Trianco Boilers Reviews: Best Trianco Combi Prices for 2024
Trianco boilers are a UK-based heating brand owned by TR Engineering Ltd, with headquarters in Rotherham. The manufacturer of Trianco boilers was founded at the start of the Industrial Revolution, with which it has evolved to become a prestigious coal and oil boiler company by the end of the nineteenth century. Over the last twenty years, Trianco have focused exclusively on electric boilers while also adding heat pumps to their line of products.
Trianco’s electric boilers boast three distinct advantages. Firstly, Trianco offer 5-year standard warranties on all their boilers. Such terms are generous considering that electric boilers from other manufacturers typically come with 2-year warranties. Secondly, these boilers are fitted with frost protection, a crucial feature that keeps water from freezing inside the boiler when it’s offline on cold days. Finally, Trianco boilers are compatible with solar panels, a feature that gives users a chance to save on their electric bills.
That said, Trianco boilers have a limited line-up of only two flow boilers, two combis, and a single system boiler, with outputs ranging from 6 to 14kW. This limited assortment of options means that owners of larger properties, or families with high hot water consumption, won’t find a suitable option in Trianco’s lineup.
The prices of Trianco’s electric boilers from £540 to £2,600, with the flow boiler models occupying the lower end, and the combis the higher end of the scale. This pricing level is in line with other electric boiler manufacturers’ prices.
Below is a comprehensive overview of of Trianco boiler types, models, prices, common problems, and alternatives.
What is the price range of Trianco boilers?
The price range of Trianco boilers spans between £540 and £2,600 (without installation), with prices varying based on type and model. The least expensive in their lineup is the Trianco Aztec Classic Plus conventional boiler, which costs between £540- £870, excluding installation. Aztec combination boilers cost the most, spanning in price from £1,500 to £2,500, whilst their system counterparts are mid-range with price tags between £1,200 and £1,300.
Regardless of the boiler type or model, lower-capacity Trianco boilers are less expensive than their high-capacity versions.
The following infographic illustrates the Trianco boiler price ranges and compares them to those of competing electric boiler brands.
The table below summarises our HeatingForce’s ratings of Trianco boilers based on five key criteria.
Trianco boilers specs | Rating 4.7/5 |
Price and performance efficiency | 5/5 |
Design | 4/5 |
Customer service | 4.5/5 |
Safety | 5/5 |
Warranty duration | 5/5 |
How do Trianco boilers work?
Trianco boilers work by raising the temperature of domestic and central heating water. The boilers heat water by letting it flow through a heat exchanger that contains a heating element. The heating element comprises a resistive metal alloy that causes friction between electrons and atoms as the electric current moves through it. This friction generates heat, which transfers to the water. The boiler then propels this water to the home’s radiators with the help of a motorised pump. The same fundamental heating principle raises the temperature of the domestic hot water (DHW), although how heat transfers to tap water differs depending on the boiler type.
Trianco’s electric boiler range comes in three types – combination, system, and heat-only (often referred to as “flow” boilers). The electric combis heat mains water by channelling it through a secondary plate heat exchanger within the boiler. This secondary heat exchanger allows potable water to warm up whilst avoiding contact with the dirty water powering the radiators. Meanwhile, Trianco’s system and heat-only boiler only supply water for the rads, and the DHW gets heated indirectly as this central heating water flows through a coil inside the DHW cylinder.
What are the Trianco boiler types?
Below are the three Trianco boiler types.
- Combi: Heat radiator and domestic water on demand and do not require separate water storage facilities.
- System: Work with sealed systems, heating water for radiators and indirectly raising the temperature inside the DHW cylinder.
- Heat-only: Work with sealed and open-vented systems, heating water for the radiators and the DHW cylinder.
The three aforementioned types have different price ranges, warranties, and heating outputs, as outlined in the tables below.
What is the Trianco combi boiler price range?
The table below overviews the price range, heating capacities, warranties, and installation costs of Trianco combi boilers.
Trianco Boiler Models | kW Output | Warranty Duration | Boiler Price Range | Installation Cost |
Aztec Maxi electric boiler | 8 kW | 5 years | £2,400 | £700-£1,200 |
Aztec Maxi electric boiler | 10 kW | 5 years | £2,480 | £700-£1,200 |
Aztec Maxi electric boiler | 12 kW | 5 years | £2,600 | £700-£1,200 |
Aztec Mini electric boiler | 8 kW | 5 years | £1,500 | £700-£1,200 |
Aztec Mini electric boiler | 10 kW | 5 years | £1,530 | £700-£1,200 |
Aztec Mini electric boiler | 12 kW | 5 years | £1,560 | £700-£1,200 |
What is the Trianco system boiler price range?
