Overview of gas boilers Fondital

The Fondital gas boiler is a product of an Italian manufacturer that produces floor and wall-mounted heating heaters. A variety of design solutions are used in production, single- and double-circuit models are offered to the consumer. In the model range of mounted boilers, in addition to the classic versions, there are also high-performance innovative condensing-type devices.

About company. Fondital is an Italian company founded in 1970 by Silvestro Niboli. Over the years of development, the company has transformed from a small enterprise into a company that occupies a leading position in the global heating equipment market. The manufacturer owns its own research centers in which innovative developments are carried out. The company invests huge funds in the creation of technologies aimed at preserving the environment, waste-free production. That is why Fondital products are an example of environmental safety and energy efficiency.

Advantages

• Seven steps for quality control – marriage is practically excluded.
• Network of service centers in the Russian Federation.
• Silent work.
• The combination of European quality and affordable cost.

Disadvantages

• Problems with non-compliance of the coolant with quality standards, malfunctions occur.
• Lack of water treatment causes breakdowns.
• A voltage stabilizer is required.
• We need original spare parts, they have to be bought for the full European cost.
• Atmospheric heaters are sensitive to pressure drops in gas pipes. If the pressure in the line drops, the automation simply does not allow the device to start working.

Do you need Fondital

Given the serious list of shortcomings, it is worth buying boilers of this brand only if there is a service center in your city. Its specialists will install and configure the device, provide maintenance, and troubleshoot.

Important! If a water treatment system is not provided, Fondital boilers may fail after a year of operation. And without voltage stabilization, the automation will burn out at its first jumps.

What Fondital offers

The Fondital model range includes approximately 30 modifications that differ in characteristics, design, principle of operation and name. Wall-mounted are represented by two dozen, and floor – by one dozen different boilers. Combine their parameters of quality, reliability, compliance with European environmental standards.

When choosing a suitable model, you need to consider:

• Boiler type. Wall and floor options differ not only in the installation method, but also in the power on which the heating area depends. You also need to consider fuel consumption. For example, to heat 200 m², 2,5 cubic meters per hour is enough.
• type of combustion chamber. There are two options: closed and open. The latter is the classic version of the gas boiler. Such heaters are also called atmospheric. They are more reliable, but their installation is associated with a number of requirements: you need a separate room, a chimney, ventilation, etc. Closed chambers allow you to use fuel more economically; air is supplied to them, gases are removed through a coaxial chimney.
• Heat exchanger. It affects the rate of heating of the coolant. If the bithermic option is used, the heating of water in the DHW is faster, and the cost of the heater is reduced.
• Built-in boiler. Some modifications are equipped with storage capacity. This solution allows you to get hot water almost instantly after opening the tap. The capacity of the boiler can reach 90 liters.

Installation and operation

As consumer reviews show, most of the problems in the operation of Fondital heaters are associated with errors during their installation, configuration and start-up. All these works must be carried out by employees of service centers. When installing, please note that:

• Voltage stabilizer, uninterruptible power supply are needed.
• Atmospheric models are sensitive to pressure drops, and in condensation models this problem is solved thanks to the adjustment. By adjusting the gas valve, you can simultaneously reduce heating costs.
• The piping and installation of equipment must comply with the requirements of the manufacturer. If desired, you can install remote thermostats – internal and external.
• If necessary, the devices are transferred to liquefied gas. For this, special nozzles are purchased.

Mounted models

Wall-mounted appliances are in high demand among ordinary consumers who purchase gas equipment for home heating. The manufacturer divides the entire range into two large categories – floor and wall. Among them there are atmospheric and turbocharged versions. A separate group includes condensing boilers that save consumers up to 30% of energy resources.

before

condensation type. Pre-mixing of the gas-air mixture. Double-circuit – there is a DHW circuit. Turbocharged – the furnace is closed. Compact, easy to place. Equipped with 11-section stainless steel burner. For example, here are the characteristics of Antea CTFS 24 AF:

• Heat output – 25,5 kW.
• Weight – 22,5 kilograms.
• Efficiency – 93,1%.
• Expansion tank – 7 l.
• Dimensions (HxWxD) – 70x40x25 cm.
• Able to heat up to 191 m².
• Fuel consumption – 2,7 m³ / h.

Differs in simple management. Has an LCD display.

Victory Compact

Wall-mounted device with two circuits. Flow heat exchanger. Compact, suitable for small spaces. Equipped with a hydraulic kit for connection to solar heating. Characteristics of Victoria Compact CTN 24 AF:

• Power – 24 kW.
• Weight – 28,4 kilograms.
• Efficiency – 93%.
• Expansion capacity – 6 l.
• Dimensions (HxWxD) – 70x40x25 cm.
• Heating area – 180 m².
• Fuel consumption – 2,7 m³ / h.
• The estimated price is 28–000 rubles.

“Victoria Compact” is produced in two versions: atmospheric (open firebox), forced draft (closed firebox). Copper heat exchanger. There is a control system: LED lights signal changes in work. There is frost protection. Also available is a pump anti-blocking system.

The second modification of the “Victoria Compact 24” – CTFS 24 AF – has a higher efficiency – 93%. Weight – 28,4 kg. Heat output – 23 700 W.

