Vokera Boiler Flashing Green Light - How to Fix

Having a Vokera boiler showing a flashing green light can be confusing and potentially indicative of an issue needing attention. The green light is part of the boiler's diagnostic system; a flashing signal often points towards specific problems with operation or function, ranging from pressure issues to system errors. 

Understanding what the different patterns mean is the first step in diagnosing and resolving the issue effectively.

Before attempting any troubleshooting, it's essential to consult the boiler's manual as it contains valuable information directly from the manufacturer on interpreting signals and resolving common faults. For a flashing green light, common causes could be related to water pressure, system blockages, or sensor malfunctions. 

A simple reset of the boiler can sometimes resolve temporary errors, but if the problem persists, further investigation and possibly professional assistance will be required.

Understanding Your Vokera Boiler's Green Light-

When managing a Vokera boiler, the green light serves as a visual indicator of the boiler's current status. Observing this light carefully helps diagnose its operational state.

Significance of the Green Light

The green light on a Vokera boiler typically signals normal operation. Its steady illumination indicates that the flame is on, meaning the boiler is actively heating water as required. During standby mode, when the boiler isn't actively heating but is available for use, the green light will remain lit to signal that the system is ready to operate.

• Standby: Green light steady

• Flame on: Green light lit

Common Green Light Indicators

The behaviour of the green light may vary, indicating different states of the boiler:

1. Steady Green: The boiler is functioning correctly, with the flame on and heating taking place.

   • Preheating Function Active: Sometimes, the green light may also signify that the preheating function is active, maintaining a supply of hot water.

2. Flashing Green: This pattern suggests an issue and can indicate a variety of problems, from pressure fluctuations to faults within the boiler's internal mechanisms.

When the green light begins to flash rather than maintaining a steady glow, homeowners should consult their boiler's manual or contact a professional engineer. Although the exact meaning of a flashing green light can vary based on the model of the Vokera boiler, it generally requires immediate attention to prevent potential downtime or more serious damage to the system.

Preliminary Steps Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into the specifics of troubleshooting your Vokera boiler's flashing green light issue, it's vital to undertake certain preliminary actions. By doing so, not only do you ensure safety, but also, you pave the way for a more informed and effective fix.

Safety First

The paramount concern is safety. Before attempting any troubleshooting on your Vokera boiler:

1. Turn off the gas supply to the boiler to prevent any gas leaks.

2. Ensure that the boiler is turned off and completely cool.

3. Inspect the area for any signs of gas odour or a hissing sound indicating a leak. If detected, do not proceed; instead, immediately contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

4. If no gas leaks are present, confirm that the electrical supply to the boiler is switched off to avoid electric shock.

Identifying Your Boiler Model

Knowing the model of your Vokera boiler aids in:

• Accessing the correct manual for reference.

• Understanding the specific diagnostics associated with your model's flashing lights.

To identify your model:

1. Locate the model name and number on the data plate, typically found on the boiler's drop-down panel.

2. Confirm the model information with your boiler's instruction manual to ensure accuracy.

3. Keep the boiler's serial number handy as it might be required for any professional consultation.

Bear in mind, if at any point during the troubleshooting process one feels out of depth, it is prudent to reach out to a heating or Gas Safe engineer for skilled intervention. It is essential to respect the complexity and potential hazards involved with boiler repairs and to seek expert assistance when necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When a Vokera boiler's green light is flashing, it often signifies a problem that requires attention. This section offers specific fixes to three common issues that can cause such indicators: low water pressure, ignition failure, and error codes.

Low Water Pressure Fixes

If the pressure gauge on the Vokera boiler indicates low water pressure, it's essential to repressurise the system.

• Repressurising the Boiler:

  1. Locate the filling loop beneath the boiler.

  2. Open the valves to allow water into the system.

  3. Watch the gauge and close the valves when the pressure reaches around 1.5 bar.

Ignition Failure Solutions

An ignition failure may prevent the boiler from starting, signalled by a persistent green light.

• Resetting the Boiler:

  • First, attempt a simple reset by pressing the reset button, which is often enough to clear temporary ignition issues.

• Cleaning the Ignition Components:

  • If the problem persists, the ignition components like the electrodes might need cleaning, which is best done by a certified engineer.

Resolving Error Codes

Error codes are designed to help diagnose specific faults within the boiler system.

• Reference the Manual:

  • Each error code corresponds to a particular issue. Consult the boiler's manual to understand what each code indicates.

• Common Error Code Responses:

  • For example, AL41 suggests checking the system pressure and refilling if necessary. Persistent faults after a reset often entail calling a qualified heating engineer.

Remember, while some issues can be fixed with simple adjustments, others may require professional assistance to ensure safety and compliance with warranty standards.

