Operating instructions for the Vaillant TurboTEC gas boiler (Pro and Plus) + its advantages and disadvantages

German heating equipment is widely known throughout the world.

Quality, meticulous attention to detail and attention to the technological production regime have deservedly made German equipment a leader among similar installations from other manufacturers.

One of the worthy examples of heating products is Vaillant[/anchor] boilers.

They are assembled from high-quality elements that can perform their functions with maximum efficiency.

Let's consider one of the popular models of gas boilers from this company.

Gas boilers Vaillant turboTEC

The TEC series is a group of wall-mounted gas boilers, one of the most popular among users.

The parameters and specifics of these installations are optimally suited for use in private houses or medium-sized apartments, which are most common in our country . The equipment is manufactured at the company’s factories in Europe, all processes undergo multi-stage quality control and technology compliance.

As a result, high-quality equipment is produced for heating and supplying hot water to residential premises of a certain area, which is reliable and has a long service life. The boilers are capable of operating on natural and liquefied gas and are resistant to slight fluctuations in power supply voltage.

It is possible to simultaneously supply coolant to a radiator-type heating circuit and to a heated floor system.

Why do errors appear in Vaillant boilers and how can you fix them?

in the Boilers subsection (which is part of the Heating equipment section).

Vaillant supplies Russia with a huge range of heating and hot water equipment. Vaillant boilers are the latest German double-circuit boilers for heating water. These devices operate from gas supply and include types of boilers such as wall-mounted and floor-mounted.

Advantages

• Fast water heating
• Compact, light weight, ergonomic design
• Reliability and simplicity
• Good heat delivery
• Low energy consumption
• Safety
• Intelligent control system, built-in sensors

Flaws

• Quite a high price of the device
• There is no internal boiler, which is inconvenient for irregular water supplies
• Running water heats up, so more gas is wasted
• The boiler control panel is open, which is dangerous if your child decides to play with the buttons and taps
• If the power goes out, the boiler stops working

Basic error codes for the Vaillant boiler

No piece of technology works flawlessly. Likewise, the Vaillant boiler has its own malfunctions. From time to time, boiler errors occur that appear from external causes that do not depend on the owner or the device itself.

All error codes of the Vailant boiler appear on the built-in display. Each code indicates a specific error.

Vaillant floor standing gas boilers

— The Vaillant boiler does not start: error f28

With this error, the boiler simply does not ignite and the device does not start.

• The gas supply process is disrupted: the gas meter is faulty, the gas is oversaturated with air, the gas is supplied in insufficient quantities, the gas supply valve is closed
• Failure in the main gas magnet
• Errors when connecting to the gas pipeline, which is explained by attempts to install the boiler yourself
• The ignition transformer is unstable
• Cable breaks

— Error f75

This error occurs after the system tries to start the pump 5 times and the pressure does not rise above 50 mbar.

This is a vailant boiler error f75, below we will look at the reasons.

• Filling the heating system with air
• Water pressure sensor malfunction
• Damage to the pump itself
• There is insufficient water pressure inside the boiler
• The expansion tank is connected to the supply line

The error stands for “dry running”.

• Insufficient amount of water in the device
• The cable to the pump is faulty
• Problems with the pump itself
• Water circulation is insufficient
• NTC sensor is broken
• The boiler's electrical board has become unusable

- Error f33

Vaillant boiler error f22: half an hour after turning on the heating mode, the relay does not close the contact in the gas-air path.

The relay simply does not give a signal and does not break the contact after the cooling system has turned off

Vaillant boiler safety

Each boiler produced by Vailant is equipped with three safety sensors. And some models have even more sensors.

• The first is a flame sensor. As soon as the gas goes out in the boiler, the gas is immediately shut off.
• The second sensor is gas removal. Control over the safe release of gas and removal of combustion products.
• The third sensor is temperature. This sensor prevents all boiler elements from overheating.

Types

There are two types of TEC series boilers:

• Single-circuit (VU marking).
• Dual-circuit (VUW).

The first type is capable of servicing only the heating circuit, the second has the ability, together with heating the coolant, to prepare hot water for domestic needs. Single-circuit installations are cheaper, they have fewer components and structural elements, which makes them more reliable and resistant to external loads.

