Vaillant PCB

Vaillant boilers are a popular choice for homeowners providing reliable and efficient heating solutions. One of the key components of a modern Vaillant boiler system is the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

Often referred to as the brain or nerve centre of a boiler, the PCB plays a critical role in ensuring that the boiler functions optimally.

In this updated blog, we will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding Vaillant PCBs, covering everything from what they are and how they work, to maintenance and servicing, warranty and support, smart home integration, and upgrading and replacement.

Whether you are a homeowner looking to learn more about your Vaillant boiler system or a heating engineer seeking to expand your knowledge, this UK Boiler Mega Guide 2024 will provide you with the essential information you need.

Understanding Vaillant Boilers

History and Vaillant Brand Overview

Vaillant is a well-known brand in the UK for its high-quality boilers. The company was founded in 1874 and has since grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of heating systems in Europe. Vaillant has a reputation for producing reliable and efficient boilers that are built to last.

The company's commitment to innovation has led to the development of the Vaillant Ecotec Plus series, which is one of the most popular boiler ranges on the market. Vaillant's focus on sustainability has also led to the production of heat pumps, which are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas boilers.

Vaillant Ecotec Plus Series

The Vaillant Ecotec Plus series is a range of combi and system gas boilers that offer high efficiency and reliability. These boilers are designed to be compact and easy to install, making them a popular choice for homeowners and installers alike.

The Ecotec Plus series features a range of models with different outputs to suit different sized properties. They also come with a range of features, such as a built-in frost protection system and a digital display, to make them easy to use and maintain.

Comparing Boiler Types

When it comes to choosing a boiler, there are two main types to consider: combi and system gas boilers. Combi boilers are ideal for smaller properties as they heat water on demand, while system boilers are better suited to larger properties with higher hot water demands.

Vaillant offers both combi and system gas boilers in the Ecotec Plus series, so homeowners can choose the right type of boiler for their property. It is important to consider factors such as the size of the property, the number of bathrooms, and the hot water demand when choosing a boiler.

Overall, Vaillant is a trusted and reliable brand that offers a range of high-quality boilers to suit different properties and needs. The Vaillant Ecotec Plus series is a popular choice for its efficiency and reliability, and the company's commitment to sustainability makes it a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

What is a Vaillant Boiler PCB?

What do Vaillant boiler PCBs do?

A Vaillant boiler Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a vital part of a modern boiler system. It acts as the central control unit for the boiler, regulating all the functions and ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently. The PCB is responsible for monitoring the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the water in the system, as well as controlling the ignition and combustion processes.

How do Vaillant boiler PCBs work?

Vaillant boiler PCBs are made up of interconnected components that form an electric circuit. The PCB receives signals from various sensors located throughout the boiler, which it uses to determine how the boiler should operate. For example, if the water in the system is too hot, the PCB will reduce the temperature by controlling the burner. If the water pressure is too high, the PCB will activate the safety valve to release the excess pressure.

Do all modern Vaillant boilers have a PCB?

Yes, all modern Vaillant boilers have a PCB. The PCB is an essential part of the boiler's control system and is required for the boiler to operate correctly. When installing a Vaillant boiler, it is essential to ensure that the PCB is correctly installed and connected to the rest of the system. This should only be done by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer or a Vaillant Advance Installer who has received the necessary training and guidance.

Overall, the Vaillant boiler PCB is a critical component in ensuring that the boiler operates safely and efficiently. It is essential to ensure that the PCB is correctly installed and maintained by a qualified installer or engineer. If you suspect that your Vaillant boiler PCB is faulty, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified engineer to diagnose and repair the problem.

Vaillant PCB: The Brain of Your Boiler

A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is the central control of a boiler. It controls every function via thermostats, switches, and sensors, ensuring the boiler runs safely and efficiently. The Vaillant PCB is essentially the brain of your boiler, responsible for regulating temperature, pressure, and other critical functions.

Function and Importance

The Vaillant PCB is a vital component of the boiler system, responsible for regulating the flow of gas and water, controlling the ignition and fan, and monitoring the temperature and pressure. A faulty PCB can cause a range of issues, from intermittent heating to complete boiler breakdown. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the PCB is in good working order and replaced promptly if any faults are detected.

