ClearFire®-CE Condensing Boiler Named Most Valuable Product of 2019 by Industry Professionals

THOMASVILLE, Ga. (February 3, 2020) – The Cleaver-Brooks ClearFire®-CE (CFC-E) fully condensing hydronic boiler was named Most Valuable Product of 2019 by industry professionals who have buy-specify responsibilities. The product outperformed 35 finalists in 12 categories. The CFC-E condensing boiler achieves up to 99% efficiency in all operating conditions and features system design flexibility.

The boiler achieves industry-high efficiency due to its enhanced AluFer® firetube heat exchanger and dual temperature returns. When utilized, dual temperature returns increase condensing in a hot water boiler, raising efficiency by six percent or more compared to a traditional single-return design. The dual return feature also offers system engineering flexibility for efficient integration into any building design.

The product design of the CFC-E makes it easy for engineers to incorporate it into a retrofit design or a new construction project because there are no flow limitations to consider. Optimum efficiency can be achieved without the need to satisfy multiple boiler design constraints.

Another design aspect that makes the CFC-E simple to engineer is its large-water-volume pressure vessel with low pressure drop. This type of design eliminates flow restrictions and reduces system pumping energy. 

“The low-flow-tolerant design makes the CFC-E ideal for primary-variable-flow pumping systems and protects the boiler from overheating or potential erosion issues due to higher flow rates,” said Catie VanWormer, engineering manager, Packaged Boiler Systems for Cleaver-Brooks. “Due to the CFC-E’s high delta-T compatibility, it can handle the lowest possible return water temperature, increasing its condensing potential and operating efficiency.”

A low emissions premix burner is built into the CFC-E. The self-regulating, gas valve/venturi system, combined with ECM variable-speed blower technology delivers true linear modulation control with optimum turndown for hydronic systems. The burner automatically adjusts for combustion air density changes, resulting in a consistent fuel-air ratio performance without additional actuators and controls.

The CFC-E features the Cleaver-Brooks Falcon control that has a built-in ability to control lead-lag, outdoor air reset, automatic isolation valves, primary pumps and BMS integration. 

Constructed of duplex stainless steel, the CFC-E performs well in hydronic systems with a variety of design temperatures. It features excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand thermal stock.

The CFC-E fits through a standard doorway, and the side casings can be removed easily for passage through tight-access areas. Multiple units can be mounted side-by-side, allowing for a small installed footprint. All of the boiler’s components are fully integrated, pre-programmed and factory-tested for plug-and-play operation.

About Cleaver-Brooks

Cleaver-Brooks, a world-renowned provider of boiler room products and systems, is committed to providing efficient solutions that help its customers and the industry reduce energy usage, cost and environmental impact. As the pioneer of packaged firetube and watertube boilers, Cleaver-Brooks is the only manufacturer in the world to offer an entirely integrated boiler room solution for any size application. Its products are backed by a world-class representative network offering superior aftermarket service and solutions. Visit for more information.

About the Contest

Consulting-Specifying Engineers Product of the Year contest is the premier award for new products in the HVAC, fire/life safety, electrical, and plumbing systems engineering markets. The annual reader-choice program showcases the top new products in the industry. Readers vote on the 36 finalists, and the one that receives the most votes overall is named Product of the Year.

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