At the same time, from the standpoint of convenience and rationality, double-circuit boilers are more convenient and efficient, since they allow you to create a full-fledged autonomous heating and hot water supply system in your home.

The ability to not depend on tariffs and the whims of resource providers is a big plus for homeowners.

NOTE!

When choosing an installation for your home, it is recommended to choose dual-circuit models. They can only work for heating, but, if necessary, they will solve the problem with hot water supply.

What are they?

According to the installation method, boilers are distinguished:

• Wall-mounted. Small size and weight. They do not require a separate room. Stylish design - looks great in the kitchen. The described brand offers a large selection of mounted models.
• Floor-standing. More bulky. More powerful than wall-mounted counterparts. Suitable for heating a large house. There are only three floor-standing models - AtmoVIT (16,000-56,000 W), AtmoCRAFT (65,000-157,000 W) AtmoVIT Exclisuv (up to 47,000 W). Made of cast iron - this extends their service life. Air intake is through fans. You can connect a capacitive boiler. The latest modifications of the floor-standing series are equipped with two burners, one maintains a constant temperature of the coolant, the second is activated when it is necessary to increase the heating intensity.

By number of circuits:

• Single-circuit. They are intended for heating only. Marking "VU". It is possible to connect a boiler.
• Dual-circuit. These, in addition to heating the house, simultaneously heat water for domestic needs. Marking "VUW". The efficiency of such devices reaches 93%.

According to the method of removal of combustion products:

• Traditional chimney. Models with an open firebox are called atmospheric. Their marking is AtmoTEC.
• Coaxial chimney. Closed firebox. The marking of turbocharged versions is TurboTEC.

Vaillant gas heaters also differ in power and configuration. The manufacturer produces equipment with four powers - 12, 24, 28, 36 kW.

The marking contains a lot of useful information. For example, the Vaillant VU turboTec 362/5-5 marking means one “VU” circuit, turbocharged - turboTec, 36,000 W, 2 - forced smoke removal, 5 - fifth generation.

Models

The Vaillant turboTEC range of gas boilers is represented by single- and double-circuit units of varying power from 12 to 36 kW, depending on the specific model.

There are two lines:

• Vaillant turboTEC Pro.
• Vaillant turboTEC Plus.

The first line is a basic model that has a limited power choice - only 24 kW is offered. Units from the Plus line have expanded functionality and power, giving the user a choice of models from 12 to 36 kW.

This makes it possible to select a unit for the existing area or configuration of the home, and obtain the optimal design option for the existing working conditions.

Unit connection diagram

The connection diagram of the unit will depend on several factors, the first and most important, of course, is the type of heating system. There are three types of them:

1. Those that use natural circulation. The movement of heat is ensured by the difference in water pressure that occurs in the line due to the expansion of coolants due to increased temperature. Installation of such a line is cheaper, but you will not be able to regulate the temperature using a radiator; accordingly, the second type is used on higher-quality automation.
2. Forced circulation is carried out by special pumps, so you can freely regulate the amount of heat. Accordingly, the method is the most effective of those on the market, but the connection diagram is much more complicated and installation is more expensive. In addition, the system is completely dependent on electricity, and if it is turned off, the unit simply ceases to perform its functions.
3. Hybrid circulation. Nowadays there are practically no devices with this type of heating on the market, but such a device combines the advantages of both of the above. In the event of a power failure, the boiler freely switches to the mode of natural distillation of water through pipes.

You might be interested >> Gas-independent boilers from Conord

Accordingly, the connection diagram is available depending on the type of heating selected by the user.

Specifications

Let's look at the technical characteristics of the installations:

Prices: summary table

Vaillant boilers are considered the standard of heating equipment. Indeed, for many years they continue to be leaders in their field. If you are looking for a reliable and comfortable boiler, then Vaillant is ideal for you.

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Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of turbocharged gas wall boilers of the TEC series include::

• Adaptation to Russian technological conditions - independent adjustment to fluctuations in gas pressure, partial compensation for fluctuations in power supply voltage.
• Low gas consumption, economical operation.
• Simplicity and accessibility of unit control.
• Reliability and durability of equipment. The service life of boilers often exceeds 20 years.
• With compact dimensions, the installations demonstrate high power.
• Efficient removal of smoke and combustion products, absence of odors in the house.
• The presence of a self-monitoring system that constantly monitors the condition of the boiler components and systems.

