How noisy should an electric boiler be?

[nickfel]

I've just moved into a flat with a Trianco Aztec 9kW electric boiler and it constantly makes a soft whiring noise. You don't really notice it during the day, but at night it's very, very audible through a partition wall.

Can anyone give me an indication of whether this is normal? I don't want to call someone out over absolutely nothing, but everything I can find about electric boilers emphasises how quiet they are.

 

[SimonG]

You don't have it running 24hrs a day do you? Could be the pump.

 

[nickfel]

I don't think so, the running light isn't on. It's much quieter than the noise it makes if I switch the heating on.

 

[Ermintrude]

Is the noise a constant or is it a zzzzz zzzz zzzz. Zzzz noise? If its less of a whirr and more of a zap I would get a spark to have a look, possibly a poor connection or damaged contact, noise louder when under load ?

 

[nickfel]

Definitely constant, I wouldn't describe it as an electrical-sounding noise. It's not unlike the normal sorts of noises I'd expect to hear from a gas boiler, it's just doing it 24/7, demand or not.

The noise when it comes on is quite different, much higher pitched -- sounds a lot like when your laptop fan suddenly kicks up a notch.

I guess what I'm asking is: would you expect one of these to be basically silent when I'm not using any heat?

 

[SimonG]

Fitted an electric combi a couple of years ago but that was quiet until demand. Then it was a faint hum. I'd get a sparky to check it out.

 

[Ermintrude]

When everything is off yes it should be silent. I would get a spark round sounds a bit of a hazard!

 

[nickfel]

Thanks guys. I'll get it checked out in that case.