Alpha Combi Boiler Installation - Heatable

#plumber Alpha Combi Boiler Installation and Review.
TB155 Condensate.
TB152 Gas Boiler Flues.
Heatable and Alpha have teamed up to offer us a free boiler for our channel.
Are Alpha Boilers Any Good?
Alpha Combi Boiler Installation

[@AllenHart999]

Check out Heatables very funny review kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmPOoqWOgp53jsU

[@vconsenheim]

I have just joined the club, im finished my course and de to sit my ACS after i complete all my jobs for my Portfolio. Great to be here Lads

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You.

[@geraldrees6049]

Only boiler I fit and nothing but great reviews from my customers for the hot water demand and how quickly the heating gets to temperature, also great warranty with these boilers are a blessing for a customers piece of mind My only go to and highly recommend from my experience

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@geraldrees6049]

@@AllenHart999 i fit the 33kw 99.9% of the time it's much better for hot water demand and only about £120 different in price from the 28kw

[@tonestones9445]

@@geraldrees6049 Good info Gerald but isnt the idea of the 28kw to reduce your overall annual heating bill. using the extra 5 KW if not really needed must be a consideration perhaps. please let me know as about to purchase. Thanks

[@andrewyoung1613]

I have got one 18 years old still running great .

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@keithbrueton]

Never fitted one but always thought they were reasonable thanks for the upload

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@mihaiachim5299]

@ 6:20 I always recommend fixing the flue joints with self-drilling screws (it doesn't matter if it is required or not in the installation manual: if the flue is not plastered in the wall then it is safer for the joints to be fastened with self-drilling screws ) : just yesterday I went to a vaillant with F29 fault (repeated ignition failed) - where the flue was ripped from the boiler by a piece of ice that fell from the roof of the building ....

[@AllenHart999]

I normally seal flues with sand and cement as well. Thanks for the feedback.

[@AGEngineering]

We have a 21 year old Alpha CB24. Have been looking at this model for a replacement. Pipe layout is same so that would help on installing in our case. Our Alpha did have some leaking issues until all the black NBR O rings were replaced with brown silicone ones, not had a leak since. Looking forward to seeing a service video on this model. Thanks for the great content.

[@AllenHart999]

I will try and do a service video very soon. Thanks.

[@MrFartism]

I've been fitting Alpha Evokes and mostly Etec Plus always with the jig for higher warranty and easier installs. Never had any issues in 3 years. Fit 20-30 a year. Excellent boilers. Done a few Gassavers too with the 38kw outputs.

[@chriscollins1704]

I used to have an alpha. It was OK. Nice and quiet, had a nice neat reciever module for a stat. The plumber we were using at the time fitted them on a few of our jobs and one had a big old bolt on thermal store thing on the side.

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@sudhiradhikari19]

Never heard of this boiler, looking forward for striped down video. On a separate subject I just want to know why spark electrode has to be twin and why distance (4mm) is matter, if there is any video regarding this please paste me the link, I have asked this question before as well may be you didn't get chance to read it. Also Allen, I like to thank you for doing all these videos because of you now I am newly qualified gas engineer and got job in Reading Borough Council and I am starting from next week, hope everything goes well, completely new experience working as Gas engineer at the age of 45, this was possible all because of your motivational videos. I have also set up monthly direct debit to Candlelighter using the link you provided. Thank you for your support.

[@AllenHart999]

That’s amazing news. Well done.

[@mihaiachim5299]

9:21 In our country this gas boilers are called immergas : I use to love and recommend this tipe of boilers.... use to.... The "victrix pro" of this brand outlas any other brand of boilers in price and reliability poit of view ... usually they last more than 10-15 years with any repair at all :) and i never have one with water coming from the chimney in the electronic boards or other components because they have a water collector (viessmann are the best on the market in directing the water from the chimney in fans and gas valves; very nice feature; i have to admit that they they started correcting (with baby steps) this "feature" in their newer models) For the hydraulic part are ok with good and reliable parts + easy to mantain (except the noisy 3 way valve stepper motor ); BUT the main electric board is Close to junk (in the "victrix Tera model; i think you have the "Victrix omnia" equivalent ) and i dont think that many of the electronic boards will ever reach 10 years of life because the boards are unstable (software + hardware)... (Viessmann is the winner in the Junk electronic board challenge wit the old 050 model) . I asked the local representative of Immergas for an extended warranty form 2 to at least 5 years on the electric main boards but i dindt get it for the moment ... but I will keep asking ;) This is a budget model with a 5:1 modulation; I believe that there should be no more boilers with modulation below 10: 1 due to the advantages of a higher modulation of power :) If in your country will recive a better revision of the electronic main board lucky you :) Another downside of this brand is the stubbornness and lack of interest in offering open therm as a communication protocol .. The good :historic/usually this brand products outlas many of vaillant, viessmann, bosch and ariston group of boilers ;) and i close to never seen any broken 3 way valve from this brand; I have to include Beretta in this category - and together they are proof that a 3-way valve can be made to last over time.

