Boiler Combustion Performance Analysis (CPA) – What It Is and Why It Matters

🔍 Boiler Combustion Performance Analysis – What It Is and Why It Matters

When it comes to keeping your boiler efficient, safe, and legally compliant, one essential service is often overlooked: Boiler Combustion Performance Analysis.

At Gas-Go Heating, we believe in not just fixing boilers, but optimising them. Here's everything you need to know about this vital process, why it’s important, and how we use it to help your heating system run better, safer, and cheaper.


🔥 What Is Combustion Performance Analysis?

Combustion Performance Analysis is the process of measuring and analysing the gases produced by your boiler during operation. It tells us how efficiently your boiler is burning fuel — and whether it’s burning safely.

This test is carried out using a flue gas analyser, which samples the exhaust gases from the boiler’s flue. The results help engineers fine-tune the appliance for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.


🧪 What Do We Measure?

A combustion analysis checks several key readings:

Measurement What It Means
O₂ (Oxygen) Tells us how much oxygen is left over after combustion. Too much = wasteful.
CO (Carbon Monoxide) A toxic byproduct of poor combustion. High levels = danger.
CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Indicates combustion completeness.
Flue Temperature High temperatures = wasted energy. Low can mean poor burn.
CO/CO₂ Ratio Safety benchmark. Should be below manufacturer’s limits (usually under 0.004).
Efficiency % Indicates how well the boiler is converting fuel into heat. Higher is better.

⚙️ How the Process Works (Step-by-Step)

  1. Warm-Up
    The boiler is turned on and allowed to reach normal operating temperature.
  2. Flue Gas Sampling
    A probe is inserted into the flue terminal to take gas readings using a calibrated flue gas analyser.
  3. Data Interpretation
    The engineer reads CO, O₂, CO₂, and flue temperature data in real time.
  4. Adjustment (if needed)
    If the appliance is out of specification, we can fine-tune air/fuel ratios or recommend servicing.
  5. Safety Confirmation
    We check that the CO/CO₂ ratio is within safe limits, and confirm no dangerous emissions.
  6. Certificate & Report
    If requested, we can issue documentation to prove your boiler has passed its combustion test.

🛑 Why It’s Important

Safety

High levels of carbon monoxide (CO) are invisible, odourless, and lethal. A combustion test ensures your appliance is burning cleanly and safely.

Efficiency

An efficient boiler burns less fuel, which saves you money on energy bills and reduces your carbon footprint.

Compliance

Modern condensing boilers often require combustion checks as part of commissioning and annual servicing to meet manufacturer and Gas Safe guidelines.

Performance

Fine-tuning combustion improves reliability and can extend the lifespan of your boiler.


🏠 Who Needs a Combustion Analysis?

  • New boiler installations (as part of commissioning)
  • Annual boiler servicing
  • Landlord gas safety checks (CP12)
  • Commercial boiler maintenance
  • When performance drops or heating bills spike

If your boiler seems sluggish or you notice higher gas bills, this test can often reveal the cause.


👨🔧 Why Choose Gas-Go Heating for Combustion Testing?

At Gas-Go Heating, our qualified Gas Safe engineers:

✅ Use calibrated, professional-grade analysers
✅ Follow all BS 7967 and manufacturer specifications
✅ Carry out safe, efficient boiler servicing and diagnostics
✅ Issue full reports for landlords or commercial premises


📞 Book a Combustion Performance Check Today

Want to ensure your boiler is running at its best?

📞 Call us: 02392 782351 | 🌐 Visit:  https://gas-go.uk
We cover South Hampsire with fast, friendly service and transparent pricing.


Gas-Go Heating – Keeping Boilers Safe, Efficient, and Legal.

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