Itaca CTFS

These wall-mounted devices with a capacity of 24–32 kW have two circuits, a DHW flow heat exchanger. Characteristics of Itaca CTFS 24:

• Heat output – 23 700 W.
• It weighs 38 kg.
• Efficiency – 93%.
• Expansion capacity – 10 l.
• Dimensions (HxWxD) – 75x42x31,5 cm.
• Heating area – 180 m².
• Gas consumption – 2,7 m³ / h.
• The approximate cost is 45–000 rubles.

Equipped with a touch screen. There is a quick start function that provides comfortable use of hot water. The plate heat exchanger is covered with polyurethane insulation that retains heat. Control of two heating zones by external temperature sensors. There is a built-in chromothermostat that allows you to set the program for the day ahead. Control of three types of solar collectors is provided.

Itaca CTFS is the pinnacle of Fondital’s range of wall hung boilers.

Minorca CTFS 9

The low-power wall-mounted apparatus “Minorca” is designed for heating 74 m² of area. Its heat output is 9,3 kW. Two contours. Fuel consumption is low – only 1,1 m³ / h. Such a device costs at the level of 27–000 rubles. Efficiency – 30%.

Tahiti Condensing Line Tech KR 55

Powerful condensing heater with high efficiency – it reaches 107%. One circuit. Equipped with a wide LCD display. Differs in the low level of harmful emissions.

• Heat output – 58 800 W.
• Weight – 53 kg.
• Expansion tank – 10 l.
• Gas consumption – 5,82 m³ / h.
• The approximate price is 100 rubles.

Burner power is modulated. Frost protected. Bypass kit. NTC temperature sensor. If necessary, a boiler is connected. There is a remote control.

Floor models

Floor-standing models are available in a wide power range – from 20 to 000 watts.

Bali

Are intended for heating of private houses. Equipped with storage boiler. Body material – heavy-duty cast iron. Easy to manage and maintain. Technical parameters of Bali RTN 18:

• Heat output – 18 kW.
• Weight – 114 kg.
• Accumulative boiler – 60 l.
• Material – stainless steel.
• Designed for 180 m².

They release two versions:

• BTFSE – with forced draft;
• BTNE – natural draft.

These high-performance boilers are available in a wide range of capacities, you can choose the option for any heating area.

Madeira

Condensing floor models. Equipped with an accumulative boiler, in which there are two coils. Interaction with solar collectors. Specifications Madeira Solar KRBS MV 12:

• Heat output – 12,6 kW.
• 105% efficiency.
• There is flame modulation, auto ignition.
• Built-in boiler with a capacity of 300 liters.
• Weight – 276 kg.
• The cost is 200 rubles.

The package includes a burner fan with adjustable speed. There is a three-speed circulation pump, an expansion tank for hot water of 12 liters, for heating of 8 liters.

Malfunctions

Any equipment, including highly reliable European boilers, periodically needs maintenance and fails. Given the domestic operating conditions, Italian technology requires increased attention. The instruction and connection diagram will help to understand the device of the heater. The most common problems:

• The wick does not light up. This problem often occurs after several seasons of operation. Users cannot light the burner at once, they have to try again and again. The temperature is set to the maximum. And if you turn on the hot water, the burner goes out again, the red light is on. To fix the problem, they replace the smoke relay – this can be done even without calling the wizard. The relay is a round plastic piece.
• The flame is intermittent or completely absent. The fan may need to be cleaned.
• Unstable work. A lot of fuel is consumed. Most often, the problem is caused by unstable fuel pressure. You need to invite a specialist to check the heating system.
• There was a leak, the pressure was gone. Check the expansion tank, it might be the problem. A sufficient level is 1,8 atm, it needs to be checked periodically.
• A sharp jump in pressure and temperature. Check the connecting tube of the expansion tank, it happens that during installation the tube is bent and an excess of coolant collects in it.

Reviews

Antea CTFS 24 AF: Ilya Sh., Samara

Two circuits – heats and heats water. I worked for three winters without problems, the hot water supply worked fine. Problems appeared in the fourth year. I set the heating temperature to 48 degrees. From 40 to 54 it heats up quickly – in 20 seconds, and in the same time it decreases again to 40. And so on in a circle. Subtracted that it is necessary to increase the pressure in the expansion tank to one and a half bar. Did not help. Heats up quickly and cools down quickly. The screen does not display an error. I live in the area, far from the service.

Flores Dual CTN 24 AFX: Petr O., Yekaterinburg

Clear and quiet operation. No failures, excellent water heating. After three years of operation, no complaints. Saves gas consumption, after buying a new heater, they began to pay less for gas. Works even at the smallest gas pressure – up to 5-6 mbar. The heat exchanger is bithermic, but it heats water well at any flow. We carry out maintenance every year.

The manufacturer Fondital, claiming that its products are adapted to Russian conditions, may be exaggerating. Most of the problems are related to the harsh operating conditions. The second cause of malfunctions is installation errors, independent intervention in the operation of equipment and violation of operating rules. If we discard these nuances, Fondital gas equipment is worthy of praise: it is distinguished by high-quality assembly, functionality, environmental friendliness and affordable price.