Ferroli gas boilers: review, reviews, faults

Ferroli gas heating boilers, like other Italian boiler units, are quite efficient and high-tech, have wide functionality and almost all available safety systems, even in the most inexpensive models. The cost of relatively new and modern wall-mounted models starts from 25 thousand rubles. However, a huge disadvantage is low reliability, which cannot always be explained.

In the article we will look at the best models of Ferroli gas wall-mounted and floor-standing boilers, how they behave in practice, what advantages and, most importantly, disadvantages are noted by the owners, as well as what malfunctions may arise during the operation of boiler units in real conditions.

About company

Today Ferroli is engaged in the design, development and production of heating equipment. The history of the company begins in 1955, when the Ferroli brothers produced the first gas boiler. Starting from a modest workshop, the company grew to an industrial group that united factories in Europe, China, and Turkey. In terms of production and sales volumes, the company ranks 5-6th among heating equipment manufacturers.

Advantages

• Automated control. Owners of Italian equipment do not need to turn knobs, set the temperature or other parameters - the settings are performed automatically. Adjusting modes allows you to save fuel.
• Self-diagnosis. To find out what problems the device has detected in its “organism,” its owner only needs instructions to decipher the error codes. This is very valuable for users who are not tech savvy.
• Adaptation to harsh operating conditions characteristic of Russia - low temperatures in winter, pressure drops in gas and water supply pipes, poor water quality, power surges. The manufacturer claims that the service life of its equipment is 40 years or more.
• Installation is quick and easy. It is advisable to call a specialist - he knows how to set up the device and how to carry out the first start-up. It will also adjust gas flow, ignition, connect temperature sensors - external and internal, and set the program.
• Adjustment and startup after the initial setup will be adjusted automatically.
• High efficiency and economical fuel consumption.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Ferroli double-circuit boilers should be considered:

• High quality parts, elements and assemblies manufactured using modern technologies.
• Full functionality of boilers that allows you to heat rooms and provide them with hot water.
• Economical, relatively low gas consumption.
• Stability, stable operating mode.
• Availability of several types of design and functionality of units.
• Wide choice of power.
• Ease of Management.
• Availability of a self-diagnosis system.
• Compact, small size.
• Attractive appearance of the units.

The disadvantages of Ferroli double-circuit boilers are:

• Energy dependence. The need to use a voltage stabilizer and correctly connect the phase electrode. Mandatory grounding.
• Excessively high sensitivity of the electronics, often leading to failure of the expensive control board.
• A combined (bithermal) heat exchanger installed on some models requires the use of softening water filters; replacing it costs almost half the cost of the boiler.

Most of the shortcomings are not an exclusive feature of Ferroli double-circuit boilers and apply equally to all similar models from any manufacturer.

Although this does not reduce their negative value, such shortcomings should be treated as design costs.

IMPORTANT! You can avoid harmful consequences by installing a voltage stabilizer and a softening water filter. This must be done from the first days of operation of the boiler. As a result, breakdowns and failure of the electronics and heat exchanger can be eliminated.

Device

The models presented by the manufacturer differ in power, size, installation method, but they all consist of the same type of components:

• Heat exchanger – for coolant circulation.
• Burner - heats the outer surface of the radiator.
• Gas valve.
• Smoke removal system.
• Automatic block.
• Safety system.

How to choose?

Before choosing a specific model, you need to consider the technical characteristics to understand how the proposed options differ:

• Location. Consumers can choose a floor-mounted or wall-mounted option. Installation on the floor is usually done when you need to heat a large area. The main difference between floor-standing models is greater power and bulkiness. It is advisable to allocate a separate room for these impressive devices. The hanging option is used mainly in apartments and low-rise private houses of the appropriate size.
• Number of circuits. The consumer is offered a double-circuit wall-mounted or floor-mounted option. Two circuits allow the equipment to be used not only for heating, but also for hot water supply. Single-circuit ones are connected only to the heating system, with the exception of modifications with boilers - built-in or separately installed indirect heaters.
• Operating principle. Versions with atmospheric burners have a simple operating scheme, which means they are unpretentious, and their price is low. Condensing equipment has a closed combustion chamber, air is forced into it - efficiency increases, gas is consumed more economically. But such versions, with a closed chamber, require power supply.
• Heat exchanger. Steel – high performance and heat dissipation, suitable for industrial applications. Cast iron ones are inferior in efficiency, but gain in reliability and durability.

Useful video

In this video you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of a Ferroli double-circuit gas boiler:

Wall mounted

Fortuna

The most common dual-circuit model. It has extremely high technical characteristics, efficiency, depending on power, is in the range of 92.4-93.1%, and the maximum gas consumption of the most common version with a power of 24 kW is 2.72 m3/hour. The primary heat exchanger is made of more heat-conducting and corrosion-resistant copper, the secondary (for hot water supply) is made of stainless steel. The boiler implements the previously mentioned secondary heat exchanger preheating system, which significantly reduces the delay in the supply of hot water.