The disadvantages are considered to be:

• Requirement for electricity availability.
• High cost of boilers, maintenance and spare parts.
• Some models produce limited noise, which many users find too loud.

Additional disadvantages include low quality of service and lack of qualifications among technicians. The poor organization of warranty repairs is noted by many users; complaints are heard in different regions of the country and can be considered a common problem .

The best and most famous models: characteristics and prices

Vaillant produces wall-mounted, floor-standing, convection and condensation models. The line is quite diverse, so I want to tell you how the boilers differ from each other.

Wall mounted

Since Vaillant wall-mounted gas boilers are more popular than floor-mounted ones, we’ll start with them. All the models listed below are the latest, fifth generation. This means that they are improved, look more modern and are much easier to maintain. By the way, the generation is indicated by a number after the “/” symbol.

atmoTEC pro VUW 240/5-3

Double-circuit boiler with an open combustion chamber. Convenient liquid crystal display and the familiar, most convenient push-button control. The same display will show errors if there are problems with operation. The primary heat exchanger is made of high quality copper, and the secondary heat exchanger is made of stainless steel. All modern protection systems are installed (against overheating and freezing, pump blocking, etc.).

The boiler power is 24 kW, efficiency is 91%, which is an excellent result for an atmospheric boiler. The maximum flow rate is 2.8 m³/hour. There is a modulating burner made of chromium-nickel steel, the circulation pump is equipped with a diamond-coated impeller, and is therefore protected from contamination - all this is an example of the use of much more expensive materials than in analogues. Everyone must determine the need for such an approach for themselves.

There is only one drawback - the boiler is not equipped with a built-in programmer that allows you to set operating parameters for a day or a week. An extremely useful function that allows you to save up to 30% of fuel and is often used even in cheaper wall-mounted boilers. However, it is possible to connect external control; the issue can be resolved for an additional 5-7 thousand rubles.

How to choose a room thermostat and save up to 30% per month on heating

atmoTEC plus VUW 240/5-5

Another atmospheric boiler with two separate heat exchangers. The primary one is made of copper, which has a special coating that prevents burning and oxidation. The plate heat exchanger is made of stainless steel, so it is not afraid of scale formation. If you do not need the DHW function, you can choose a single-circuit model marked VU.

The main difference from the previous model is the “quick start” function - there is always a small amount of hot water in the boiler. It will immediately come out of the tap when the user needs it, there will be no need to wait. Also, the Plus series, unlike the Pro, has a 4-liter smaller expansion tank, and there are also single-circuit models to choose from (they are marked VU instead of VUW). Versions with a power of not only 24 kW, but also 20 and 28 kW are available. These are all the differences that explain the higher price than in the case of the simplified Pro series.

The maximum gas flow rate is 2.9 m³/hour, efficiency is 91%, and the noise level is also low. The disadvantages are similar - still the same.

turboTEC pro VUW 242/5-3

This is a model with a closed combustion chamber; gas exchange occurs through a coaxial chimney discharged through the wall. Unlike the atmospheric model, the power here is slightly higher and amounts to 25 kW. But the efficiency is the same - 91%, maximum gas flow - 2.9 m³/hour. In practice, the actual gas consumption in turbocharged boilers is always lower than in atmospheric boilers, since the boost fan clearly regulates the amount of air required for gas combustion, combustion occurs more controlled and fully.

The Pro series, as in the case of atmospheric models, implies a simplified budget package and an exclusively dual-circuit model with a power of 24 kW.

The organization of the circuits is the same: two separate heat exchangers, the primary one is made of copper, the secondary one is made of stainless steel. The boiler produces up to 11.5 liters of hot water per minute. The burner is made of steel, but coated with chromium-nickel alloy. There is protection against freezing, pump jamming and three-way valve. All these technologies can significantly extend the service life of equipment.

turboTEC plus VUW INT 242/5-5

Turbocharged dual-circuit model with a richer configuration. Perhaps this is one of the best Vaillant gas boilers for heating a private home. The main characteristics are still the same: maximum gas flow – 2.9 m³/hour, efficiency – 91%. A distinctive feature of the model is increased noise insulation (noise level up to 30 dB), adaptation to Russian operating conditions (INT marking) and instant heating of hot water.