Below is a table overviewing the Trainco system boiler price range, heating outputs, warranties, and installation costs.
Trianco Boiler Models | kW Output | Warranty Duration | Boiler Price Range | Installation Cost |
Aztec Mini system electric boiler | 8 kW | 5 years | £1,200 | £700-£2,000 |
Aztec Mini system electric boiler | 12 kW | 5 years | £1,250 | £700-£2,000 |
Aztec Mini system electric boiler | 14 kW | 5 years | £1,280 | £700-£2,000 |
What is the Trianco regular boiler price range?
The following table presents an overview of the Trianco regular boiler price range, outputs, warranties, and installation costs.
Trianco Boiler Models | kW Output | Warranty Duration | Boiler Price Range | Installation Cost |
Aztec Classic electric boiler | 6 kW | 5 years | £620 | £700-£2,000 |
Aztec Classic electric boiler | 9 kW | 5 years | £790 | £700-£2,000 |
Aztec Classic electric boiler | 11 kW | 5 years | £880 | £700-£2,000 |
Aztec Classic electric boiler | 12 kW | 5 years | £880 | £700-£2,000 |
Aztec Classic Plus electric boiler | 6 kW | 5 years | £540 | £700-£2,000 |
Aztec Classic Plus electric boiler | 10 kW | 5 years | £710 | £700-£2,000 |
Aztec Classic Plus electric boiler | 12 kW | 5 years | £880 | £700-£2,000 |
What are the best Trianco boiler models?
Below are the two best Trianco boiler models.
- Aztec Classic: The Classic is Trianco’s most popular flow, or heat-only boiler that’s suitable for homes with a traditional or sealed-system setup. Its most prominent advantage is its slender size, which allows you to fit this boiler into a tight space.
- Aztec Combi Maxi: The Maxi is Trianco’s highest-capacity combination boiler that gives access to instantaneous hot tap water and does not require an external water cylinder. The Maxi has a relatively high flow rate of 10 litres per minute, which is suitable for mid-sized households with average hot water demand. However, this combination boiler does not have enough heating output or a sufficiently high flow rate to serve larger families that use multiple taps and showers at the same time.
Are Trianco boilers good for the United Kingdom’s winter conditions?
Trianco boilers are good for the United Kingdom’s winter conditions because they supply sufficient heat and have safeguards that prevent them from freezing over in cold weather.
Trianco’s boilers are capable of supplying central heating flow water at 80°C. That’s 10°C higher than what modern gas boilers are set to produce in order to maintain their fuel-efficient condensing mode. Unless your home is very poorly insulated, a flow water temperature of 80°C is more than enough for the radiators to heat the home adequately during the coldest bouts of winter weather.
Trainco’s boilers additionally come with frost protection, a feature that prevents water from freezing inside the boiler while it’s off. Frost protection activates the boiler’s heating element when the internal water temperature falls to 5°C. The heating stays on until the water gets to 15°C. Briefly raising the water temperature in this manner prevents it from falling below the freezing mark and rendering the boiler inoperable.
What are the advantages of Trianco boilers?
Below are the three distinct advantages of Trianco boilers.
- Come with long warranties: All Trianco boiler models come with a 5-year warranty length. In contrast, other electric boiler manufacturers usually offer standard warranties of only 2 years.
- Offer frost protection: Frost protection prevents the water inside the boiler from freezing when it’s cold out and ensures that the boiler remains operable on the chilliest of winter days.
- Work with solar power: Trianco boilers integrate with power generated by photovoltaic panels if you have them installed in your home.
Apart from the above advantages unique to Trianco boilers, these boilers boast the following five benefits by virtue of being electric.
- Don’t produce noxious gases: Electric boilers do not burn fuel to generate heat, and thus produce no exhaust gases. A lack of exhaust fumes means that you needn’t install a flue for your Trianco boiler, and you can fit it anywhere you like in the house – not necessarily next to an outside wall. However, the boiler’s exhaust-free operation doesn’t automatically lower your carbon footprint, since roughly 50% of the UK’s electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels.
- Don’t require a fuel tank: Electric boilers connect to mains electricity and do not require fuel storage facilities. This aspect makes them a more appealing option for homes off the gas grid than their LPG or oil-fired counterparts, which do require fuel storage tanks.
- Offer 99.8% energy efficiency: Electric boilers waste very little energy compared to gas boilers, which are on average 93-95% efficient. This efficiency translates into real savings, since for every pound you spend on electricity, a Trianco boiler converts 99.8p into heat and wastes less than a penny in the process.
