Interested in the new E-Tec NX boiler from Alpha Innovations? Here we review one of the latest offerings from the leading boiler brand.
If you’re looking for a modern, efficient boiler, you may have already encountered the newly launched Alpha E-Tec NX boiler.
Part of the brand's award-winning Alpha E-tec range, the NX model has a number of new innovations that set it apart from the standard Alpha E-Tec model.
These major improvements include a new and improved stainless steel heat exchanger and an adjustable heating flow temperature for increased efficiency.
But why else is the NX worth considering?
Let’s take a closer look!
Alpha E-Tec NX Boiler Review
In the following review, we’ve evaluated the E-Tec NX range in several key areas that we consider most important for domestic consumers:
Reliability: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Efficiency: 4/5
Warranty: 5/5
As touched on, the Alpha E-Tec NX boiler is a good option for small and medium-sized properties i.e. the majority of households in the UK.
You can purchase this combi boiler in two sizes, a 28kW or 33kW version with flow rates of 12.1 l/min and 14.1 l/min, respectively. Again, these sizes will be adequate for average-sized homes and the majority of households.
Main Features of the Alpha E-Tec NX Boiler
Well-suited for small and medium-sized properties - i.e. most average-size households.
A stainless steel heat exchanger - typically only seen in premium boiler models.
The heat exchanger is moulded in thermoplastic material - making it more lightweight than other Alpha models.
The heating flow temperature can be adjusted - for increased efficiency.
Weather compensation compatibility - is able to detect external temperatures and adjust accordingly to save even more energy.
The condensate drain and pressure release valve are now combined - fewer parts to be concerned about.
Compatible with all leading third-party controls such as Hive, Nest, tado etc.
High-efficiency Grundfos pump and hydro block assembly.
Zinc-plated expansion vessel to prevent corrosion.
10-year guarantee on parts and labour (when purchased via Heatable).
ErP rating 93%: A-rated.
Dimensions: 712 x 440 x 255.
Flow rates of 12.l/min and 14.1l/min.
Good Homes Magazine Approved (2021).
Reliability: 4/5
With the boiler being relatively new, it’s hard to give a clear, quantitative evaluation of the E-Tec NX’s reliability based on a reliable number of customer reviews.
After all, there appear to be no online customer reviews on the range as of May 2023.
With that said, considering that the boiler range comes with a 10-year warranty (when purchased via Heatable) and the brand has a solid Trustpilot rating, there are plenty of reasons to believe that this range likely offers plenty of reliability.
However, until we see customer reviews and online feedback relating to the boiler’s reliability, it would be hard to justify giving it the full five stars.
Trustpilot Reviews
Alpha has received an ‘excellent’ 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot from a total of 3,733 reviews with 82% of the ratings being five stars.
This lands the company in seventh place among other top boiler brands in the UK market, landing above the likes of Vokera and even German boiler giant Viessmann.
We broadly agree with these customer reviews, ranking Alpha in third place on our list of the top ten best boiler brands.
[quotediv]
Which? Boiler Survey Results
While Alpha has not secured any Which? Best Buy Awards, various Alpha boiler ranges have been reviewed by the renowned consumer reviews website.
This is not a huge surprise since less than a handful of boiler companies have secured Which? Best Buy Awards (e.g., Worcester Bosch).
Note: The standard Alpha E-Tec was awarded the Good Homes Magazine Award and has accumulated countless 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, an amazing feat for a relative newcomer offering an affordable boiler model range.
Performance: 4/5
The Alpha E-Tec NX combi boilers are available in the following sizes (i.e., power outputs):
28kW.
33kW.
The 28kW edition comes with a domestic hot water (DHW) output of 28kW and a flow rate of 12.1 litres per minute.
While the 33kW edition features a domestic hot water (DHW) output of 33kW and a flow rate of 14.1 litres per minute.
Both boilers come with a modulation range of 1:6.
Which E-Tec NX Model is Right for Your Home?
If you want to know what size boiler is best suited to your home, use our free tool.
The best part? It will do all the math for you and quickly provide you with the right boiler for you along with a fixed price!
Efficiency of the Alpha E-Tec NX: 4/5
The Alpha E-Tec NX boilers are each A-rated with regard to energy efficiency, which is pretty standard since Boiler Plus Legislation was introduced.
The 28NX (26.1kW edition) offers an efficiency rate of 91.8% whereas the 33NX (30.4kW version) comes with an efficiency rating of 91.7%.
However, the NX combi boilers also come with adjustable heating flow temperatures, as well as weather compensation, each of which can go a long way to reducing energy waste.
Controls & Features of the E-TEC NX
Next, let’s take a look at the controls and features offered by these boilers...