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@grahammay1]

i've fitted quite a few Alpha over the last couple of years, never had a call back to any as yet. The guarantee out of the box is great for the price, i always stress to the customer to keep it serviced on an annual basis

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@CommercialGasEngineerVideos]

Allen Hart isn't even having a break over the Christmas. Oh my. No rest for a gas man.

[@AllenHart999]

I have been doing this video over the last few days. My garage was freezing and I needed a radiator lol.

[@CommercialGasEngineerVideos]

@@AllenHart999 phew, glad that you're having a break after all.

[@AllenHart999]

@@CommercialGasEngineerVideos Ha Ha no rest for a plumber. Happy new year buddy. Thanks.

[@Heatable]

Brilliant review as always Allen! Happy New Year.

[@AllenHart999]

Thank you very much for your support.

[@ismaelpedro1938]

I have installed this boiler is really good, heavy, main heat exchanger aluminium

[@philjones6582]

Hi Ismael , the main hex on his model is stainless steel 👍🏻

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@chriscars3578]

Great video again Allen and a great job 👏

[@AllenHart999]

Thank you and happy new year.

[@chriscars3578]

Happy new year to you Allen and the family

[@mikebarron4929]

Seems to be a big improvement to one of their later designs, the intec2 required the whole heat exchanger to be removed for a full service.isolating the water system and draining the unit .all a bit mental if you ask me so this is a lot better idea

[@AllenHart999]

Hi Mike. Hopefully this one will be a bit easier. Thanks.

[@buckleyjteams]

I’ve fit a few of these now quite like them only had one problem with them and was pcb fault due to plaster turning the mcb on and off in quick succession. Alpha came out and replaced the part very quickly. Plus the 13 year warranty with the e-tec + stand of kit (10years out the box +3 years with stand off) is very good for the price. Trying to sell them to the customers is a bit of a bugger tho due to them being not well known

[@AllenHart999]

Do you use the stand off kit on most jobs? have you used the cross over kit. Thanks.

[@buckleyjteams]

@@AllenHart999 depends on where the boiler is situated if I’m replacing a conventional layout ill use the cross over kit but if there is room to swap the pipes over neatly ill put the stand off on. The app is useful as well to register boiler although the Wi-Fi controller is a bit difficult to set up for the customer

[@AllenHart999]

@@buckleyjteams I haven’t installed the controller yet, Any tips? Thanks.

[@Crazycaefan101]

Hi watched your video we are installing a old alpha intec2-28xe combi with the flow/return heating pipes going up in the back of the frame, near impossible to find information on down load in stallion manuals regarding the return tee which is used since one end of the tee is blanked off found not able to heat the blank and remove it. On your video the return pipe goes into the filler but with the tee it is used going upwards and down towards the skirting for rads on say ground floor area but no mention about that point on how one would remove the blank end of the tee based on going upwards and not just down wards. I think realise the blank as same as the tee part is brazed together and will have to cut the blank off. Your video was the only one I found showing pipe work goes up the back of the frame thanks keep smiling!

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@martinmcguinness9482]

Sorry meant to add there is one issue with alpha boilers its the flue extensions the seal doesn't seat right and keeps piping out be careful if you are unable to visually check I always do the flue fresh air check for a bit longer time when using extensions

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@Hambini]

Is there a reason why most manufacturers have gone for a standard pipe config. ie from left to right flow out, hot water out, gas, cold in, return?

[@AllenHart999]

Not sure.