Boiler Maintenance and Resetting

Routine maintenance checks and the ability to reset the boiler are fundamental aspects for ensuring the efficient operation of a Vokera boiler. Regular servicing can prevent common boiler problems, while knowing how to reset the appliance can resolve immediate issues such as a flashing green light.

Regular Service Checks

Ensuring that your Vokera boiler remains operational involves performing routine service checks. It is essential to have a Gas Safe Registered engineer perform an annual service. During these checks, the engineer will:

• Inspect the boiler for any signs of wear or damage.

• Check the boiler's pressure and adjust it if necessary.

• Clean vital components such as the heat exchanger, which could affect the boiler's efficiency if clogged.

Combi boilers, especially, benefit from consistent inspections because of their dual functionality – providing both heating and hot water.

Resetting the Boiler

If your Vokera boiler presents with a flashing green light or an error code, resetting it may be the immediate remedy. The reset process is straightforward:

1. Locate the reset button on the boiler's control panel.

2. Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds.

The boiler should power off and restart, clearing temporary errors. If the green light continues to flash after a reset, or if error codes such as AL40 or AL41 appear, further investigation or professional assistance may be required. Error codes often indicate specific issues that need addressing:

• AL40/AL41: These denote problems with system pressure that might necessitate refilling the system; repeat occurrences indicate a need for an engineer's attention.

• Other Codes (e.g., AL52, AL55, AL60): These should prompt a call to a qualified heating engineer as they may indicate more complex faults.

When to call a Gas Safe engineer

It is important to discern when a flashing green light on a Vokera boiler necessitates the expertise of a Gas Safe engineer. Specific scenarios indicate the need for professional intervention.

Persistent Faults and Error Codes

If a Vokera boiler displays persistent fault codes, particularly those that recur after a reset, it is imperative to involve a Gas Safe engineer. Examples include:

• AL40, AL41: These error codes signal pressure irregularities within the system. Even after refilling and resetting, if these issues persist, a certified engineer should be contacted.

• AL52, AL55, AL60, AL71, AL73: Any of these codes require immediate attention from a professional.

Faults that repeatedly lock the boiler into a safe mode, known as lockout, are a clear sign that one needs the specialised skills of a heating engineer.

Critical Component Failures

Some issues are beyond the scope of simple troubleshooting and require a trained eye. These include:

• Flashing Green Light Problem: While a steady green light denotes proper functioning, a flashing light can hint at serious issues, like a hot water sensor malfunction.

• Component malfunctions that could pose safety risks should be addressed by a Gas Safe engineer without delay.

When boiler lights indicate critical problems, such as a continuous red light accompanying the green, it is not merely a matter of inconvenience but potentially of safety. This is a signal to promptly call a heating engineer.

Upgrade and Replacement Options

When faced with a Vokera boiler flashing green light, it might be time to consider whether a repair is sufficient or if an upgrade to a more modern system would be more cost-effective in the long run.

Considering a New Boiler Install

The decision to install a new boiler typically arises when the existing one becomes uneconomical to repair or operate. New boiler installs come with several benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, potentially lowering monthly central heating bills.

A wide range of brands offer options tailored to different household requirements, whether it's for a sizeable family home or a more compact living space. When selecting a new system, considering the type of fuel it uses is pivotal as it can affect both operating costs and environmental impact.

Understanding Warranties and Brands

With a new install, the warranty period can provide peace of mind. It's essential to understand the different warranty lengths that brands offer and what they cover. A robust warranty can signal confidence in a product and can protect against unforeseen repair costs in the future.

Furthermore, aligning with a reputable brand ensures access to reliable aftercare services and the assurance that your central heating system is both durable and supported by industry experts.

System Components and Their Functions

In Vokera boilers, each component plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient functioning of the central heating system, delivering hot water and warmth to the home environment.

The Role of the Radiators

Radiators are integral to a boiler's distribution network, serving as the final deliverers of heat. They receive hot water, heated by the boiler, and transfer the heat to the rooms. The radiator's effectiveness is paramount in maintaining the desired temperature within the home.

Moreover, Vokera boilers depend on the flow and return system, where the pump circulates hot water to the radiators, which then cool down and return the water back to the boiler for reheating.

Importance of the Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is the heart of any Vokera boiler, where the transfer of heat from the burner to the water occurs. It is essential for both the central heating and for providing hot water to taps and showers.

Typically made from robust materials like stainless steel, the heat exchanger's durability is critical to a boiler's longevity. An optimally functioning heat exchanger will reduce wastage and enhance the boiler's efficiency, ensuring warm radiators and prompt hot water.

New Boiler Costs

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.

Boiler costs 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 want to remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.

Boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and 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).