I thought the same thing as John mentioned, when the boiler first fires up in the morning, return temperature is typically 20-25oC & after it cuts out on the room stat, may not restart for 1-2 hours, then again very low return temperature for some time ( will try and monitor return temperature next time it restarts, be interesting to see the climb rate and how long it ‘ should be’ condensing for.
So going back to deposits on the heat exchanger wouldn't these periods of heavy condensing keep the exchanger clean ? I am running my boiler outlet at 64oC, i tried 62oC, but even 2oC seemed to make noticeable difference to radiator heat output. The return temperature when steady and modulating is 53-56oC. As I said previously I was considering replacing 2 lounge radiators with double fin, but looks like the best I might get is a 45oC return temperature.....only an educated guess.....which would give a 3% saving, would take around 20-25 years to pay back the cost..so very likely going to abandon that idea.
I know I may get shouted at, but I dont suppose I could clean the heat exchanger myself, I think it will need a Gas Safe person most likely.......
there is a move to make manufacturers add an efficiency display to their boilers and show when it’s in condensing mode, I think they will fight hard against this, as people will soon realise they are not getting the 97% efficiency that they expect..
take care all & keep safe