- Have few moving parts: Electric boilers don’t have any of the parts associated with handling and burning fuel, such as gas valves, burners, and fans. Fewer parts generally means less opportunity for faults to appear.
- Don’t need annual service: You’re not required to service an electric boiler annually to meet warranty conditions and ensure safe operation. Not having to service your Trianco boiler translates into annual savings of about £100.
Do Trianco boilers give a signal for fuel waste?
No, Trianco boilers don’t give a distinct signal for fuel waste. However, the flow temperature indicator on the boiler’s control panel helps you see whether you’re burning more electricity than needed to create a comfortable climate at home. A setting of over 70°C is wasteful unless your home is poorly insulated. On the other hand, settings between 60°C and 70°C generally suffice for achieving a comfortable indoor temperature even on the coldest days.
What are the disadvantages of Trianco boilers?
Trianco boilers have no distinct disadvantages. However, they do have the following two drawbacks that are common to all electric boilers.
- Cost lots to operate: Electricity costs roughly five times more than gas per kWh, with the average UK electric unit rate hovering around 30p/kWh whilst gas only costs about 6.5p/kWh. Electric boilers’ energy efficiency advantage of 4-5% over their gas counterparts doesn’t quite level the field, considering the massive difference between gas and electric unit rates.
- Don’t meet hot water demand in large homes: Electric boilers have lower heating outputs and flow rates than gas boilers and are thus unable to meet high hot water demand in large properties. Gas boilers have heating capacities of up to 40kW and flow rates between 12-17 litres per minute, which allows them to supply enough hot water for a home with several bedrooms and 2+ bathrooms. In contrast, electric boilers are generally limited to 12kW in heating capacity and flow rates of 10 litres per minute, which is just enough to serve a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home.
What are the most common problems with Trianco boilers?
There are no specific problems common to all Trianco boilers. However, these boilers may experience faults that all electric boilers develop from time to time, such as the six issues listed below.
- Boiler losing pressure: A boiler that’s suffering consistent pressure loss likely has a leak. The leak may be in the boiler itself or in other parts of the heating system, such as a radiator or a pipe. You must find and repair the leak before repressurising the boiler.
- Moisture on PCB: The boiler locks out and displays a fault code (usually E2) if it depicts moisture on the PCB. Moisture may come from a leak or condensation appearing inside the boiler. Get a heating engineer to inspect the boiler’s components for the source of moisture.
- Heating works but no hot water (or vice versa): You may be getting heat but no hot water, or vice versa, if your Trianco combi boiler has a diverter valve issue. The valve lets the boiler switch between central heating and DHW modes, and a failure of this component would prevent the boiler from switching between these modes in response to your commands. You need an electric boiler engineer to come in and troubleshoot this fault.
- Boiler locking out: A boiler usually locks out if it’s unable to operate safely or efficiently. Electric boilers have far fewer safety risks than their fossil-fuel-fired counterparts, but may still lock out due to overheating, overpressurisation, or critical component failure. A faulty Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is one of the most common causes of a lockout and generally necessitates a replacement of the part.
- Water frozen inside boiler: Wait until the temperature climbs above freezing and the water inside the boiler thaws out – do not attempt to operate the boiler if water is frozen inside. Get an engineer to replace or repair the frost protection mechanism, as it likely failed if water was allowed to freeze inside the unit.
- Water not flowing: The boiler is unable to circulate water either because the system pressure has fallen low, there’s an obstruction in the boiler or heating system pipes, or the motorised pump has failed. Get an engineer to troubleshoot the fault.
What are the Trianco boiler parts?
The table below provides an overview of the most essential Trianco boiler parts, functions, and component numbers.