The secondary heat exchanger has an increased distance between the plates, so it will have to be cleaned less often. A new model of SIT gas valve has been installed. It not only works quietly, but is also repairable. The three-way valve is jam-proof and made of brass. It is worth noting that the automation is weather-sensitive. Available in 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 kW versions.

ecoTEC plus VU INT IV 346/5-5

A condensing single-circuit boiler, which is capable of achieving an efficiency of 107%, this allows for significant gas savings. Modulating burner with forced premix can be adjusted from 28% to 100%. With a power of 34 kW, the maximum gas flow is 3.7 m³/hour. A digital information and analytical system DIA-System was installed. The display shows errors and duplicates them in text format. The heat exchanger is made of high quality stainless steel. The circulation pump automatically switches stages to save energy. The boiler is completely ready for connecting an indirect heating boiler.

Of course, if we talk about efficiency and efficient operation, this model is the best. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive and is only suitable for low-temperature heating. In practice, unlike Europe, where gas is more expensive, the payback of the initially higher cost in the Russian Federation is usually about 8-10 years.

All operating features and selection criteria for condensing gas boilers

Floor-standing

atmoVIT VK INT 254/1-5

The boiler has a classic open combustion chamber, so it requires a classic chimney to operate. Can only work in heating mode. The material used for the heat exchanger is cast iron, which is not afraid of corrosion and has a service life of over 30 years. In addition to the cast iron heat exchanger, the model marked INT implies adaptation to more unfavorable Russian conditions, so in practice, malfunctions in this model are extremely rare. Electronic control, diagnostics and troubleshooting. In this case, all connections are plug-in according to the Pro E system.

The burner is quite simple, single-stage. However, it is equipped with heat-dissipating ceramic rods and an automatic gas pressure regulator. The efficiency reaches 92%, and the maximum gas flow is 2.9 m³/hour. Temperature and traction sensors are installed here.

It is worth considering that, unlike simpler atmospheric engines, this one is energy-dependent, i.e. requiring connection to an electrical outlet. Due to the cast iron heat exchanger, this boiler is quite heavy - from 82 to 182 kg, depending on the power. But the legs are adjustable, so it can be installed even on uneven floors.

ecoCOMPACT VSC INT 266/4-5 150

This model is very different from most floor standing boilers. Firstly, the boiler is a condensing boiler, so its efficiency is 104%. Secondly, this is a double-circuit boiler, and the water is heated here according to the accumulative principle, that is, the boiler has a built-in boiler with a capacity of 150 liters. This is well suited for those who have a large family or more than 2 simultaneously active hot water points. Thirdly, a custom spiral primary heat exchanger made of stainless steel is installed here

To increase the DHW power by 21%, the AquaPowerPlus system is used (condensate is used not only for additional heating of the heating circuit, but also the hot water supply circuit). The boiler produces 12.3 liters of water at 30°C per minute. The burner is modulating; a frequency-controlled pump is installed in the heating circuit, which saves electricity.

This is a turbocharged model, so the chimney is, of course, coaxial. This boiler has many advantages (in fact, it is one of the most technological solutions among floor-standing boilers), but there is only one drawback - the high price. But if you are willing to pay more for comfort, this is an ideal option.

Device

Vaillant turboTEC gas boilers consist of the following main components:

• Gas burner with the ability to modify the flame.
• Gas valve.
• Primary heat exchanger that heats the coolant.
• A three-way valve that mixes the heating agent with the return flow to obtain the desired temperature.
• A circulation pump that moves the heating agent through the heating circuit.
• A turbocharger fan that supplies air to the combustion chamber to organize normal combustion mode and exhaust smoke outside.
• Secondary heat exchanger that prepares hot water.
• Expansion tank.
• Electronic control board.
• A sensor system that sends signals to the control board about the state of the components and parts of the boiler.
• Connecting pipelines, housing, shut-off valves.

IMPORTANT!