[@calvinmairah4820]

Local merchant says new batch of Alphas are bulletproof. Anybody I have spoken to who fit them swears by them. I don’t fit them due to past reputation. Pipework is pipework, or buy the kit. These new Alphas been out a while, do your research and wait for this channels review. Keep up the unbiased work. Look forward to your review

[@AllenHart999]

Hi Calvin. We will be able to do loads of videos on this boiler and hopefully give a really good review on it, Hopefully I will have a very long warranty as well. Thanks, Happy New Year.

[@SD-Plumbing-Heating]

Why do boiler manufacturers have to put there pipe layout so different from the regular flow, hot, gas, cold & return. I hate having to cross pipes around. Especially when you don't have much room underneath. My budget boiler is the Main eco compact. Won't be going anywhere near a Alpha. Happy New Year Allen 🍻👊🏾

[@AllenHart999]

Hi Stephen. I just try and do as many videos as possible on as many boilers as possible. We will see how good it is over time, I will do a long-term review on it. Thanks very much and Happy New Year.

[@mihaiachim5299]

@7:12 i always like to use an air brake if the boiler does not have one built in... but we must read the instruction in the instalation manual ...

[@AllenHart999]

Absolutely agree. Thanks.

[@Z901Z]

Great video, very in depth! Could you please provide a link to your wiring video for this boiler please?

[@jasonwhittle5008]

Happy new year Alan 👍

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@altinvako]

In europe this model is IMMERGAS VICTRIX TERA. They are good boilers and good quality. i don't like plastic components. i would prefer brass components.

[@loveenadias2408]

Hello, we have a Alpha E-tech 33 boiler fitted. I am not sure if it has been fitted with the backer behind it. Please can you advise if the bracket comes with the boiler when. Installing it or need to buy separate. Many Thanks

[@stuartgammie1862]

The standoff kit is separate and needs purchased at the additional cost 👍

[@mihaiachim5299]

@ 5:27 I always prefer to recommend to customers with multilevel houses to put a boiler (with high modulation) on each floor, instead of installing a higher power boiler: 1 redundant (if one fails the other can take its place until someone comes to repair it the defective one); 2 comforts; 3: sometimes a lower final installation price on the entire heating system ....

[@AllenHart999]

That’s a really good point, You just need to consider gas pipe sizing and how many boilers will run off a domestic gas meter. Thanks.

[@mihaiachim5299]

@@AllenHart999 in our country all the meters are on standard 10 m3 / h + I recommend that all condensing boilers be limited on heating to 30-50% of their nominal power to stay in their optimum efficiency range… and usually we use 32 mil pipe - this is the smallest diameter available for underground hdpe pipe for Gas

[@AllenHart999]

@@mihaiachim5299 Would be really interesting to see some of this work. If you ever get chance please send me some pictures and videos on whatsapp, 07725 692699 Thank You.

[@jameshawkins5280]

Great one Allan a strip down and service on that boiler and how too clean the built-in filter cheers

[@bovnet]

Had two alphas combi in rental property they did twice as long as a modern combi

[@AllenHart999]

Thanks.

[@martinmcguinness9482]

The company I work with installed about 130 Alpha boilers in past 12 months with no real issues can't really say anything bad about them unlike some other boilers. I have noticed lately some of the so called premium boilers we are getting major issues so when it comes to value for money and warranty I usually recommend to anyone asking. these things appear to be bullet proof and not temperamental like some others

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@dazheathcote2210]

Great video Allen, interesting layout in these I can see why engineers don't like them for like for like swaps. I've just had a read through the MIs as I noticed the size of the trap and it does say an air brake isn't necessary? Do you think it's still better to fit a second trap external to the boiler to protect it?

[@AllenHart999]

I like to use an internal air break as you know nothing will ever back up into the boiler. Thanks.

[@sandall100]

Thinking about replacing 17yr old Worcester bosch greenstar floor standing boiler with Alpha E-Tec Plus NX wall boiler where would the filter or the Cyclone filter go? In the cupboard below and which would be best For a 2 bed bungalow with only two users?

[@mihaiachim5299]

17:08 that is a 24 v gas valve : it will never fail :) as it usually happens in the 230 v gas valve tipe...

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@sandall100]

Can a combi boiler be hung on an outside bock wall with plasterboard inside?

