What is meant by "boiler efficiency"?

Boiler efficiency is defined as the ratio of useful energy output to the energy input, expressed as a percentage. This concept measures how effectively a boiler converts the energy from fuel into usable thermal energy. A high efficiency indicates that a large portion of the energy input is being transformed into heat that can be utilized for heating water or steam generation, which is desirable for both economic and environmental reasons.

Understanding boiler efficiency is crucial for evaluating the performance of a boiler, as it directly impacts fuel consumption and operational costs. When assessing a boiler's efficiency, factors such as heat losses through stack emissions and unburned fuel need to be taken into account, solidifying the importance of this metric in the design and operation of boiler systems.