The above list describes the configuration of a double-circuit boiler. Single-circuit models do not have a secondary heat exchanger and a hot water supply system.

Subtleties of repairing Vailant heating boilers

It is worth understanding that often the need for repairs arises for two reasons: violation of installation and operation rules. If the gas equipment is configured incorrectly, the first thing to fail is the gas valve with the engine. The electrodes responsible for ignition are exposed to a certain risk, especially if the fuel mixture does not meet the manufacturer’s requirements. In this “situation,” even electronic components can break down—by the way, they cost a lot of money.

If there is a problem, Vaillant will definitely notify the user about it. For this purpose, a special LCD screen is provided, on which errors F28 and F29 will appear.

When receiving such a signal, we recommend that you drop everything and carry out an immediate, full diagnostics of all equipment. It is advisable that it be performed by qualified specialists. In addition to repairing your boiler, they will also clear its memory to prevent it from malfunctioning again.

In general, many owners of Vaillant and other heating devices make the same mistake when they break down. They begin to randomly change components. However, in reality it turns out that it was necessary to look for the true cause, and not try to correct the consequences of the breakdown.

• Problem 1: The equipment has completely failed. Sometimes this happens at the beginning of operation, when the user or would-be masters incorrectly connect the phase and neutral. Accumulated air in the system can create a serious barrier to starting the mechanism. Please take this into account during operation.
• Problem 2: The burner flame is low. This problem is global, as evidenced by numerous “cries for help” on forums and thematic websites. This happens if the minimum pressure of natural gas in the system is set incorrectly. It also wouldn’t hurt to check whether the diode bridge together with the valve is working properly. The problem can be solved by correctly setting up the equipment. All recommendations can be found in the manual or instructions that come with all Vaillant cats.

By the way, low pressure can cause the burner to go out immediately after starting. If you encounter such a situation, do not be alarmed. It will be enough to set the pressure at five mbar.

• Problem 3: The water temperature in the system is too high or low. You can fix the problem by adjusting the indicators. But if the modulation mode stops functioning, most likely the valve and board are faulty.
• Problem 4: The filter is clogged. This is usually due to poor water quality. It is practically useless to fight this problem in Russia.

Where is it used?

The optimal place for using Vaillant turboTEC boilers is private houses and cottages, as well as apartments in apartment buildings.

The main condition for effective operation is that the boiler power matches the area of ​​the room. If there is not enough power, it will not be possible to achieve the expected thermal conditions in the room . At the same time, purchasing a boiler that is too powerful means a waste of money and poor operation of the unit.

The use of boilers in industrial workshops is irrational. Alternatively, they can be installed in office or public buildings, if the area and other conditions meet the operating requirements.

Basic error codes and their interpretation

The operation of all boiler components is constantly monitored by a sensor system. When abnormal situations occur, they give a signal to the control board, which is displayed on the display.

The most common error codes:

The appearance of one or another error does not always mean a breakdown. You need to restart the boiler and see if the error appears again or not.

If after several attempts the error appears again, you should contact a repair company..

User manual

There are no specific conditions for the operation of boilers. The main requirement is to involve technicians from authorized service centers that provide warranty service for Vaillant boilers during installation.

If this requirement is ignored, warranty service will be denied. Otherwise, no specific difficulties are observed. After installation and configuration, the owner only needs to set the current temperature in the room.

Periodic maintenance, cleaning and other procedures are required. To carry them out, it is necessary to invite specialists from relevant organizations.

Download instructions

Vaillant turboTEC Operating Instructions.

Known faults of Vailant boilers

Despite the fact that Vaillant boilers have an increased service life, they also break down over time. Let's look at the most common problems.

+ The feed tap does not work

Sometimes boiler owners are unable to add water to the system. If the pressure in the water supply is normal, the cause may be in the make-up tap. But this does not mean that it needs to be changed urgently. First you need to figure out whether it is broken or clogged. It also happens that the plastic handle simply unscrews. It turns out that it turns, but the tap does not. In this case, it is enough to tighten it.

