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Intergas Boiler Fault Code 14

The Intergas fault code 14 relates to a sensing issue on the heat exchanger and here we have Q & A. We could also offer you a service by you clicking on our emergency boiler repair booking.


The Intergas Boiler Fault Code 14 Error Common Q & A

Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the fault code 14 on the Intergas Boiler.

Intergas boiler error code 14
  • What does the 14 fault code mean on my Intergas boiler?
  • Is there a way to fix this problem on a DIY basis?
  • After calling a repair company, what will they be looking for?
  • The S1 sensor isn’t the problem, what else could have caused fault code 14 to be displayed on my Intergas boiler?
  • How will my boiler repair company be able to determine if the heat exchanger is at fault?
  • If my heat exchanger is cracked, how much is it going to cost to be replaced?
  • If the heat exchanger can be salvaged, how can we prevent limescale causing problems in the future?
  • If the PCB is to blame, how will my boiler repair company know?
  • My boiler’s PCB needs replacing, how much is this going to cost?

What does the 14 fault code mean on my Intergas boiler

When your Intergas boiler develops a problem, you should see a fault code on the display. The fault code system in modern boilers helps Gas Safe engineers to quickly narrow down the problem, making the repair much quicker and cheaper than it would be otherwise.

You might also have noticed that your boiler stops working after the fault code is displayed, this is called a lockout. Your boiler locks out in order to protect internal components from getting damaged further, as well as ensuring that the boiler isn’t operating when it has the potential to be dangerous.

The 14 fault code on Intergas boilers relates to a sensing issue on the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has two sensors (S1 and S2). In this case, the S1 sensor is the issue, or the readings it’s passing onto the PCB aren’t within the boiler’s working tolerances.

Is there a way to fix this problem on a DIY basis

As with most faults on modern boilers, you need a qualified professional to come and help. You should only work on gas boilers if you have Gas Safe accreditation.

And, you shouldn’t try to reset your boiler. The reset function on your Intergas boiler isn’t designed to fix fault codes like the 14 error you’re seeing on the display panel. Instead, the reset function should be used after the error has been found and fixed; this will get your boiler out of it’s locked out state.

EPHG have emergency Gas Safe registered engineers on hand to help to fix faults like the 14 error code you’re currently experiencing.

After calling a repair company, what will they be looking for

Although it’s not the only possibility, the most obvious reason for the 14 fault code being displayed on your boiler, is due to a fault on the S1 sensor. The S1 sensor monitors water that’s leaving the heat exchanger (the flow). It feeds back readings to the printed circuit board (PCB), which monitors all important electrical components in your boiler.

When the sensor’s readings aren’t within tolerance, the boiler will lockout, displaying the 14 fault code on the display panel in the process.

So, your boiler engineer will want to swap the S1 sensor for a new one and reset the boiler to try and fix the problem.

The S1 sensor isn’t the problem, what else could have caused fault code 14 to be displayed on my Intergas boiler

If the S1 sensor isn’t what’s causing the issue with your Intergas boiler, there are two important components your boiler engineer will need to check; the heat exchanger and PCB.

It’s the heat exchanger that the S1 sensor is monitoring. In some instances, the S1 could be monitoring the flow water accurately, but the PCB recognises that these readings aren’t within the boiler’s working tolerance. So, it’s most likely the heat exchanger is at fault, rather than the S1 sensor.

And, it’s the PCB that not only logs readings, but tells what parts to operate and when. If the PCB was to be faulty, it could be misinterpreting the readings the S1 sensor is giving it, or not receiving them at all.

How will my boiler repair company be able to determine if the heat exchanger is at fault

If there’s a problem with the heat exchanger, it’s most likely that limescale is to blame. Limescale comes from minerals in water and can settle on a range of boiler components. On less important parts, it might just create small blockages, eventually meaning the difference between the flow and return temperature of water in your boiler is too high, and the boiler locks out.

But, with the heat exchanger, any build-up of limescale can cause not only a blockage, but hot spots too. This creates two problems.

The first, is that the hot spot can cause the heat exchanger plate to weaken, and eventually crack. If it does, the heat exchanger could start leaking, causing water damage to a range of electronic components in your boiler.

Secondly, blockages can affect the temperature and flow of water in the heat exchanger. When the boiler’s PCB recognises this problem, it’s going to lockout and display a fault code, until the problem is fixed.

If my heat exchanger is cracked, how much is it going to cost to be replaced

A cracked heat exchanger will need to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid water damaging any other components. Typically, we’d expect a replacement to cost around £400, although it will vary from boiler to boiler.

With repair costs this high, it makes sense to get your boiler checked out. If it’s old, inefficient and out of warranty, it might be worth considering investing the repair cost, into a new boiler instead.

If the heat exchanger can be salvaged, how can we prevent limescale causing problems in the future

If you’re lucky enough that the heat exchanger doesn’t need to be replaced, you’ll need your boiler repair company to get rid of the existing limescale and protect your boiler from limescale build-up in the future.

To remove existing limescale, your boiler engineer can run a hot flush, using specifically designed descaling chemicals. This will help remove limescale that’s built-up on everything from the heat exchanger, through to radiators, towel rails and even radiator valves.

Once limescale has been removed, your boiler repair company will top up your system with central heating inhibitor. This is going to help breakdown any future limescale in the system. If they then fit a limescale reducing filters, as limescale passes through the filter, it will be caught.

The filter can be cleaned out with your annual boiler service. This isn’t always a service that’s provided as standard, so it’s worth asking your engineer when you book them in.

If the PCB is to blame, how will my boiler repair company know

The PCB is one of the most important parts in your boiler. If the PCB is malfunctioning, your boiler won’t be able to work. And, that’s because the PCB controls all aspects of your boiler’s operation. That’s everything from telling the gas valve to open and close, through to checking the readings from sensors like the S1 on the heat exchanger.

It’s also the component that determines when there’s a problem, what the problem is, and displays the relevant fault code before locking out your boiler.

So, if your boiler’s PCB is broken, the appliance is going to work intermittently. Your boiler repair company will be able to test the PCB using a multi-meter. If there’s lack of power, it’s likely that it needs to be replaced to fix the problem.

My boiler’s PCB needs replacing, how much is this going to cost

Conent

PCB replacement costs on Intergas boilers can sit in the £400-500 range. Like the heat exchanger, with repair costs this high, it’s worth discussing the options with your repair company. It might be that a more cost effective long-term solution, is to invest that cash in a new boiler.

Other Intergas boiler issues

For more boiler issues regarding the Intergas boiler then please visit the Intergas Boiler Problems And Cures page.