranty: 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger; 5-year parts warranty

Pros:

• Both floor-mounted and wall-mounted models are available
• Boiler has high turndown ratios – up to 10:1. This allows better match fuel consumption to heating demand, which, in turn, conserves energy and
provides high system efficiency even during low load conditions
• Boiler is fitted with a state-of-the-art leak detection that protects against hazardous gas emissions
• Boiler has ultra-low NOx emissions which reduces the environmental impact

Cons:

• Only two boiler capacities are available – 140 and 199 MBH

5. Bosch Buderus SSB

Cost: $3,365-$8,750

Efficiency: up to 96% AFUE

Available Types and Ranges: Heating-only boilers (85-255 MBH)

Warranty: 10-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger; 5-year warranty on parts and labor

Pros:

• Boiler has specially built insulation that ensures ultra-quiet operation, as low as 44 dB(a)
• Boiler has extra durable heat exchanger made of 316L stainless steel with no welds
• Boiler has high quality construction as they are designed with the same high-quality components found in the models for commercial applications

Cons:

• Only floor-mounted models are available
• Minimum capacity available is 80 MBH which might not be suitable for small homes (oversized heating system)
• The price may be quite high compared to other brands

6. Weil McLain WM97+ CT Boiler

Cost: $3,140-$3,950

Efficiency: up to 95% AFUE

Available Types and Ranges: Heating-only boilers (70-155 MBH)

Warranty: 12-year limited warranty on heat exchanger; 2-year limited warranty on all other parts

Pros:

• Boiler has three thermostat inputs and circulator outputs with selectable priority. This eliminates need and costs of zone control relays
• Boiler has dedicated connection for the indirect-fired water heater with customizable settings. This way, the boiler can be easily partnered with a water
heater if needed.

• Boiler comes with a built-in expansion tank (70 and 110 MBH sizes only) and low water cut-off

Cons:

• Minimum capacity available is 70 MBH which might not be suitable for small homes (oversized heating system)

7. Laars MFTHW – 199 Condensing Boiler

Cost: $1,485-$3,130

Efficiency: up to 95% AFUE

Available Types and Ranges: Heating-only boilers (100-199 MBH) and Combi boilers (140-199 MBH)

Warranty: 10-years limited heat exchanger warranty; 5-year parts warranty

Pros:

• Both floor-mounted and wall-mounted models are available
• Boiler comes in both heating-only and combi versions
• Combi boiler models use a “hybrid water heater design” which takes the best features of tankless and cylinder type water heating. The boiler has a mini
tank with the capacity of half a gallon which is always kept charged with hot water in order to ensure that the hot water is available as fast as
possible. This is very cost-effective for larger houses with multiple bathrooms, where higher hot water flow rates might be required to meet simultaneous
demand.

Cons:

• Minimum capacity available is 100 MBH which might not be suitable for small homes (oversized heating system)

Final Verdict: Which Condensing Boiler Is Right For Your Home?

All models on the list are highly efficient and are eligible for tax credits and rebates. The higher price typically reflects the higher quality of the boiler parts and hence longer life and warranty periods.

On average, condensing boilers last 15 years, but with a higher quality components and regular maintenance, the boiler can serve for 20 years and more.

The model that stands out in terms of price-quality relationship is LAARS Mascot FT. For a reasonably low price, it offers a market average 10-year warranty on a heat exchanger and a 5-year warranty on other parts.

There is also flexibility in boiler selection: both heating-only and combi boilers are available with a wide range of capacities. The turndown ratios are also above the market average of 5:1.

However, other models might have features that are attractive in your specific situation. For example, if you a want to have a peace of mind offered by the lifetime heat exchanger warranty from the Bosch Greenstar boiler and the heating demand of your house is not high, it might be the right choice for you.