Common Vaillant PCB Issues

The most common issues with the Vaillant PCB include faulty connections, damaged components, and power supply problems. These can be caused by a range of factors, including wear and tear, power surges, and environmental factors. It is essential to diagnose the issue correctly to avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Troubleshooting and diagnostics of the Vaillant PCB require a thorough understanding of the service manual and the system's components. It is recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified engineer to diagnose and repair any issues with the PCB. The engineer will use diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the fault and provide a solution that meets the manufacturer's specifications.

In conclusion, the Vaillant PCB is a critical component of your boiler system, responsible for regulating the temperature, pressure, and other critical functions. It is essential to ensure that the PCB is in good working order and replaced promptly if any faults are detected. If you experience any issues with your Vaillant PCB, seek the assistance of a qualified engineer to diagnose and repair the issue.

Efficiency and Performance

Maximising Your Boiler's Efficiency

The efficiency of a boiler is a measure of how much of the energy in the fuel it uses is converted into heat for your home. A higher efficiency rating means that the boiler is more efficient at converting fuel into heat, which in turn means that it will use less fuel to heat your home. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time.

To maximise your boiler's efficiency, it is important to ensure that it is regularly serviced and maintained. This will help to keep it running at its best and prevent any issues that could cause it to become less efficient. Additionally, using a programmable thermostat can help to ensure that your heating system is only running when it needs to be, which can also help to reduce your energy bills.

Temperature Regulation

Temperature regulation is an important factor in ensuring that your boiler is running efficiently. If your boiler is set to a higher temperature than is necessary, it will use more fuel than it needs to in order to heat your home. Conversely, if it is set to a lower temperature, it may not be able to provide enough heat to keep your home comfortable.

To ensure that your boiler is running at the optimal temperature, it is important to have it set up correctly by a qualified engineer. They will be able to advise you on the best temperature settings for your home, taking into account factors such as the size of your property and the number of occupants.

Reducing Energy Bills

Reducing your energy bills is a key consideration for many homeowners, and there are a number of steps that you can take to achieve this. One of the most effective ways to reduce your energy bills is to ensure that your boiler is running as efficiently as possible, as this will help to reduce the amount of fuel that it uses.

Other steps that you can take to reduce your energy bills include using a smart thermostat to regulate your heating, ensuring that your home is well insulated, and making sure that you only heat the rooms that you are using. By taking these steps, you can help to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable and environmentally friendly.

Maintenance and Servicing

Regular Servicing Schedule

To ensure the proper functioning of the Vaillant PCB, it is important to follow a regular servicing schedule. The manufacturer recommends an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer to maintain the warranty and to keep the boiler running efficiently. During the service, the engineer will carry out a range of checks, including inspecting the pressure, cleaning the heat exchanger, and ensuring the PCB is functioning correctly.

Vaillant Servicing Package

Vaillant offers a servicing package that provides maintenance and support services to help keep the boiler properly maintained, supported, and in good working order. The package includes an annual service, priority call-outs, and unlimited breakdown cover. If the boiler is less than six months old, an extended warranty and servicing package can be purchased. To discuss the options available, contact a member of the Vaillant service team on 0330 100 3540.

Accessing the Service Manual

The Vaillant service manual can be accessed through the downloads section of the Vaillant website. The manual provides detailed information on how to service and maintain the boiler, including step-by-step instructions and diagrams. If the manual cannot be found in the downloads section, contact Vaillant at [email protected] and they will send the correct document directly to you.

It is important to note that only a Gas Safe registered engineer should carry out any maintenance or servicing on the Vaillant PCB. Any attempts to service the boiler by an unqualified person may invalidate the warranty and could be dangerous. If there are any issues with the boiler, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately.

Warranty and Support

Understanding Your Guarantee

Vaillant offers a standard guarantee of 2-5 years on their boilers, with the option to extend to 7-10 years when installed by a Vaillant advance installer. It is important to note that the guarantee only covers manufacturing defects and does not cover faults caused by incorrect installation, poor maintenance, or damage caused by external factors.