Trianco boiler part | Function | Part number |
PCB | Controls and enables communication between various boiler components | 225002 |
Heat exchanger | Transfers heat from the burner to the central heating water | Aztec Mini – 225003
Aztec Maxi Combi – 225005 Aztec Classic – 225053 Aztec Classic Plus – 225003 |
Expansion vessel | Absorbs excess pressure as the water inside the boiler heats and expands | Aztec Mini/Maxi – 225022 |
Pressure gauge | Measures and displays the system water pressure | Aztec Mini – 225008 |
Temperature and pressure relief valve | Allows the boiler to release water when pressure or temperature exceed a predetermined limit | n/a |
Safety valve (3 bar) | Allows boiler to release pressure when it climbs above 3 bar | Aztec Maxi – 225009 |
Pump | Circulates hot water throughout the central heating system | Grundfos UPM3 |
Display | Allows the user to monitor and control the boiler’s operation | Aztec Mini/Maxi/Classic Plus – 225012 |
Heating limit thermostat | Regulates the temperature of the water that the boiler heats | Aztec Mini/Maxi/Classic Plus – 225021
Aztec Classic – 225061 |
Cable gland | Securely attaches and seals cables entering the boiler | Aztec Mini – 225017/225018
Aztec Maxi – 225018 Aztec Classic – 225062/225063 Aztec Classic Plus – 25017 |
Cylinder | Provides a store of hot water inside the boiler’s casing | n/a |
Heat exchanger gasket | Keeps heat exchanger from leaking water | Aztec Classic – 225071 |
Terminal block | Securely connects and manages wiring inside the boiler | Aztec Classic – 225051 |
Heating element | Generates heat by passing electricity through a resistive medium | Aztec Classic – 225069/225070 |
How is the customer service of the Trianco boilers manufacturer?
Trianco boiler manufacturer’s customer service is prompt and knowledgeable, according to the company’s Trustpilot reviews. Reviewers on the platform generally commend Trianco for providing effective aftercare and even giving unbiased heating advice.
You may reach Trianco’s customer care team by phone at +44 (0) 114 257 2300, email their support team at [email protected], or fill out the contact form on the company’s site.
Does customer service help with Trianco boiler installation?
TR Engineering LTD (Trianco’s parent company) offers installers support by phone at +44 (0) 114 257 2300. The company additionally provides comprehensive installation manuals with each of their boiler models. These are publicly available on the company’s website and as hard copies at the time of purchase.
What are the Trianco boiler error codes?
Eight error codes are common to all models in Trianco’s Aztec boiler range. The table below lists these eight fault codes, explains their meanings and recommends next steps for the user.
Error code | Meaning | Next steps |
E2 | Presence of moisture inside the boiler, either from a leak or condensation | Call a heating engineer to troubleshoot |
E3 | Central heating water temperature sensor has had a short circuit or is not connected properly | Call a heating engineer to troubleshoot. Sensor cable may need to be replaced. |
E5 | DHW temperature sensor is disconnected or has had a short circuit | Call a heating engineer to troubleshoot. Sensor cable may need to be replaced. |
E9 | The central heating water inside the boiler has a temperature nearing the freezing mark or is frozen. | Do not attempt to start the boiler. Call a heating engineer instead. The boiler’s frost protection mechanism may need to be repaired or replaced. |
EC | Display disconnected from the PCB. | Check if the cable connecting the PCB to the display has come loose. If it’s broken, call a heating engineer for repairs. |
F1 | Central heating water not flowing through the boiler. | Repressurise and vent the system, then restart the boiler by pressing and holding the TIME key for 6g seconds. |
F4 | Low system pressure. | Check the entire heating system for leaks. If none are present, repressurise the system via the filling loop. Otherwise, repair the leak before topping up system pressure. |
F6 | Water is unable to flow properly through the system. | Vent the system to remove air locks, check the pump for blockages or faults, inspect the flow switch, repressurise the system if necessary after confirming the absence of leaks. |
How aesthetic is the design of the Trianco boilers?
Trianco Aztec boilers are unobtrusive, with a white or off-white casing colour (depending on the model) and slim dimensions that help them blend into their surroundings.
The Aztec Classic is notably slender, measuring just 165mm in width and 170mm in depth. However, the boiler makes up its slim horizontal dimensions with a significant height of about 1 metre, which makes it unsuitable for standard kitchen cupboards.
The Aztec Maxi combi is about as tall as the Classic, with a height of 950mm. This height prevents it from fitting into kitchen cupboards. However, the horizontal dimensions of 500mm x 315mm still give a compact profile that fits neatly into airing cupboards and utility rooms without taking up too much room.
The Aztec Mini combi and system boilers measure 360mm x 240mm x 580mm and are thus “compact” by definition. Being compact means you can install them in a standard kitchen cupboard while adhering to the minimum mandatory clearances on all sides.
What are the alternatives to Trianco boilers?
Listed below are two worthy alternatives to Trianco boilers.
- The Electric Heating Company (EHC): EHC is the best alternative to Trianco if you’re looking for an electric boiler to heat a large property with high hot water demand. EHC have far more models in their ranges than Trianco and cater to all types of properties. While Trianco boilers’ limited output makes them unsuitable for homes with more than a single bathroom, EHC boilers come with capacities as high as 46kW, which suffices for a property with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Heatrae Sadia: Heatrae Sadia is a fitting alternative to Trianco if you’d prefer a wider selection of flow boilers from which to choose. Trianco’s lineup features only the Aztec Classic and Aztec Classic Plus, whilst Heatrae Sadia’s Amptec range has a large assortment of models, some of which are designed specifically for underfloor heating.
