Are you looking for a direct replacement to the old, temperamental system boiler in your large Edinburgh home?
I’m no stranger to this problem, as over the years a lot of people have come to me asking for the simplest solution for their home, without any of the upheaval they know they’d have to go by switching to a combi boiler.
Nobody likes the hassle of having to replace their boiler, which is why one of the options I recommend is the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 600 range – for a stress-free life.
So, read on and I’ll tell you all about the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 630 system boiler:
Introduction
The 630 is a great value boiler with an impressive 30kw output – plus, it’s affordably priced and can easily be added to your existing cylinder and controls. It’s perfect for those of you who want to make a fairly clean switch from a regular boiler to a system boiler for a quieter, more efficient system.
This particular model also has built-in computer wizard which easily guides you through setting up gas pressure and outputs. This allows you to check the range rate for the heating and hot water circuit.
I also like this model because the side panels can be removed for easy access to working parts of the boiler while fitting and commissioning. This is not always the case on some compact models which can be very tight to access components.
This is also a high efficiency condensing system boiler, so you may notice you’ll be paying less on your energy bills.
Output and flow rate
The large 30kw output means this boiler is best suited to a large 4-5 bedroom home with high ceilings and around 10-14 radiators. You’ll find it can easily provide all the heating and hot water you’ll ever need.
However, the EcoTEC Plus 630 is NOT ideal for a larger home than this, so if you have 6+ bedrooms with high ceilings or 16 radiators, you will need to size up. I also wouldn’t go for this boiler if your home only has 2 – 3 bedrooms and 6-8 radiators, as it’d be oversized.
As this is a system boiler, it will connect to the existing hot water tank so the flow rate to the shower and baths will be the same as they are at present. Which is particularly ideal if you have a power shower or pump, as your existing set-up will not need to be disturbed and you will be able to expect the exact same flow rate as you’re used to.
Size and special features
The EcoTEC Plus 630 is slightly larger than some other boilers out there, as it’s 720mm high x 440mm wide x 372mm deep. So, you’ll find it won’t fit a standard kitchen unit.
Despite the size, the 618 is fairly lightweight – the lowest in its class. It also comes with a 2-stage frost thermostat.
The Vaillant brand also means these boilers are some of the quietest on the market. Another wonderful feature of this particular type of boiler is that it there is an LPG model available for customers whose homes are not connected to mains gas.
Guarantee
The Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 630 comes with Vaillant’s brilliant 10-year guarantee* (when fitted by an accredited installer). This guarantee is no-quibble, so it should see you through any problems that might arise.
And, much like Worcester Bosch, Vaillant also has its own dedicated engineers to attend call-outs if you ever need them – so you be sure your boiler is in good hands if anything did happen to go wrong.
I often recommend Vaillant guarantees to my customers, as they really ARE no-quibble – with no hidden small print or unexpected credit card charges to catch you out, unlike other similar boiler companies.
Tech specs
Below, I’ve put together a brief summary of the tech specs for the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 630:
- Boiler output: 30kw
- Ideal for: A large 4-5 bedroom home with high ceilings and 10-14 radiators
- ERP rating: A
- Guarantee: 10 years*
Conclusion
If it’s time to find a replacement for your old system boiler, and you’re looking for minimal fuss or upheaval, the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 630 could be the perfect choice. Its 30kw output makes it ideal for a large 4-5 bedroom home with high ceilings and 10-14 radiators.
At 720mm high x 440mm wide x 372mm deep it’s not the smallest system boiler on the market, but it is lightweight.
Vaillant’s brilliant no-quibble 10-year guarantee and dedicated engineers mean you’ll be covered just in case you run into any problems later down the line.
*10-year guarantee is subject to being serviced annually by Gas Safe registered engineer
What are your thoughts on the Vaillant EcoTEC Plus 630?
I have one of these and I cannot recommend it. Broke down within 2 years and had to argue to get the fix done under guarantee. Anything but “no-quibble” guarantee, despite having it serviced every year. (The problem was the original engineer who installed it could not be contacted to verify the issue before calling an Vaillant engineer out).
Now, two and a bit years further on, the same thing has happened. Same fault – but this time Vaillant says at the time the boiler was fitted there was no 5 year guarantee – though I am sure the fitter and the engineer who fixed it the first time said it was covered for 5 years.
Lessons to be learnt:
– Obtain hard proof of the guarantee period
– Even then don’t necessarily believe / rely on it
– Be aware that there could be repeating issues with these boilers. In particular, the automatic air vent seems to fail every two years – resulting in a fault F.75 “pump water shortage” and no heating.
Shame – it seems like a nice boiler. Just too unreliable and poor service from Vaillant.
Overall, very disappointed with Vaillant and their boiler. Won’t be buying from them again if I can avoid it.
Just had a problem with an eco tec 837 plus combi boiler installed by a very competent independent gas fitter and in operation for 6 years a leaky diverter valve caused the actuator to short out which in turn took out the main pcb. Now looking at £390 plus for new parts plus fitting. For the record Vailant have redesigned the diverter valve and actuator for this model which tells you that the original was not fit for purpose. Vailant not interested their customer care is non existent they are only interested in talking to installers. Their comment was that it could be a water quality issue! What are supposed to do run it on Perrier. Will not buy Vailant again