[@TomPalacki]

Video on range rating would be great👍

[@stanleytomkins1369]

Hi Allen, another great video, l do like your videos👍. I’m looking to start installing alpha as I work for a firm and go out to service them I must admit I do like them. In your video you say they are a budget boiler is that because of the price they are? Why I say that is because don’t you think over brands are over priced? or is alpha selling them at the right price and the top brands are raking it in, come on the warranty that alpha give you says a lot for they product, maybe it the after sales I don’t know what you paying the extra for. Just to say most recently been called out to a top band of boiler which I won’t name had a fault, I.e water exploding in side and soaking all the wiring and PCB🙈. It’s buying a car, a new car from the show room can also brake down just the luck of the draw. So budget I don’t know or are we fitting over priced boilers? Keep the videos coming Allen 👍

[@ianperry6000]

Just fitted one today, unfortunately I was given the wrong info from alpha. Make sure you get the right rig to suite and RF stat.. I got an extra pack when I needed a premier plus apparently so had to purchase at my cost as I had already fitted the one supplied, also got supplied a 2 channel stat which is not compatible with this boiler.. also found it strange not having flue analyser access.. ps screws fell out and onto floor when removing the front panel..

[@timeyre9985]

can you show wiring for a mini condensate pump for the E tec, specifically the ALARM wires. fitted lots of E Tecs, but can not figure out the condensate pump wiring. Pressure relief valve discharge is also an issue, can it absorb the discharge?

[@AllenHart999]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aonJYaeLqqqSrpI

[@jasonwhittle5008]

Great video Alan 👍 The pipe configuration is not good, and poor on appearance. Prv/condense great and warranty very good. Good price aswell 👍

[@AllenHart999]

Hi Jason, Thank you very much. Happy new year.

[@mihaiachim5299]

16:34 the mai electronic board front and back just to compare them wit what do we get in our country :P

[@AllenHart999]

Do you want to see this one? Thanks.

[@nayerkodsy8328]

I've serviced a couple of Alpha boiler, and I thought they were okay

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@lemmykilmister450]

TBF Alpha are pretty good boilers for the money. Not the easiest to work on, but I see many that have more than earned their corn.

[@AllenHart999]

Hi Lemmy. This one doesn’t look bad to work on but time will tell when I start stripping it down. Thanks.

[@workoutwebb3458]

Any update on how you got on with the Alpha Alan over the winter?

[@MikeeyThomson]

We fit them not through my choice though, that's an E-Tec that you've got there. Don't really know what the difference is between the Evoke and E-Tec as they look the same and I believe all that's different is length of warranty. I don't like them main reason is the pipework layout is just so backwards and annoying its unbelievable. Makes swaps be untidy. Secondly they aren't very efficient compared to most, they allow maximum of 450ppm and out the box they can up be to 200ppm which I think is awful personally. Cheap like Vokera's and not my favourite whatsoever. I do however like the Prem Pack it's quite a good setup but overall I don't like them.

[@AllenHart999]

Do you know they do the cross over kit? I have one here at the moment. Thanks.

[@MikeeyThomson]

@@AllenHart999 Not applicable with the Prem Pack and plus it still is back to front as puts the return far left and flow still on far right.

[@AllenHart999]

@@MikeeyThomson I get you now. Thank you very much for the feedback, As I say this is the first one I have ever seen let alone install.

[@MikeeyThomson]

The Evoke is the cheapest on the market for 7 year warranty I believe. My boss won't budge from fitting them for landlords due to the price and warranty length. I just hate fitting them, the pipe layout adds so much more time on to a boiler swap and it just looks awful when they're crossed over like a spaghetti junction.

[@raghavendraruparaju5145]

How much temperature we need to maintain in alpha e28 tec plus combi boiler for both hot water and radiator heating?

[@garytwist9]

Hi Alan I’m having baxi boiler installed in my property is it ok for me to fit 18 mm plywood on the full wall that in having the boiler mounted

[@Dat-yi4iz]

Are these warranties on these boilers worth the paper their written on because 10 year warranty for a budget boiler seems too good to be true would u consider these boilers decent for price

[@AllenHart999]

Depends if the boilers are installed correctly.

