Technology and components
Stainless steel heat exchanger
Though Vaillant doesn’t utilise stainless steel heat exchangers across its entire boiler range, these can be found in most of its combi boilers. The Vaillant ecoTEC exclusive with Green iQ combi, Vaillant ecoTEC plus combi, Vaillant ecoTEC plus combination store, and Vaillant ecoTEC pro combi all utilise stainless steel heat exchangers. Whilst the Vaillant ecoFIT pure combi is the only Vaillant combi boiler in the current range to feature an aluminium heat exchanger.
Compatible with heat pumps
Vaillant recognises that there is a need for renewable heating solutions in the UK. They have developed a range of air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, and water source heat pumps to meet this growing demand. Vaillant scores highly for us as it doesn’t just produce these products independently but produces them to be fully compatible with its range of combi boilers. Giving consumers greater choice in how they heat their homes.
Premium-quality components
The components that Vaillant utilise earn it a place in this list and confirm it as a premium boiler brand. In addition to the stainless steel heat exchangers utilised across the majority of the combi boiler range, Vaillant also utilises premium quality components. Such as brass diverter valves. By opting for brass rather than plastic or composite components, Vaillant lessens the chance of a boiler breakdown due to these components perishing.
Smart integration
With the development of its own VSmart app, Vaillant was one of the first manufacturers to ensure that its entire combi boiler range is compatible with smart home technologies. Which gave the consumer greater control over their heating system than ever. This continues with Vaillant combi boilers being compatible with a range of smart controls.
Vaillant’s own VSmart smart thermostat adds self-learning capabilities to Vaillant combi boilers. Understanding your home’s heating needs and making your boiler work smarter to reduce your energy bills. Utilising the companion iOS and Android app also enables you to control your heating from afar. Enabling you to warm your home precisely to the right temperature for your arrival home.
VSmart compatibility also means that Vaillant combi boilers can be controlled using voice commands via Amazon Echo devices. Whilst integrating it with IFTTT adds further smart functionality. Such as the ability to switch your hot water on when you leave the gym.
VSmart will also monitor the local weather conditions and adjust your boiler to ensure the temperature in your home is appropriate.
The energy efficiency of up to 98%
Vaillant is noted for the energy efficiency of its combi boiler range. Using its investment into technology to its advantage. Boilers such as the Vaillant ecoTEC Pro Combi are a great example of this and offer up to 98% efficiency.
Guarantee
Whilst we consider Vaillant to be one of the UK’s best combi boiler manufacturers, it should be noted that the guarantee they offer whilst comprehensive, is much shorter in duration than the competition. Whilst the likes of Viessmann and Worcester Bosch is offering up to a 12-year guarantee or warranty on their products, Vaillant only offers a maximum of 7 years. And that’s when the boiler has been installed and registered by a Vaillant Advance installer.
This is reduced to 5 years should a Vaillant ecoTEC exclusive with Green iQ or ecoTEC plus be installed by any other installer and just 2 years if they are installing a Vaillant ecoTEC pro or ecoFIT pure.
Though it’s shorter than the competition offers, Vaillant’s guarantee is still just as comprehensive and covers boiler component failures, material and labour charges.
To qualify for Vaillant’s guarantee, your boiler must be registered within 30 days of installation. Installation and commissioning of the boiler must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The boiler must be serviced annually by Vaillant or another Gas Safe registered engineer. And the guarantee does not cover failures caused by contaminated water, or fair wear and tear.
Availability of parts
Vaillant combi boiler parts are widely available at Screwfix, Plumbase, and other plumbing merchants both in-store and online.
Reputation
Out of 16,888 reviews, Vaillant has a Trustscore of 4.6 and is rated Excellent on Trustpilot as of May 2023.
Vaillant was named as the UK’s top-scoring Gas Boiler Brand in the Which? Best Buy 2020 report and has been the recipient of many Which? Best Buy awards over the past few years. In addition to this, Vaillant has been recognised for its green credentials at the Green Home Awards, and the Housebuilder Product Awards.
Whilst its level of customer service was recognised in November 202 by winning the Domestic and General Excellence and Quality award for its service department.