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Vaillant ecoTEC Boilers

Friday, 5 Jul

When comparing the Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Remastered and Vaillant ecoTEC Pro, it would be wise to consider several aspects: performance, upfront cost, efficiency (long-term running costs and environmental impact), features, and suitability for different household needs. Both models are premium appliances and part of Vaillant’s esteemed range of domestic boilers, renowned for their quality and reliability. However, they cater to slightly different market segments, each with their pros and cons, and there are a few other equally important considerations over model choice that we will come to later in this blog.

Performance and Efficiency

Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Remastered

The ecoTEC Plus Remastered is Vaillant’s premium model, offering higher efficiency and advanced technology. In our opinion, the key benefit is an impressive modulation range of 1:10, allowing the boiler to operate at lower power output and ‘cruise’ gently at its optimum efficiency for long periods. This 1:10 modulation range will reduce ‘cycling’, which are inefficient startup/shutdown loops caused by oversized boilers or boilers that can’t reduce their output low enough as the system starts to heat up. Other benefits of good modulation include less stress on components, increasing reliability and lifespan, and reduced gas consumption. An example of an oversized, poorly modulating boiler that will likely cycle would be a 24kW (or greater) Ideal Logic in a 3-bed house. The ecoTEC Plus Remastered comes in various outputs (from 25kW to 38kW), making it suitable for larger homes with higher hot water demands. Critically, your installer can range rate the heat output to the radiator requirement. Be sure to check that this simple adjustment is done, as it will reduce cycling further than if left on its default settings.

Vaillant ecoTEC Pro

The ecoTEC Pro, while slightly less advanced, brings a good specification and has proven to be a reliable boiler. It features a modulation range of 1:4, which, although lower than the Plus Remastered, is about average in the marketplace and can have its heatput range rated to meet the house requirement like the Plus Remastered. It is A-rated under ERP regulations. The ecoTEC Pro is available in outputs of 24kW, 28kW, and 30kW.

Features and Technology

Vaillant ecoTEC Plus Remastered

The ecoTEC Plus Remastered is packed with advanced features, including a built-in frost protection system, a stainless-steel heat exchanger for enhanced durability, and a low-energy pump to reduce electricity consumption. One of its standout features is the Quiet Mark accreditation, which ensures quiet operation—a significant advantage for homeowners sensitive to noise. Additionally, it includes a backlit display for ease of use and sophisticated diagnostics for straightforward maintenance and servicing.

Vaillant ecoTEC Pro

While the ecoTEC Pro does not boast as many high-end features as the Plus Remastered, it still includes Vaillant’s durable stainless steel heat exchanger and essential functionalities such as the frost protection system and a high-efficiency pump. It features an easy-to-read display and simple controls, making it user-friendly.

Cost and Performance Comparison (inc vat as of June 2024)

	ecoTEC Pro 24	ecoTEC Pro 28	ecoTEC Pro 30	ecoTEC Plus 826	ecoTEC Plus 832	ecoTEC Plus 836	ecoTEC Plus 840	ecoTEC Plus 940 (storage boiler)
Price	£1300	£1440	£1500	£1488	£1620	£1716	£1860	£2232
Hot Water litres/min at 35 degree temperature rise	9.6	11.1	12.3	10.6	13	14.6	16.3	18
Rear Flue option (do we need a new flue hole?)	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Depth front to back (will it go within my cupboard?)	338mm	338mm	338mm	352mm	352mm	352mm	352mm	580mm
Heat exchanger Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel

Conclusion

In summary, both are great choices. If budget and space allow, the Plus Remastered wins on paper and stats. When it comes to power choice (kW), make sure to have your incoming mains water pressure and flow rate tested. If your mains water pressure and flow rate are not great, there’s no point in buying/installing a 30kW+ boiler—you won’t get the benefits. It would be like buying a Ferrari and having it limited to 40 mph.

Here’s the big ‘however’: Don’t be fooled into thinking the boiler is the most important variable in the decision process. Seek advice from your local independent installer who will want your new investment to meet your expectations and have a long, hassle-free life for you as a homeowner and for them as your new heating company chosen to look after your home. You will likely end up on a first-name basis and have continuity with the engineers that work in your home for many years to come. Ask yourself, as friendly as the staff from a national firm may be, will the installer, sales advisor, or website builder ever be seen or heard from again? Do they care whether the boiler lasts 8 years or 12 years plus? Your local installer will pay extra attention to the specification, installation, and correct commissioning/settings, which will have a big impact on longevity, reliability, and running costs. They will have history on the work completed, how the system operates, and what’s located where. Should you ever phone with an issue, you will be prioritized as a valued existing customer. The benefits of using a local independent, short and long term, will far outweigh any small upfront cost saving of using a national.

To get an instant free quote on a new boiler, click here.

If you are interested in cost saving and efficiency, see our blog post on the benefits of using manufacturer controls over third-party controls like Hive, Nest, or Tado.

If you live in Woodley, Twyford, Wokingham, Winnersh, Earley, Lower Earley, Reading, or surrounding areas in Berkshire, please don’t hesitate to contact The Boilersmith for all your heating needs, including boiler servicing and boiler repairs. Our Gas Safe Registered heating engineers are highly experienced with all major manufacturers, including Worcester, Vaillant, Viessmann, Ideal, Potterton, Baxi, and Main Gas boilers. We’re here to ensure your boiler remains in peak condition, extending its lifespan and preserving its warranty.