my Vokera sound like a train!

Charlie 08 · 11-01-2011 2:30pm #1

every so often my vokera mynute boiler sound like a train chugging!!
Sometimes it rectifies itself and goes back to normal. Other times it just cuts out. Whats up??

youtheman · 11-01-2011 7:44pm

When it trips (and the red light comes on) you need to check the error code and refer to the Manual for details of the possible cause.

feicim · 11-01-2011 9:50pm

it could be the fan (that blows the exhaust fumes out the flue)

is on its last legs the fan only comes on when the gas is burning to bring up the heat.

when it has reached the required temperature, the fan knocks off too.

this could explain why sound is intermittent

JohnnieK · 12-01-2011 12:19am

dose it sound like a train or like an empty kettle boiling? If a train the barrings in the fan motor are on the way out, if the empty kettle there is a blockage in the heat exchanger usually due to scale and sludge.

If it is a HE model then it should give a code when it cuts out, if it's an se or e model it will just give a red light.

Charlie 08 · 12-01-2011 12:07pm

No definitely sounds like a train chugging, not a kettle sound. Its a vokera mynute 35 e so doesnt display error codes/messages.
Is this an expensive problem to fix? Boiler is 11yrs old. Would it be worthwhile applying for SEAI grant and upgrading?
thanks!

feicim · 12-01-2011 3:39pm

IMO the grants don't save the consumer any money.

There is one website offering a new boiler and installation for 2000...

For the "grant deal" on the same website for the same job its 2800.. of which you get a rebate of 700.

Grant "deal" costs you more.

You will get a good quality (standard domestic) boiler supplied and installed for 1500 if you shop around (basic price, wouldn't include upgrading controls or converting from an open to a sealed heating system which some boilers require). This would include removing the old one too. This would be from an RGII registered installer too.

There is a well known online tradesman website you can use to get a good price on a boiler replacement.

To replace your fan could cost 300-400 if you buy the part in ireland. Parts can be ordered from the uk atincl 3 day delivery for typically under half the price you can buy them here and you will get a plumber to fit it for 80 these days. (I have done this recently - total cost for supply and fitting of replacement fan was 225)

JohnnieK · 13-01-2011 10:26pm

As the previous poster said you can order the fan from UK sites but you will not get a warranty on the part in this country, You would have to keep the receipt and return it to the UK if it was to fail within the warranty period.

Regards cost I'm not sure because I've never had to replace it on on any of mine before.

With the cost of an SEAI heating upgrade you would be looking at 5 to 7 years before you would make the cost back on the savings you would make on the gas. You would make a saving on your gas if you changed the boiler only, but you would make more of a saving if it was controlled by zones with a boiler interlock.

There is a lot of EXPERTS on this site that know everything but at the end of the day you have to way up the pros and cons for your particular circumstances.

I have gone into homes and it is easy to upgrade the system and I've gone into others were it would be a complete pig to do it and too expensive.

my Vokera sound like a train!

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