How to Tell If Your Boiler Is Condensing or Non-Condensing – and Why It Matters

If you're looking to upgrade your heating system under the Government-backed ECO4 scheme, one of the first questions to ask is:

Is your current boiler condensing or non-condensing?

This matters because only non-condensing boilers qualify for a free replacement under ECO4. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly how to tell the difference—and what it means for your home’s eligibility.

🏡 Why Does It Matter?

Under the ECO4 scheme, non-condensing boilers are considered outdated and inefficient. The scheme is designed to help low-income and vulnerable households upgrade to modern, energy-efficient condensing boilers – free of charge.

Non - condensing Boiler Upgrades to Condensing Combi Boiler

✅ Signs You Have a Non-Condensing Boiler

Here are some simple checks you can do at home:

1. Check for a Condensate Pipe

Condensing boilers produce condensation during operation. This is expelled through a white plastic pipe under the boiler, usually leading outside into a drain.

🛑 No white pipe? You might have a non-condensing boiler.

2. Look at the Flue (Exhaust Pipe)

The flue is where exhaust gases leave your home.

• Metal flue = typically non-condensing

• Plastic flue = likely a condensing boiler

  
  

3. Year of Installation

Since April 2005, UK regulations have required all newly installed gas boilers to be condensing models.

🗓️ If your boiler was installed before 2005, it’s likely non-condensing and may qualify for replacement.

4. Boiler Manual or Data Plate

Check the boiler manual or the information plate (usually inside the boiler cover). Look up the model in the PCDB Boiler Database to confirm its type.

💡 Bonus Tip: What If You Don't Have Central Heating?

Even if you don’t have a boiler at all, you may still qualify for a First Time Central Heating install—especially if your property uses electric heaters, oil, or has no heating system at all.

⚠️ Can Rented Properties Qualify?

Under ECO4, boiler replacements are only allowed for owner-occupied properties.But if the home doesn’t currently have central heating, renters can still qualify for a full heating system installation.

🔁 Time for an Upgrade?

A non-condensing boiler could be costing you more than you realise. With a condensing boiler, you’ll benefit from:

✔️ Greater energy efficiency

✔️ Lower bills

✔️ Reduced carbon footprint

✔️ Free install if eligible

📞 Ready to Check?

If you receive a qualifying benefit or think your property might be eligible under ECO4, get in touch with our team at Energius.

We’ll check your boiler, insulation status, and EPC rating—and guide you through the process from start to finish.

📩 Contact us today to find out if you qualify.

📞 Call 07351 081965

🌐 Or visit www.energius.co.uk