Available in 10, 13, 16, 18, 20, 24, 32 and 40 kW versions. Mostly in demand are modifications with a closed combustion chamber (F), but there are also cheaper and slightly less productive modifications with an open combustion chamber (C). There are also single-circuit models - Fortuna H, but their cost is only 5-10% lower. The production of Fortuna models is now carried out in China, and not in Italy.

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Cost: 25,600-34,000 rubles.

Domiproject

An aging two-circuit model, discontinued, but still available in sufficient quantities in warehouses. Due to its obsolescence, it also has a corresponding, extremely affordable price, which is why it is in demand.

It differs from Fortna in being slightly less efficient, with a bithermal (double) heat exchanger, which is cheaper to manufacture, allowing the boiler dimensions to be made more compact, but is extremely difficult to descale. Otherwise, the design is as simple as possible; the most inexpensive materials are used, which, of course, also determines its price. There are versions with a power of 24 and 32 kW.

Cost: 15,800-23,000 rubles.

BLUEHELIX K

A noteworthy condensing model, one of the best and most trouble-free Ferroli gas boilers for heating a private home. The condensation principle of operation implies the presence of another additional heat exchanger that accumulates the heat of condensate formed from waste combustion products. Thus, a significant part of the heat no longer “flies into the pipe”, but is additionally accumulated and sent to heat the heating return line.

Efficiency is 109%, the heat exchanger is made of steel, but is made using a special technology without welding seams, which in theory and even in practice implies its durability.

The main difference is the presence of a built-in 50-liter boiler in the housing, which seriously increases the performance of heating hot water and increases operating comfort. Produced exclusively in Italy, but available only in 25 and 50 kW versions.

Cost: 96,000-125,000 rubles.

Floor-standing

Pegasus D

Single-circuit atmospheric gas boiler, almost problem-free compared to wall-mounted Ferroli models. It features a cast iron heat exchanger that is corrosion resistant and therefore durable. It also has good efficiency indicators - 90.9-91.7% and gas consumption that is simply excellent for an atmospheric floor-standing unit; the maximum natural gas consumption of the 23 kW version is 2.68 m3/hour.

The model has all the safety systems of mounted boilers: protection against overheating, freezing, pump blocking, etc. A safety valve and an air vent are pre-installed from the factory, which facilitates and minimizes the boiler piping. It is possible to connect underfloor heating and external control. Compared to other cast iron analogues, the boiler is quite lightweight - from 106 to 164 kg, which simplifies the requirements for the boiler room floor. Available in 23, 32 and 45 kW versions.

Cost: 60,000-93,500 rubles.

Pegasus 2S

Still the same atmospheric floor-standing boiler unit with a cast iron heat exchanger, with a similar device and technical characteristics, but much more power. Available in versions with a heating capacity of 56, 67, 77, 87, 97 and 107 kW, it is designed for heating large private houses and commercial premises; for its price it has not many analogues.

Unlike the previous Pegasus D, it is equipped only with overheating protection and an air vent; external control can be connected. There is automatic ignition, the burner is two-stage. In general, it is a fairly simple and understandable design.

Cost: 118,000-180,400 rubles.

What types of Ferroli boilers are there?

Mounted condensing

Such devices clearly demonstrate the quality and advantages of Ferroli products. Their efficiency is 109%. The thermal energy of steam generated by gas combustion is used. The heated flue gases provide additional heat, which is used for work, rather than being pushed out into the chimney, as is common in a conventional design. There are single- and double-circuit condensing devices with a closed firebox. Their characteristics:

• Fuel is used economically. Flame modulation. Automatic adjustment of gas supply - depends on the set mode and weather.
• Thanks to the control system, you can set the heating level of your home - taking into account the time of day, a week in advance. Some modifications have outlets for “warm floors”. Automatic adjustment of coolant heating in two circuits - each has its own temperature.
• Dependence on electricity. Due to voltage surges, the microprocessor board burns out. If the network voltage drops, the equipment turns off and you have to turn it on again. This is perhaps the main drawback of Ferroli products.
• Operates at reduced gas pressure.
• The coolant can be water or antifreeze (antifreeze liquid).

Wall mounted with atmospheric burner

The classic design is an open combustion chamber. Air enters the burner from the room - through the natural movement of air masses. The main advantage is structural simplicity. Disadvantages - gas consumption is higher than that of condensing analogues, and productivity is lower.

Installation is no problem. The device is equipped with all the necessary components to ensure the operation of the system - circulation pump, expansion tank, gas valve. Ignition – electric or piezo.

Floor atmospheric

Non-volatile boilers are presented in various modifications, among which the Pegasus models are especially popular, differing from their analogues in the following technical details:

• Heat exchanger made of cast iron. With thermal insulation and shielding.
• By making some changes to the operation of the device, you can use liquefied gas as fuel.
• Some floor-standing versions are equipped with a built-in boiler - after opening the tap, hot water flows immediately, without delay.
• Power consumption is regulated.
• There is self-diagnosis - the display displays encrypted information about breakdowns and malfunctions. Operation and repair of equipment is simplified - once you know the error code, you can immediately find out the nature of the problem and perform the necessary maintenance.
• Safety is ensured by thermostats and a safety valve.
• The device is combined into a single system with all heating equipment. The operation of all devices will be controlled automatically.
• "Pegasus" is equipped additionally - if the buyer wishes, with temperature sensors and a remote control.

