Very strong wind switches off the boiler

[maulemon]

Hi,

The flue is fitted from a side of the house. From time to time when wind is relatively strong - the gas boiler switches off just for a second or two. Typically it's not a big problem unless you are taking a shower - the the water gets colder. When wind is really strong for longer time the period with cold water might even take 10-15s (and water gets really cold then).
There is no need to do anything else to switch it on - the boiler automatically switches on (the candle is still on)

Is there any device which can be fitted outside of the house to prevent wind from blowing into the flue or there is something else that can be done?

Thanks,
mau.

 

[DP]

What boiler?

Would appear the boiler needs to be serviced. Proper service not a duster clean arouind the case

 

[bengasman]

Never heard of a fanned flue boiler blown out by the wind whilst on at full blast.
Make? Model? How old? How long since last service?

Last boiler I went to see had a fixed minimum burner pressure of 8 mbar, but was stuck on 2. More than 10 years old and never serviced.

 

[maulemon]

What boiler?

Would appear the boiler needs to be serviced. Proper service not a duster clean arouind the case

Vokera 20/80 RS Flowmatic
Max Heating In 28.6 kW
Max Heating Out 23.3 kW

Could you recommend 'a proper service' ?

 

[glasgowgas]

flue location/length is critical on Vokeras

this include the inner/outer seals and clamps

flue terminal too close to an external/internal corner etc etc

man your boiler is old though!!

 

[maulemon]

Never heard of a fanned flue boiler blown out by the wind whilst on at full blast.
Make? Model? How old? How long since last service?

Last boiler I went to see had a fixed minimum burner pressure of 8 mbar, but was stuck on 2. More than 10 years old and never serviced.

It wasn't serviced for at least 3 years (since I moved in).

 

[bengasman]

Full service might well be all it needs.

 

[maulemon]

Full service might well be all it needs.

Could you recommend anybody in Edinburgh?

 

[bengasman]

I'd say most of the resident posters can be trusted, maybe one of the boys from up north can be of help.

 

[maulemon]

I'd say most of the resident posters can be trusted, maybe one of the boys from up north can be of help.

In that case I'll have a go and I'll find somebody to service the boiler.

Thanks for your help.

 

[maulemon]

I'd say most of the resident posters can be trusted, maybe one of the boys from up north can be of help.

Just the final question - how much the service should cost?
What would be the typical price range assuming nothing serious is broken?

 

[bengasman]

Hard to give a price as it depends on the boiler, some are more work than others, and on the state of the machine; those that are serviced annually are less work than one that has not had a spanner on it for a decade. On the whole, I should say even a neglected boiler should stay under £100 including adding a dose of inhibitor, provided no actual repairs are needed. In case of doubt, always add a litre of quality inhibitor; you need a fair bit too much before it gives any trouble, and if it does, it is easily solved. Lack of inhibitor will eventually kill the boiler, and the rads in the bargain. Inhibitor prevents corrosion.

 

[DP]

While i am in Glasgow, I have attended boiler breakdowns in Edinburgh.

Boiler has dust deposits on the fan impeller. On a calm day, fan is circulating sufficient air for APS to operate. On a windy day, adverse weather conditions and reduced air flow through the boiler are causing the APS to drop out. Burners go out until flow of air through the boiler is sufficient to operate the APS (when the wind across the flue terminal abates)

Broken inner tube on a concentric flue system would result in pulsing of the burner flame accompied by vibration of case components.