To ensure that your guarantee remains valid, it is essential that your Vaillant boiler is serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The service details must be recorded in the Benchmark logbook, which must be made available for inspection. Please note that the cost of annual servicing is not included in the guarantee.

Contacting Vaillant Support

If you experience any issues with your Vaillant boiler, you can contact their support team for assistance. The Vaillant website offers a variety of resources to help you troubleshoot common problems, including boiler manuals and additional literature. If you are unable to find the information you need, you can contact Vaillant support directly by phone or email.

To speak with a member of the Vaillant support team, you can call 0330 100 3143. Their support line is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Alternatively, you can send an email to [email protected] and a member of their team will respond as soon as possible.

Overall, Vaillant offers a comprehensive warranty and support package for their boilers. By following the manufacturer's instructions and ensuring that your boiler is serviced annually, you can help to ensure that your guarantee remains valid and that your boiler continues to operate efficiently. If you experience any issues, don't hesitate to contact Vaillant support for assistance.

Smart Home Integration

Vaillant and Smart Home Technology

Vaillant is a company that has been integrating smart home technology into their products for several years. They have developed a range of products that can be controlled using a smartphone app or voice commands. The myVAILLANT connect system is a plug-and-play solution that enables seamless integration of Vaillant appliances with a homeowner's smart home systems. The simple one-cable connection allows for easy installation with the new ecoTEC plus range of boilers.

The myVAILLANT connect system unlocks the full potential and efficiency of the appliance through Vaillant controls, meaning more efficient heating and hot water. The system is compatible with Vaillant heat pump and boiler ranges from 2006 onwards. To access smart home subscriptions, the myVAILLANT connect gateway must be installed and subscription services activated.

Using Thermostats and Sensors

Vaillant's smart home integration allows homeowners to conveniently adjust the temperature through the myVAILLANT app or simple voice commands, meaning they can control their heating from the comfort of their sofa or ask their Amazon Echo or Apple HomeKit to do it for them.

The myVAILLANT smart home integration also allows homeowners to use thermostats and sensors to control their heating. The VRC 700 and VRC 700f wireless programmable room thermostats allow homeowners to set their heating and hot water to come on and off at specific times of the day. The thermostats also allow homeowners to set different temperatures for different times of the day, meaning they can have their heating on when they need it and save energy when they don't.

Vaillant also offers a range of sensors that can be used to control the heating in different rooms of the house. The VSmart sensor is a wireless sensor that can be placed in any room of the house. It communicates with the VRC 700 and VRC 700f thermostats to ensure that the temperature in each room is at the desired level.

In conclusion, Vaillant's smart home integration allows homeowners to control their heating and hot water using their smartphone or voice commands. The myVAILLANT connect system unlocks the full potential and efficiency of the appliance through Vaillant controls, meaning more efficient heating and hot water. The use of thermostats and sensors also allows homeowners to control their heating in different rooms of the house, ensuring that the temperature is at the desired level.

Upgrading and Replacement

When to Consider a New Boiler

If your boiler is over 15 years old, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new one. This is because older boilers are less efficient and can cost more to run. Additionally, if your boiler is frequently breaking down or requires costly repairs, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new one.

Another reason to consider a new boiler is if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. Newer boilers are designed to be more energy-efficient and produce fewer emissions, making them a more environmentally-friendly option.

Exploring Upgrade Offers

Vaillant offers a range of upgrade offers for customers looking to replace their existing boiler. These offers can include discounts on new boilers, free installation, or extended warranties. It's important to carefully consider these offers and compare them to other options on the market to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.

When looking at upgrade offers, it's also important to consider the costs associated with a new boiler. This can include the cost of the boiler itself, installation costs, and ongoing maintenance and repair costs. It's important to factor these costs into your decision-making process to ensure that you are making an informed decision.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade your boiler should be based on a combination of factors, including the age and efficiency of your current boiler, your energy needs, and your budget. By carefully considering these factors and exploring your options, you can make an informed decision about whether upgrading your boiler is the right choice for you.

iHeat New Boiler Cost

New boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.

Effectively, new boiler cost can be split into two segments: the first is the actual boiler itself (unit price), and the second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer. 

Here at iHeat, we remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new heating system, as easy as possible.

New boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and boiler installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat (guide only).