+ The control board is broken

Since this part is quite expensive, it is better to try to restore the board than to buy a new one. And even if you have already made a purchase, do not throw away the old one. Then you can take spare parts from it. First of all, you need to look at the fuses. They cost pennies, but without them the boiler won’t even turn on. If you are electrically savvy, you will be able to determine which part is broken. Although in most cases they cannot be repaired. And don’t forget that boilers have two boards – the main one and the display one.

+ The three-way valve has failed

Such a breakdown is easy to determine. When the three-way valve does not work, the hot water may not turn on. Or the heating continues to work in the summer when hot water is turned on. The most common reason is dirt. If it is not completely neglected, it may be enough to clean the stem. Although it also happens that the electronic part breaks down. Only replacement will help here.

+ The boiler does not heat water

Some owners say that the boiler makes noise when turning on hot water. At the same time, the temperature is not regulated in any way; boiling water comes out of the tap. Most likely, this happens due to insufficient pressure in the water supply. If it is too small, the boiler will not produce hot water at all. The cause may also be a three-way valve and a clogged heat exchanger. The three-way valve will most likely have to be replaced. But you can try cleaning the heat exchanger. In most cases, when there is no hot water, this is enough.

+ Doesn’t light up

Usually the boiler displays an error on the display. If it is not there, and the equipment still does not light up, you will have to look for the reason yourself. First of all, check the gas valve. It must be completely open. Sometimes the cause is condensation. If an icicle has formed on the outside of the pipe, it should be removed. The boiler does not ignite even when the mains voltage is low. A stabilizer will help here. The ignition electrodes may become clogged. They can be cleaned. If this does not help, then some part has broken. This could be the main control board, gas valve, pump, fan or some sensors.

Most common error codes

It is much easier to identify a breakdown when it is indicated on the display as an error. Let's look at the most popular mistakes of Vaillant boilers.

+ Error F22 – absence or shortage of water in the boiler

First check the system pressure. It should be 1-2 bars. When the readings are lower, you need to top up the heating. If the situation occurs frequently, there may be a leak in the system. This error often appears when a pump or electronic board breaks down. They will have to be changed. To resolve this error, sometimes it is enough to do a reset.

+ Error F28 – unsuccessful ignition attempt

This happens when the gas cannot reach the burner. For example, if the tap is not fully open or the gas valve is broken. The ignition electrodes may become clogged or damaged. Then they should be cleaned or replaced. Error F28 also appears at low voltage. Installing a stabilizer will help here. Well, the most unpleasant reason is a breakdown of the electronic board.

+ Error F29 – gas burner does not turn on

This error is often confused with F28. It usually appears after three unsuccessful ignition attempts. The most common reason is a drop in pressure in the gas pipeline. But the culprit may also be the ionization sensor. During operation, carbon deposits form on it, which should be removed. When a gas valve is not set correctly, it may work for a while without problems. But then error F29 will still appear. Correct adjustment will help correct the situation.

+ Error F75 – violation of coolant circulation

You might think the pump is the cause. Sometimes this is true. But the most common case is a clogged pressure sensor membrane. And even replacing it saves the situation for a short time. Fortunately, there is no such error in fifth-generation boilers. If you have a third generation boiler, you will have to figure it out. By the way, there is a small mesh filter installed in front of the sensor. Check to see if it is clogged.

Price range

The cost of a Vaillant turboTEC gas wall-mounted boiler is in the range of 56-90 thousand rubles. The difference in price is due to the presence of models that differ in power, number of circuits and other parameters.

In regions located far from large population centers, the price will depend on logistics conditions and other local factors.

NOTE!

The price of the boiler does not include the cost of purchasing a chimney and additional devices - stabilizer, filter, etc. In addition, you will need to draw up a warranty service agreement, which must also be paid for.

How to configure it correctly before launching

Setting up a boiler is a complex procedure that includes a number of items:

• Setting the minimum and maximum gas pressure.
• Setting the pump run-on, which determines how long after stopping it still pumps water, helping to cool the heat exchanger.
• Setting the maximum heating power (power limitation helps save gas).
• Burner blocking time, etc.

All these parameters are adjusted in accordance with the design features of a given boiler model and require the presence of a specialist.

IMPORTANT!

It is imperative to ask the technician to show the location of all shut-off devices in order to be able to shut off the flow of gas or water in an emergency.