Ideal Isar Boiler Problems, Causes & How To Fix Them

Ideal Isar Boiler Problems, Causes & Fixes

The Ideal Isar is a combi boiler range made by Ideal that has had its fair share of problems. Depending on the type of boiler fault, you might not require the services of a heating engineer; however, if you are in doubt about anything, you shouldn’t hesitate to enlist the services of one.

With that in mind, let’s highlight the most common Ideal Isar boiler problems you can expect.

If an ideal boiler has a problem it should give out an error code. The common Ideal Isar boiler problems are:

• Flame Loss which has an FL, F2, L2, FN or LN fault code
• Low boiler pressure, which has an F1 fault code
• No hot water  which has an F1, F2 and L2 fault code
• Gurgling noise, which has an L2 fault code
• Loud noise when igniting, which has an L2 fault code
• Blank display
• Failing to ignite, which has an L2 fault code

Idea Isar Flame Loss (F2 Error Code)

Finding out why your boiler is suffering from flame loss can be quite challenging, considering there are various possible reasons. It could be any of the following:

• Low gas pressure
• An issue with the electronic components such as the PCB, fan, or pump
• Insufficient or no gas supply
• A faulty fan

If your home utilises a prepayment metre, then it could be that you don’t have enough credit on it. If you have more than enough credit on your metre or don’t use one, then the F2 fault code associated with this Ideal Isar Boiler problem isn’t something you should try to fix by yourself. At this point, you should always hire a licensed professional to replace or repair the faulty boiler component.

Low Water Pressure

The pressure on any Ideal Isar boiler should be about 1.5 psi, and it should say so on the in-built pressure gauge. After some use, the boiler should gradually lose some pressure; however, if you notice a sudden and drastic drop in pressure, then it could be that the boiler leaks somewhere in the system. Alternatively, it could be that an engineer recently bled the radiators.

You can fix this type of problem yourself by increasing the boiler pressure. Turn off the boiler and let it cool down for a while. The next step involves locating the filling loop, a metal hose with valves attached to each end.

You can attach the filling loop to allow water to flow into the heating system. At this point, you should hear water flowing into the boiler. Pay close attention to the pressure gauge till it gets to one bar. This is important as you do not want to over-pressurise it.

Turn the valves back to the original position to stop the water flow.

If this process sounds too convoluted for you, you can simply hire the services of a boiler engineer to handle it.

No Hot Water

The most effective way to check for this problem on an Ideal Isar boiler is to check that the temperature gauge is turned up at the front. Once done, you should then check that the boiler’s isolation valve located under the boiler is open. If these two things don’t seem to be the issue, then the issue of not having hot water might be from within the boiler itself. It could be a zone valve issue.

Gurgling Noises

If your boiler makes a gurgling noise, then it could be that the waterways leading to the condensate from the boiler are blocked. You must remove the condensate trap to clear the blockage to fix this. Doing this will cause some water to leak, so you should place a bowl underneath the boiler.

Loud Noise When Igniting

The last thing you want your boiler to do is to have a loud explosion. It can be quite scary when this happens, which means that too much gas is present within the ignition chamber.

The Boiler Display Is Blank

If you don’t have anything on the boiler display, then there is no power going to the boiler. If the boiler is receiving power and still has a blank display, then a component has failed, and a Gas Safe engineer will be required.

Boiler Failing to Ignite

When your Ideal Isar boiler fails to ignite after three tries, it goes to a lockout. What this means is that your boiler shuts down. When this happens, an orange light is displayed on your boiler.

Are There Ideal Isar Boiler Problems that Require a Certified Engineer?

Considering there are a few Ideal Isar boiler problems, we at Boiler Central have decided to list a few of the most common Ideal Isar boiler problems that might or might not require an engineer.

Boiler keeps turning itself off.

This problem could result from low water pressure, a lack of water due to a closed valve, an issue with the thermostat, or the pump not properly circulating water in the system.

In this case, you WILL require the services of an engineer.

Radiators not hot

This problem could result from air or sludge building up in the boiler system. Alternatively, it could be because of unequal heat distribution.

The way to fix this Ideal Isar boiler problem is to bleed your radiators, a process that doesn’t require a professional; however, if you don’t feel comfortable handling the task yourself, you can hire one.

Kettling

If you have boiler kettling noise, the cause of this problem could be a build-up of sludge or limescale on the boiler’s heat exchanger.

In this case, you WILL require the services of an engineer.

Thermostat issues

This problem could result from the thermostat not being set to the correct settings or being turned off. You can fix this by simply replacing the thermostat.

Frozen condensate pipe

This error is typically displayed with a warning notification or an error code on your boiler.

If you have a frozen condensate pipe, you will be glad to know that In this case, you WILL NOT require the services of an engineer. Read our guide here about how to thaw a frozen condensate pipe yourself to save you time and money.

Loss of pressure

This Ideal Isar boiler problem could result from a water leak within the system. It could also be that the pressure relief valve requires replacement or you recently bled the radiators.

In this instance, you will only require the services of a professional if there is a leak; otherwise, it is something you can fix yourself.

Pilot light goes out

The reason for this Ideal Isar boiler problem could be a broken thermocouple that stops the gas supply.

In this case, you WILL require the services of an engineer.

Gurgling, whistling, or banging noises

Unnatural noises from your boiler could result from the air in the system. It could also be the result of the water pressure being too low.

In this case, you WILL require the services of an engineer.

Dripping and leaking

This problem results from a broken internal boiler component; however, it depends on the source of the leak.

In this case, you WILL require the services of an engineer.

No hot water or heat

This Ideal Isar boiler problem can result from various things, including broken airlocks and diaphragms. It could also be your boiler’s motorised valves failing, low water levels or thermostat problems.

In this case, you WILL require the services of an engineer.

Ideal Isar Boiler Problems Conclusion

Well, there you have it. These are some of the common Ideal Isar boiler problems you can face. You must know when you can handle a problem yourself and when to let a professional handle it.

Hopefully, with the information in this article, you shouldn’t have any challenges fixing any of these Ideal Isar boiler problems. If you’re looking for a new Ideal boiler, then why not see how much one will cost to get a brand new boiler now using our quick online quote calculator.