[@Dat-yi4iz]

@@AllenHart999 yes that the issue how they installed I guess as BG can’t find fault on my boiler came out Wednesday left me no hot water got home yesterday code E110 flashing now completely shut down they coming out again today to mess it up some more thanks for reply

[@AllenHart999]

@@Dat-yi4iz how old is the boiler?

[@AllenHart999]

@@Dat-yi4iz Might be worth getting a new boiler on finance than paying boiler cover? you would need to do the sums.

[@Dat-yi4iz]

@@AllenHart999 13years old but just so annoying they can’t fix it what am I paying for I ask myself I paid for this years cover but might have bite the bullet get new one but shouldn’t have too really

[@mihaiachim5299]

15:03 the plastic parts in this boilers ar dirt cheap and reliable :)

[@AllenHart999]

Thank You

[@mattsan70]

Good vid Al - DO Alpha have a parent company - where are these boilers made? UK?

[@SalimKhan-gk1fh]

They are Italian mate I stop using them years ago about 15 years ago they were very popular but the problem is with the leaks and the PCB put me off

[@AllenHart999]

They are made in Italian i believe, Nobody makes boilers in the UK.

[@MikeeyThomson]

Immergas

[@AllenHart999]

@@MikeeyThomson What do you mean? Thanks.

[@MikeeyThomson]

@@AllenHart999 Sorry, Immergas is the parent company :)

[@deanlewis89]

Hi Allan I'm 32 I've done my level 1 and 2 plumbing diploma over a year now and looking to do my level 2 nvq. Trying to get experience but no one seems to be willing to help out. I've been offering to work for free a few days a week. What do you think is the best route to take?

[@scottflannigan3062]

Can you help Allen ?

[@gregt4155]

This boiler smashes everything on the market. Installers moaning about having to swap pipes over, the boiler will be running for 15+ years. Think about the customer. Stainless Steel heat exchanger, grundfos pump, honeywell pcb and gas valve with a 13 year parts and labour guarantee allows opentherm connection for 3rd party controls ( unlike worcester). Or you can buy a worcester for double the price with an aluminium heat exchanger which will need attention every 2 years minimum, a vaillant for double the price which could throw up a f61 fault requiring a new gas valve and or pcb £500+ or an ideal and have a pinhole in the heat exchanger or a cracked sump. Glowworm same problems as vaillant including their poor customer service. Potterton/baxi made good boilers 20 years ago, unfortunately no more. Viessman, you can pay the same price but have a shorter warranty. Tell me I'm wrong!

[@garypolsonjeffrey]

I hate to say it Greg T, but you are absolutely right. I have been reading specs on different boilers and these seem to

[@garypolsonjeffrey]

Be yop notch, looking to getting one installed.

[@teversoncoleman496]

You said it was a installation video but all you did was hang it on the wall connect up the pipe work and then took the boiler to bits not what I was expecting from the title of the video

[@AllenHart999]

Hi Teverson. This video took days to film believe it or not, I couldn’t spend anymore time on it. Is there anything in particular that you need to know? I have done loads of smaller videos as well. I can also do any other videos you require. Thanks

[@andygoodsell7595]

allen like the content of your videos but heatable and others are only driving down labour costs for installers they make profit while us the installers only just cover costs. if all of us installers stopped working at their rates and worked for the money we deserve and should charge they would be of business. let’s all charge the right amount of money for are services they will not survive without us if we do not except their low installer rates.

[@AllenHart999]

Hi Andy. Thank you very much for your feedback. This video wouldn’t of been possible without Heatable sending me the boiler. Personally I cannot see the online companies going anywhere soon and I feel it can only be a good thing that they are here to try and support our industry. Clearly they have seen many of my videos and know that I am trying to raise the standards and support new engineers. I did think long and hard before I took this step. All in All I believe its a good thing. Thanks.

[@AllenHart999]

When i worked for BG the subbies were paid about half of what the online companies pay.

[@attermire2109]

Alpha? come back every year and put new seals in!

[@AllenHart999]

New seals in what?

[@phobos.289]

Parts are expensive on alphas. Just this week, I repaired one. £185 for a set of electrodes and a burner seal (they don't sell the seal separately from the burner. So make you buy both which is just a money grab) would never install one

[@AllenHart999]

12 years warranty I believe