The percentage of those who perform boiler inspections remains below that recorded in the EU, according to Ariston data.
The periodic technical inspection (VTP) – an operation that must be performed every two years according to the law – as well as the annual technical inspection – optional from a legal point of view, but mandatory to maintain the boiler’s commercial warranty – must be seen as a minimal, but essential investment, for the optimal and safe operation of the boiler, say Ariston Romania specialists. In fact, according to them, a third of the interventions during the cold season are related to cleaning exchangers and filters or adjusting thermostats – interventions that could be avoided if the inspection were done on time.
“Although in recent years we have witnessed an increased interest in new technologies, such as heat pumps, statistics show that a very large number of households in Romania are still equipped with heating plants. These can be an important option even for those with advanced concerns about sustainability and environmental protection, given that numerous models with increased energy efficiency and a significantly reduced impact on the environment are available on the market. However, consumers must remember that periodic verification remains mandatory, but above all it is an approach that will allow them to benefit in the long term from all the technical characteristics and performances of the plants,” says Cătălin Drăguleanu, Head of East Europe Southern Countries, Ariston Group.
According to the legislation in force, the periodic technical verification (VTP) is carried out once every two years, by ISCIR authorized companies. As part of the Periodic Technical Verification, an assessment of the technical condition of the plant is also made, in which the operating parameters are verified, including the verification of combustion efficiency. At the end of this operation, the authorized service company will issue a document certifying that the boiler is functioning properly and that it has been installed correctly.
Especially for condensing boilers – a boiler model chosen by most consumers mainly due to its environmentally friendly characteristics but also its technical performance – manufacturers also recommend performing an annual technical inspection. This is a distinct procedure, which involves, first of all, checking the safety elements and cleaning the combustion chamber – an operation that, especially for condensing boilers, is very important. In addition, the sealing elements are also checked, as well as the pressure adjustment and component cleaning operations are undertaken. In most European countries, the annual technical inspection is mandatory by law. In Romania, there is still no legal obligation in this regard, but specialists strongly recommend that this operation be performed because the combustion processes produce deposits in the combustion chamber of the boilers.
Checks and maintenance must be carried out exclusively by authorized service companies, not by people who simply present themselves as “specialists”. Only technicians certified by ISCIR (State Inspectorate for the Control of Boilers, Pressure Vessels and Lifting Installations) have the legal and technical competence to intervene on thermal power plants. This authorization is essential for the safety of the installation, for the validity of the documents issued and for maintaining the product warranty.
Ariston has an extensive network of over 300 service centers nationwide and regularly organizes training sessions for technicians, to ensure a high standard of quality and safety.
Normally, both the periodic technical check (VTP) and the annual technical review are operations that do not last more than 1.5-2 hours. Depending on the locality and the service center chosen, the cost of an intervention can be between 200 and 400 lei.
These operations are necessary, including for the latest generation models, because their operation also depends on agents such as gas, air, electricity or thermal agent. When the overhaul is not performed annually, blockages may occur due to magnetite deposits or residues in the boiler, and the heat exchanger loses efficiency and power.