How to compare Trianco boilers to other boiler brands?
To compare Trianco’s boilers to those of other brands, consider their prices, warranties, customer satisfaction, and suitability for your needs.
Trainco’s boilers are priced similarly to their counterparts from The Electric Heating Company and Heatrae Sadia. However, minor differences between different models and sizes exist, so be sure to compare the prices of your chosen model’s equivalents from all three brands.
Boilers from Heatrae Sadia and The Electric Heating Company have dismally short warranties compared to those from Trianco. 2 years is the standard warranty you get on all Heatrae Sadia and EHC boilers, whilst all Trianco boilers are covered for 5 years. Given that the boilers’ prices are the same, the 3 extra years of coverage are a splendid bargain. The lengthier warranty terms and the peace of mind they afford give Trianco a decisive edge against the competition.
Customer satisfaction is hard to compare given electric boilers’ rarity in the UK. However, a quick glance at TrustPilot shows that The Electric Heating Company has an exponentially higher number of reviews than Trianco or Heatrae Sadia, and the vast majority of these are positive. EHC have amassed over 700 with a cumulative rating of 4.8/5, whilst Trianco only have a dozen reviews and a mediocre rating of 3.4/5. Such a major difference in ratings and the number of reviews indicates that EHC have happier customers and boast a far larger market share than Trianco.
Trianco’s boilers are suitable for small flats and apartments with no more than 2 bedrooms and a single bathroom. Meanwhile, EHC’s diverse lineups have boilers that can easily heat a detached home with multiple bedrooms and high hot water demand.
What do HeatingForce experts suggest about Trianco boilers?
Our experts at HeatingForce consider Trianco boilers a suitable solution for small properties off the gas grid, particularly for homeowners who prioritise having a long warranty term. Our team has given Trianco a highly satisfactory rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on the five criteria below.
- Price and performance efficiency (5/5): Trianco boilers boast an efficiency rating of 99.8%, meaning they waste less than a penny for every pound you spend on electricity. However, such a high efficiency rating is characteristic of all electric boilers, and is hardly unique to Trianco. In terms of price, the company’s boilers are priced much like their competitors, ranging from the mid-£500s for a simple flow model to over £2,000 for the most advanced combi.
- Design (4/5): We didn’t give Trianco full marks for design for two reasons. Firstly, the company’s lineup lacks variety, with most models designed for small properties. Meanwhile, boiler lineups from the competing EHC brand have something for almost any property size, from a small flat to a detached home. Secondly, Trianco’s flow boilers are designed with a substantial height of almost a metre, which limits the locations where you can install them. That said, the system and combi boilers in the Aztec range are all compact and fit neatly into standard kitchen cupboards.
- Customer service (4.5/5): Trianco’s customers are largely satisfied with the aftercare they’ve received from the company, according to the brand’s TrustPilot reviews. The majority of reviewers commend the manufacturer’s support team for their promptness, expertise, and unbiased advice. The only negative ratings had more to do with boiler defects and third-party vendors.
- Safety (5/5): There are no known issues with Trianco’s electric boilers, which conform to all safety standards applicable in the UK.
- Warranty duration (5/5): We’ve given Trianco full marks for their warranty terms, as these are some of the highest in the electric boiler market. All of Trianco’s boilers come with a 5-year warranty, whilst competing brands offer only 2 years with their boilers as standard.
What to know before purchasing a brand-new Trianco boiler?
Before you purchase a brand-new Trianco boiler, you should know the following four implications of your purchase.
- You’ll pay a lot for heat and hot water: All Trianco boilers are electric, and electricity costs significantly more than gas, oil, or LPG in the UK.
- Electric boilers are not inherently “green”: Do not be misled into thinking that your electric boiler is automatically “green” since roughly half of the UK’s electric power comes from burning fossil fuels. Whether your new Trianco boiler actually lowers your carbon footprint depends on your electricity provider and their fuel mix. Some suppliers offer electricity from 100% renewable sources, whilst others don’t.
- You’re getting excellent warranty terms: Trianco offers 5-year warranties on all their boilers, which is considerably longer than what you’d get from the competition.
- Trianco boilers won’t meet high hot water demand: Trianco boilers are suitable for homes with 8-10 radiators, a single bathroom, and modest demand for domestic hot water. Consider getting a high-capacity system boiler from EHC, or opt for a gas or LPG alternative if your property has more than 10 radiators and your household consumes lots of hot water.