Wall-mounted units with atmospheric burner

Atmospheric boilers are traditional devices that have an open combustion chamber and a burner, to which air is supplied through natural circulation. Air masses are taken from the room, which serves the needs of the boiler room.

The advantage of wall-mounted atmospheric gas boilers is their simple and convenient design. As a minus, it should be noted the high gas consumption and low productivity. There is nothing complicated in installing wall-mounted boilers classified as atmospheric.

The package includes important elements that affect the performance of the system as a whole. These are an expansion tank, a circulation pump, a gas valve and a burner. Electric or piezo ignition is provided. Piezo ignition is considered a more economical option, since the pilot burner is activated only when the flame extinguishes.

Main series

At Ferroli, each type of gas boiler is represented in several series:

• Wall-mounted. Domina-N, Diva, Divatop Micro, Arena, Domiproject-D and others. Perhaps the most common type. Affordable price and simple design. The most popular is Arena. It has 2 circuits. The primary heat exchanger is copper, the secondary is stainless steel. The kit contains parts from other companies - for example, a valve from Siemens.
• Floor-standing. Atlas and Pegasus in different modifications - 56, 2S, F3N2S, D, DK. Cast iron radiators, with mounted or atmospheric burners. Electric ignition. You can connect a boiler. Reliable protection system - smoke control, various types of sensors, bimetallic indicators.
• Condensation. Econcept Tech, Energy Top and others. Save 30% gas.

Kinds

There are different designs of Ferroli double-circuit boilers, differing in certain characteristics.

By installation type:

• Wall mounted . They are installed either on strong (load-bearing) walls or on a special support system - a ramp.
• Floor-standing. They are installed directly on the floor (or on a stand), so they can have more weight and power.

By heat transfer method:

• Convection . The coolant is heated in the usual way, in the flame of a burner.
• Condensation . Preheating of the OM is used using heat obtained by condensation of water vapor from the exhaust smoke. This allows you to reduce the intensity of the main heating and significantly save fuel.

By type of combustion chamber:

• Open or atmospheric . The air is taken from the room, and the smoke is removed using natural draft.
• Closed (turbocharged) . Air is taken from outside and supplied to the combustion chamber using a special fan. The smoke is removed in the same way, which ensures a stable operating mode independent of external factors.

The choice of the most successful configuration is determined by the needs of the user and operating conditions.

NOTE!

The use of condensing boilers in most regions of Russia is impractical, since the full functionality of the unit can only be achieved if the difference between external and internal temperatures is no more than 20°. This must be kept in mind when purchasing an expensive and useless unit under existing conditions.

Model overview

Ferroli produces 11 models of gas boilers and about forty of their modifications.

Domitech C32

Wall mounting option. Any gas - natural or liquefied. Open firebox. 2 circuits. Control via a digital system - one microprocessor controls the device, the second controls the combustion. Electric ignition. Technical specifications:

• 31.1 kW.
• Efficiency 90%.
• Weighs 33 kg.
• Capacity – 15 l/min.
• Dimensions 70x40x36 cm.

Domiproject F 24

Approximate price 25,000 rubles. Two circuits. Wall version. Flame modulation. Copper heat exchanger. Options:

• Heating power (min/max) – 7.2-24 kW.
• Efficiency 91%.
• Dimensions 40x70x23 cm.
• With auto ignition.

DIVAtop c24 atmosphere

Open firebox and natural draft. The design uses rounded lines. Easy to install - wall template and copper fittings included. Plate heat exchanger. The injection burner is made of stainless steel (ANSI 304 steel). Electric ignition. Frost protection. The remote control is connected. LCD display.

• Thermal power in the range of 7-23 kW.
• Efficiency 90.5%.
• Weighs 28 kg.

Fortuna Pro F24

Wall-mounted version. Dual-circuit. Heating power – 7.2 kW. 93%. Estimated cost 23,500 rubles. Yes - auto-ignition, flame modulation. Weight – 35 kg.

Diva F Series

Boilers of the “Diva” series are presented in models that differ in power, heating area, and productivity. F 18 is designed for 180 m2, F 32 - for 320 m2 - so, by marking you can find out what heated area the device is designed for. The lowest-power device has a productivity of about 14 l/min. F 32 has 18 l/min.

Pegasus T 45

Floor. Convection type. One circuit. Heating power (min/max) 17,000-45,000 W. 91%. Open firebox. Mechanical control. Weight 164 kg.

Prices: summary table

Exploitation

Many Ferroli models are equipped with automated controls that make the equipment easier to use. Mode selection and settings are performed on a special panel. To start the device, you need to connect it to the network and click “Start”. Then the burner is opened and ignited.

If startup does not occur within 15 seconds, the system restarts. Shutdown is performed by closing the valve and turning off the button. You also need to disconnect the device from the power supply. And to prevent freezing, the water is drained or antifreeze is added to it.