Adjustable Heating Flow Temperature
One of the Alpha E-Tec NX's most innovative features allows you to adjust the boiler's flow temperature to your needs.
Not only does this mean you can adapt your boiler more easily for comfort and changing weather, but it could save you a significant amount of money too.
In fact, turning down your boiler flow temperature could also save you up to 8% on your heating bill.
Weather Compensation Compatibility
Weather compensation enables the boiler to adjust to outside temperatures, helping you to maximise savings and reduce energy waste.
Unlike the standard Alpha E-Tec, the NX comes with an integrated outdoor sensor that can monitor and respond to external temperatures.
OpenTherm and Alpha BUS control compatible
Among the smart feature compatibilities of these boilers are OpenTherm and Alpha BUS.
Starting with the former, OpenTherm is a language that specific thermostats and heating systems can use to communicate in a smart and effective manner.
In general, smart OpenTherm systems tend to offer energy savings of 6%.
Alpha BUS, on the other hand, is Alpha brand’s language/system for transferring data with regard to smart tech.
Either way, adding smart tech to your Alpha E-Tec NX boiler can further enhance its efficiency and make for more convenient use.
Grundfos Hydroblock Assembly with Delta T Variable Speed Operation Pump
The Grundfos Hydroblock Assembly is Grundfos’ latest hydraulic platform with a compact design and useful features.
The Delta T pump with variable speed operation helps to reduce energy consumption as much as possible.
How?
This innovative assembly optimises performance by adjusting the pump speed based on the temperature differential (Delta T) between the flow and return pipes.
Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger (Moulded in Thermoplastic)
The NX boilers come equipped with a stainless steel heat exchanger that is moulded in thermoplastic.
Among the benefits offered by this combination include:
Stainless steel heat exchanger’s superb heat transfer abilities*
Thermoplastic mould helps to limit the boiler’s weight.
Improved boiler durability.
*This results in top-notch efficiency and performance that can be relied on.
Combined Expansion Relief with Condensate Drain
The Alpha E-Tec NX combines the expansion relief valve and condensate drain.
Why is this good?
It reduces the number of parts, while providing a reliable mechanism for the drainage of excess water and condensate while providing a safety mechanism for modulating system pressure.
These innovative features help to reduce installation time and maintenance.
Warranty: 5/5
As mentioned, the Alpha E-Tec NX boilers feature 7-year warranties as standard, however, when purchased via Heatable this is 10 years on parts and labour.
This is extremely generous and competitive, being at the same number of years as the likes of market leaders Worcester Bosch and just below Viessmann's 12-year warranty (exclusive to Heatable).
In order to keep your Alpha E-Tec NX boiler warranty valid you will need to abide by the conditions of coverage:
Your boiler must be installed by a Gas Safe registered plumber.
Your installer must complete the Benchmark form.
These are typical for all boiler warranties though and are not unique to Alpha.
Various other steps and terms & conditions can be found on Alpha’s official website.
Price Point: 4/5
Very few sites thus far advertise Alpha E-Tec NX boilers for sale, however, we expect this to change with time.
Based on our research, it costs about £860 to purchase an Alpha E-Tec NX boiler.
When you add the average cost of labour (£600 to £1,500), this brings the average total cost of having an E-Tec NX boiler installed to £1,460 to £2,360.
With the average combi boiler falling somewhere between £1,500 and £3,500, and considering the likely value for money (pending further customer reviews and feedback) offered by this range, we think it’s fair to give this range a score of 4/5 for pricing.
Our Verdict on the Alpha E-Tec NX: 4/5
The Alpha E-Tec NX boilers are modern and high-efficiency combi boilers that suit small and mid-sized properties.
Along with a ten-year standard warranty (when purchased via Heatable) and modern features (including various smart tech compatibility, we think it's fair to give this boiler a score of four out of five overall.
We also like its decent price range of £1,460 to £2,360, suggesting it may be more affordable than the average combi boiler, however, we await more price listings for these boilers from additional stores.
Ultimately, the Alpha E-Tex NX boilers are top-notch, efficient, and modern boilers with plenty of promise and potential.
Looking for a great deal on a new boiler?
If so, get your new boiler replacement installed with Heatable. Here’s why:
Gas Safe installation within 24 hours.
Thousands of happy customers – an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot (that’s better than the market leader).
Heatable is a Which-Trusted Trader.
Price match guarantee – if you find a cheaper quote, we will match (must be like for like).
Multiple payment options - interest-free available.
12-year warranty on selected boilers.
Fixed price guarantee – no hidden costs.
Save your quote until later.
Use this clickable form to get a fixed price on the screen instantly.
Heat happy.
