Vaillant Ecotec 937 or Alpha CD50?

[DrChaz]

Hi all,

I've got a 4 bed bungalow with loft conversion, with 1 en-suite downstairs, and main bathroom and another en-suite upstairs. I've currently got a very old Potterton Netaheat 16-22 with gravity-fed DHW, which gives absolutely rotten flow upstairs, and is getting unreliable.

I'd like to fit a shower upstairs, but can't go electric as the downstairs en-suite is already electric.

I would like to get rid of the hot water tank completely, as at some point in the future I will be doing a house extension in which there is no space for an airing cupboard (and therefore tank) at all.

With 3/4 adults in the house, demand for hot water can vary from nothing to everyone wanting showers and baths within minutes of each other (and possibly simultaneously).

I'd considered a Megaflo system, but a) it's quite expensive and b) I don't think I'll have space for the cylinder with the proposed extension.

Looking around, it seems my only two options to cope with my space requirements (nowhere for floor-stander either) and hot water demand and flowrate are either the Vaillant Ecotec 937 or the Alpha CD50.

Any comments on which is preferred and why would be gratefully received!

Derek

 

[gas4you]

I have no experience of the Alpha and as a Vaillant installer can only comment on them.

The 937 is very good and is the latest state of the art storage combi, although it is not a basic storage combi as most, but has twin tanks that are heated and supplied from, one or both, depending on the flow requested.

If both got depleted they recharge in 2 minutes. The stored water is used to blend with the traditional combi heated water rather than using the store first, this is how they acheive the 200 litres in 10 minutes claim.

If you did run out of hot water then you will still have a 15 l/min combi anyway.

It is an 837 with the tanks added.

 

[DrChaz]

Thanks for the prompt reply Dave - it was precisely those features you mention that got me interested in the 937

Presumably in practice the drop from 20l/min to 15l/min hardly ever happens in normal use, but if the twin tanks were depleted, would the drop be badly noticeable do you think? I only ask because I intend to rent the house out after I've done a lot of this work and don't fancy entertaining idiotic "We're not paying the rent 'cos the hot water goes on and off funny" claims.

On the face of it, the 937 looks a bit more 'intelligent' than a CD50, plus it doesn't need UV certification to fit (and annually service). On the flip side, the 937 seems to stick out a hell of a lot more than the CD50 (it would be going in my kitchen) and (obviously) doesn't have such a large store.

Anyone out there with experience of fitting (or even just using) both?

Cheers,

Derek.

 

[gas4you]

Yes the drawback is the 590mm depth off the wall and the need for a strong wall to hang it on.

Never ever had any complaints about the flow from an 837 so the 937 would be even better.

 

[Vaillant_Hollie]

Definately Vaillant. No comaplaints with any of the others we fit and the Vaillant team are really helpful and they even bend it a little to do you stuff free of charge even out of the warranty sometimes. (aslong as its been serviced regularly and installed by a professional corgi registered person).
Top rated

 

[Doctor Drivel]

I have no experience of the Alpha and as a Vaillant installer can only comment on them.

The 937 is very good and is the latest state of the art storage combi, although it is not a basic storage combi as most, but has twin tanks that are heated and supplied from, one or both, depending on the flow requested.

Er no. The tanks are in series and act as one tank. Cold in one hot out the other.

If both got depleted they recharge in 2 minutes. The stored water is used to blend with the traditional combi heated water rather than using the store first, this is how they acheive the 200 litres in 10 minutes claim.

Which is rather vague. It is good though.

 

[EliteHeat]

I think if you put on of these on a kitchen wall it would look ridiculous.

Not a bit funny, not slightly odd but gob-smackingly, jaw dropping ridiculous - proper stupid if you will. Small children will laugh, animals will run away in terror - I'm sure you get the picture.

Would you hang a washing machine on the wall? 'cos that's what it will look like.

Other than that, great boilers, superb performance, good price & easy to fit.

 

[gas4you]

I have no experience of the Alpha and as a Vaillant installer can only comment on them.

The 937 is very good and is the latest state of the art storage combi, although it is not a basic storage combi as most, but has twin tanks that are heated and supplied from, one or both, depending on the flow requested.

Er no. The tanks are in series and act as one tank. Cold in one hot out the other.

If both got depleted they recharge in 2 minutes. The stored water is used to blend with the traditional combi heated water rather than using the store first, this is how they acheive the 200 litres in 10 minutes claim.

Which is rather vague. It is good though.

Wrond again DD, but i'm still not going to tell you. Keep googling

 

[Doctor Drivel]

I have no experience of the Alpha and as a Vaillant installer can only comment on them.

The 937 is very good and is the latest state of the art storage combi, although it is not a basic storage combi as most, but has twin tanks that are heated and supplied from, one or both, depending on the flow requested.

Er no. The tanks are in series and act as one tank. Cold in one hot out the other.

If both got depleted they recharge in 2 minutes. The stored water is used to blend with the traditional combi heated water rather than using the store first, this is how they acheive the 200 litres in 10 minutes claim.

Which is rather vague. It is good though.

Wrong again DD,

Look at the installation manual. The tanks are in series. Do you know what that means?

but i'm still not going to tell you. Keep googling

Because you don't know how it works.

 

[gas4you]

If you read ther manuals correctly the heating for the tanks is independent , depending on the flow demanded by the aqua valve and the recharge as set by the dedicated pump for the 2 tanks. You should really put your glasses on before responding in such an ignorant manner.

Read page 5 of the manual. Yes I am full of 'pop' tonight since 18:00 actually, as most nights of the week, as you previously said and no I'm not going to argue as you are clearly wrong again as in the glow worm HXi post.

Get yourself on a Vaillant training course rather than just google and post c r a p, that is if you are actually corgi reg

 

[Doctor Drivel]

If you read ther manuals correctly the heating for the tanks is independent , depending on the flow demanded by the aqua valve and the recharge as set by the dedicated pump for the 2 tanks. You should really put your glasses on before responding in such an ignorant manner.

The tanks are in series. Both tanks CANNOT empty at the same time as you said.

Get yourself on a Vaillant training course rather than just google and post c r a p, that is if you are actually corgi reg

I don't need a silly makers training course,. That is for dummies. I just need to know the operation.

 

[gas4you]

I don't need a silly makers training course,. That is for dummies. I just need to know the operation.

That says it all you incompetent non corgi t o s s e r

 

[Doctor Drivel]

Read page 5 of the manual.

Nothing there.
http://tinyurl.com/29judl
You are on the pop every night from 6:00? Gosh!

 

[Doctor Drivel]

I don't need a silly makers training course,. That is for dummies. I just need to know the operation.

That says it all you incompetent non corgi t o s s e r

Oh my God!!! They are in self interest group club, by paying for it. A few months and they give them a badge. Does the badge fry your brains then.

It is clear you are not that bright as you can't figure out how it works, Mr Vaillant specialist, as you call yourself.

 

[gas4you]

yes by 6 0r 7 I am.

The stress of being a genuine gas engineer rather than a googler.

Keep going, you are just making yourself look even more incompetent by stating that you do not want to learn by attending a free manufacturers training course.

Who else can instruct you properly other than the manufacturers.

Oh I forgot, the internet

Give it a rest and get some credance before you post again.

If anyone on here thought you knew what you were talking about we would all be willing to help you.

I am fortunate that I have direct contacts to the inside of Vaillant as an approved installer, like many others on here.

What do you have inside knowledge of? Chad Valley?

Save your energy. just post on what you know for certain, rather than speculation.