Why Low-Temperature Boilers Are No Longer Sold and What to Get Instead
Why Low-Temperature Boilers Are No Longer Sold and What to Get Instead
If you're looking for a new classic (low-temperature, non-condensing) gas boiler and finding that the market offering is suddenly very thin, it's neither a coincidence nor a mistake on our part. It's a consequence of European legislation that is gradually pushing less efficient heating appliances out of the market in favor of condensing technology. That's why our low-temperature boiler category is now minimal too - it really only has two models left, kept as an exception, not a full-fledged range.
In this article, we explain why this happened, what the real difference is between the old and new technology, and what you can buy today instead of a classic boiler to get comparable or lower output but significantly lower gas consumption.
Three main reasons covered further down in the article.
The EU Ecodesign Regulation - the Real Reason
Behind the restriction on selling low-temperature boilers is the EU Ecodesign Regulation, also known under the abbreviation ErP directive (Energy related Products). This regulation sets minimum energy efficiency requirements and maximum emission limits for heating appliances sold on the European Union market.
Classic atmospheric (low-temperature) gas boilers mostly can't meet these currently required parameters - their design is older and physically doesn't allow them to reach the same efficiency as condensing boilers. Manufacturers therefore had to gradually scale down or completely end production and sale of these models for the new market. So this isn't a marketing decision by the retailer, but a legislative requirement in force across the entire European Union, affecting all heating equipment retailers equally.
It's important to stress: the regulation applies to new sales, not to the operation of existing boilers. If you already have a low-temperature boiler at home, nothing stops you from continuing to use it, servicing it, and repairing it if needed.
Efficiency Comparison - Why the Difference Is So Big
The difference between the old and new technology isn't cosmetic but fundamental - it's about how much heat from every cubic meter of burned gas you actually get into your heating system, and how much escapes through the chimney.
A classic atmospheric boiler vents flue gases at 110 to 150 °C. This temperature is needlessly high - the heat that escapes through the chimney in the flue gases is heat you paid for but didn't use. A condensing boiler, by contrast, can cool the flue gases to 20 to 50 °C, because it also uses the so-called condensation heat (the latent heat of the water vapor generated when burning gas), which an atmospheric boiler simply releases into the chimney unused.
| Parameter | Low-temperature (atmospheric) boiler | Condensing boiler |
| Efficiency | 70 – 90 %, typically around 84 % | up to 98 % physical (also stated as 105 – 109 % relative to the calorific value of gas) |
| Flue gas temperature | 110 – 150 °C | 20 – 50 °C |
| Sale of new units on the EU market | restricted by the ecodesign regulation | unrestricted, standard |
The difference between 84 % and 98 % efficiency isn't just a number on a datasheet - in practice it means you get significantly more heat from the same amount of gas, so you either heat more for the same consumption, or use less gas for the same heating comfort. That's exactly why condensing technology is the standard today, one that the entire market and legislation are aligned with.
Two Legacy Models You Can Still Find with Us
Despite ending regular sales, we still have two Protherm Gepard low-temperature boiler models in stock - this is an exception from restocking existing supplies, not a new production run. We recommend them mainly for cases when you need an exact replacement for the same, long-proven model (for example, for compatibility with an existing chimney system, or when you want to keep the same type of boiler as before) and you know you're not planning to switch to a condensing type in the foreseeable future.
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Protherm Gepard 18/24 MOV - a standalone atmospheric boiler without a cylinder, suitable mainly as a direct replacement for the same or a similar older Gepard model. Last pieces from restocked supplies. Price from €1,195.02. |
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Protherm Gepard 18/24 MOV + WEL 75 ME - Left - the same boiler in a set with a 75-liter indirectly heated cylinder (left-hand version), suitable where you also need comfortable hot water preparation. Price from €1,415.00. |
If you're dealing with an emergency replacement and need a boiler as quickly as possible, these two models are still available. For a regular, planned replacement, however, we recommend considering a direct switch to condensing technology - the reasons are explained above, and you'll also find specific recommended models below.
What to Get Instead - Recommended Condensing Boilers
The good news is that condensing boilers today come in output and price categories that fully replace any classic low-temperature boiler - including smaller apartment installations and larger installations in family homes. Moreover, in the vast majority of cases, the replacement can be carried out in the same location, on the same chimney system (possibly with an adjusted flue gas vent) and on the same heating pipework. Below are three specific models that are a popular and proven replacement for classic boilers with our customers.
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Protherm Gepard Condens 18/25 MKV - the condensing successor to the classic Gepard, a logical choice for anyone who had the original atmospheric Gepard at home and wants to stick with a proven brand but with significantly lower gas consumption. Price from €1,322.00. |
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ATTACK CONDENSING 20 Premium - a condensing boiler from the Slovak brand Attack, suitable as a reliable replacement for a typical family heating system. Price from €1,731.00. |
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BOSCH Condens GC2300iW 22/25 C - a condensing boiler from the renowned Bosch brand, offering a balanced ratio of output and price for both apartment and family-home use. Price from €1,472.06. |
These are just three from our current range - you'll find the full selection of condensing boilers, including further output ranges and brands, in the Condensing Boilers category, where you can filter models exactly by the required output, hot water preparation method, and budget.
The key difference that also explains the efficiency gap.
The real reason sales ended, explained in the article below.
Situations where it makes sense to reach for a restocked model.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are low-temperature boilers no longer sold? Because they don't meet the current minimum requirements for energy efficiency and emissions set by the EU Ecodesign Regulation (ErP directive), which applies to new sales of heating appliances across the entire European Union.
- Do I have to buy a condensing boiler right away? No, as long as your existing low-temperature boiler works and is serviced, you don't need to replace it immediately. The regulation applies to new sales, not to a mandatory replacement of working appliances.
- Is it legal to keep using an old low-temperature boiler at home? Yes, operating an existing boiler isn't affected by the restriction. The restriction applies exclusively to the sale of new units on the market, not to the use of already installed appliances.
- Is a condensing boiler worth it even in an older house with classic radiators? Yes, a condensing boiler brings savings in a radiator system too, although it reaches its highest efficiency at lower heating water temperatures (for example with underfloor heating). Even with radiators, though, gas consumption is still lower than with an atmospheric boiler.
- Can the two available legacy Protherm Gepard models still be purchased? Yes, we currently have the last pieces from restocked supplies in stock - the Protherm Gepard 18/24 MOV and its version with a cylinder, the Gepard 18/24 MOV + WEL 75 ME. This is a limited quantity, not a permanent offer.
- Can a classic boiler simply be replaced with a condensing one? In most cases, yes - the replacement takes place in the same location and usually also on the existing pipework, but you need to allow for an adjusted flue gas vent (condensing boilers need a different type of chimney/flue). You'll find a detailed procedure in the related article below.