Hi,

Has anyone had any experience with the Ferroli Optimax HE31C combi boiler? We recently had one installed but it keeps shutting down on an A3 fault. Our plumber contacted Ferroli and they said it was just the system getting rid of air?? We bled the top radiator till no more air coming out but still getting the problem.

Would appreciate any help on this one... thanks.

Andy, February 2009

This FERROLI optimax has an issue with A3,temp fix is to switch it off from the mains and then switch it back on with eco top button pressed for about 10-15 sec and then let go if still on A3 press reset should cure the problem.Ferroli modena the new model more issues leaking causing rust another rubbish cant see this company going far with rubbish that they are supplying AVOID!!!!!!

Ali, January 2017

I have the same problem. Here in Belgium this boiler Optimax 35c costed me 1800€ and Bullex costs half of it. Since the first week it is giving A3 error code. The company sent the Repair man several times. who charged 2 to 300€ each time.Today I got rid of it and bought a Bullex.

Mohan, January 2016

The best result I found was get your central heating system balanced. Has worked for me after 6 mths of having EOn coming out to me. I basically turned off allthe rads bar one and then after 20 minutes opened the others 1/4 of a turn each. That stopped the A3 fault code coming back on.

Jay, April 2014

Scale in the flow sensor pipe . I took it off descaled and refitted two months ago sorted. Also did diverted valve filter .

Jcb, January 2014

If you insist on buying the cheapest boiler available, you are going to have to expect the lowest quality.

Do not buy Ferroli or Saunier Duval.

False economies etc... cliches... etc...

Storris, May 2013

Mine tends to do this after every shower and when the hearings been on as well . It also seems to turn off more often when it's cold out ......useful for a boiler .....
My guess is that they overheat and over pressure as well expanding seals and letting air into the system which causes further overheating . When the shower goes off and the A3 code appears I tend to get a small amoung if water chucked out out from between the heat exchanger and the flow divider seal which I guess is to do with pressure on the rubber seals .
Basically this model is a crap design and ferroli should acknowledge this . I may invoice them for my wasted time and take them through the small claims court . Ideally I'd get damages paid to the value of a bosch or valliant boiler and replace the junk . !!

Another dissatisfied ferroli customer, January 2013

Ours is exactly the same it has an A3 fault and wont come back on!! So for the third time in 3 months we have no boiler and its been a different reason each time!! Soooooo annoying

Jaime, January 2013

hi totally agree that the peopple on the other end of the phone are rude i have got A3 displayed again and dont know what to do £75 for the engineer to call out its very very expensive but its freezing dont know how to fix it though

Mrs very unhappy, February 2011

This happens all the times on these rubbish boliers its just a pile of dog turd - here are some possible reasons:
1. Dirt in the pipes cuasing circulation issues
2. Faulty PCB or electronics, sensors
3. Low pressure causing spikes when demand for heating and hw
4. Too much "strain" on the boiler dusting peak times
5. Just a part of the crap design of the bolier and have to live with it. Ferroli will not help you, British Gas cannot assist as they are lost as to the reasons why it fails


Honestly this company needs to go on BBC watchdog and give all owners a refund - I dont want a replacement as I dont trust any of their products

Mr P****D off!, December 2010

The bolier is a pile of shyte - do not buy it if you plan to - if you have one put it under a bus.

The company is rude and not helpful - they don't even know their own product or suggest a fix or resolution

Mr. Cold, December 2010

would love to help but can u help me as i have A3 fault and sometime D2 fault and these are not in the manual.... i am about ripping my hair out.... well can't wash it as we never have hot water or heating!!!!!!!!

Kazza, December 2009