Alpha Boilers: Prices, Reviews and Boiler Ranges  

Alpha Boilers: A Complete Guide to their Prices, Reviews, Warranties And a Lot More

Alpha Boilers are compact, corrosion-resistant, durable and feature advanced combustion technology and high-efficiency components to maximise energy efficiency. All in all, these tidy little boilers represent excellent value for money with prices ranging between £590 and £3,860.

The Kent-based manufacturer offers high energy-efficient boilers at prices that are substantially lower than the top six rivals. Not only that, but they back themselves with admirable seven and 10-year warranties which is a testament to the reliability and durability of their premium products.

Not only that, but Alpha boilers are designed to operate quietly and feature intuitive controls which makes them easy to operate. You can also program personalised settings in a heartbeat to manage your heating bills and preferences. 

The company’s customers are also positive. Reviews on TrustPilot reveal that 84% of customers left 5-star reviews and only 9% scored Alpha with 3 stars or below. But 6% of those left only one star. And Alpha has only received 5,084 reviews (Feb 2024). That could be a red flag!

Alpha is a middle-of-the-road boiler manufacturer competing against an established top six in the UK market. But they are pushing to break into that top six. Do they have the credentials to achieve their aim? 

So far, things are looking rosy for Alpha. But will they come up smelling of roses once we dig a little deeper?

Let’s find out!

Aim of the content of this article?

Boiler Prices publishes content which aims to inform UK homeowners how to invest in the best boiler for your home at the best price. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about Alpha boilers, and key pointers to consider when choosing the right boiler for your home. 

In addition, we offer you the opportunity to get in touch with local suppliers and installers to get a quote. This is the best way to get the best price for a new boiler and installation. 

To give you the lowdown on Alpha Innovation boilers, we have scoured the UK boilers market, read consumer feedback and assessed the validity of the blurb in consumer magazines together with the ratings by writers. 

The information we provide on this page — together with “our verdict” — is also based on the professional views of gas-safe engineers and boiler suppliers. Ultimately, the information we provide on this page will help you to determine whether an Alpha boiler is the right choice for you.

By the time you finish reading this page, you will know:

• The different types of energy-efficient boilers Alpha manufactures so that you can decide which type of boiler serves your heating and hot water needs
• How many kW do you need to comfortably heat your home and meet your real-time hot water demands
• The cost, models and efficiency of Alpha boilers 
• The boiler specifications and dimensions that can be installed in your home (which type of boiler is best for you)
• Boiler comparisons that fall into the same price point and star rating as Alpha so you can broaden your search easily

Alpha: A Trusted Name in Boilers

Alpha Innovation is a Kent-based company that has grown steadily over several decades. Whilst the company does not have the history or the leverage of their biggest competitors, they built a reputation as a trusted brand in the heating industry. 

The company has continually evolved its products to meet market demands and its technological advancements have been recognised by industry publications and consumer groups. Alpha boilers have not scooped many awards though, which may raise a few highbrows. The only accolade we could find was the Corgi Installers “Mate of the Year” Award which is usually given to apprentice boiler professionals, not boilers. Suspicious.  

Looking deeper into this, Alpha boilers were only awarded 2 stars by gas-safe engineers in the Which? Survey. Let’s just say the boys are not very pally with Alpha.  

As a matter of fact, Alpha’s overall Which? score is not likely to convince boiler seekers. In five of the seven categories, Alpha only scored three stars, but interestingly, the brand racked up a four out of five rating from customers. And customers don’t lie. 

Considerations when buying an Alpha Boiler

Choosing the right boiler and boiler brand for your home can be a minefield.  Which is why we’re here to help guide you through the. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering investing in an Alpha boiler

Energy-Efficiency 

Alpha does have a good reputation for innovative technology, and its boilers are all A++ for energy-efficiency. Many Alpha boilers utilise modulating burners, which adjust their output based on the heating demand. This ensures that the boiler operates at the most efficient level, matching the heating requirements of the property.

Alpha condensing boilers also recover heat from the flue gases, allowing them to extract additional energy from the combustion process. This results in higher efficiency and lower fuel consumption compared to non-condensing boilers. This is why combi boilers are preferred by 80% of British households.

Some Alpha boilers are equipped with weather compensation controls, which adjust the boiler’s output based on the outdoor temperature. By modulating the heat output in response to external conditions, these boilers can further optimise energy usage and enhance comfort levels.

Dimensions

With compact dimensions of 712 x 440 x 268mm, Alpha boilers are known for their space-saving designs. This makes them suitable for installations in homes with limited space. You will easily fit Alpha boilers into a small utility room or kitchen cupboard.

Performance Output in kW

The performance output determines the number of kilowatts (kW) you need to comfortably heat your home and meet your water demands. Alpha combi boilers offer a DHW range between 28kW and 37kW which is sufficient for all size households in the UK. Its regular and system boilers also pack a punch. 

Ease and Cost of Installation

We appreciate that the ease of installation is a curveball when it comes to things to consider when buying a boiler. But it is important. Boilers need to be installed, maintained and repaired. If the boilers are not easy to work with, it will take engineers longer to finish the job. And that means you have to pay more for the time spent. 

Also consider the accessibility of the installation site. What is the likelihood of an installer running into problems or struggling to fit into the space to connect the boiler? According to gas-safe engineers, Alpha boilers are middle-of-the-road in terms of ease of installation and repair.  

This all means that installation costs, servicing and maintenance tasks will be average. Although Boiler Prices is not able to provide specific rates for every boiler installation provider to ever fit an Alpha, the average installation cost by our reckoning is between £1,100 – £1,800. You should speak to several installation companies, but investing in an Alpha boiler could potentially save you several hundred pounds.

To find out exactly how much you should expect to pay to install a new Alpha boiler in your home, take advantage of the Boiler Prices ‘get a quote’ feature. Our convenient features give you access to a wide range of suppliers and installers in your area that compete for prices. We give you the three best options and you can choose whichever quote you prefer — and there’s no obligation to buy. Therefore, there’s nothing to lose by generating a selection of the best quotes. 

Get your free quote now by clicking the link and filling out the question form.

Warranty 

It’s easy for boiler companies to claim their boilers are “reliable” and “durable”. However, the proof of that particular pudding is in the warranty. Alpha Innovation seems pretty confident. 

The company offers five and seven-year warranties on its basic and standard  ranges which is in line with most brands in the UK. However, when you consider some of the top six brands only offer a 2-year warranty on their basic range, you will probably get a better boiler at the same price as Alpha. 

Even more impressive is the 10-year warranty as standard in its premium range. Most companies only offer 10 years as an extended warranty — once an engineer has assessed its condition once the seven-year warranty runs out. So Alpha is putting its trust in the quality of its build and reliability. That’s good to see.

Alpha Combi Boilers: Compact, Efficient, and Cost-Saving

Alpha’s E-Tec Combi range are among the most energy-efficient options on the UK market, and boasting a price point of between £600-£1000, are worthy of consideration for homeowners with one to four bedrooms.

The E-Tec Combi range is known for its compact and space-saving design, high-efficiency ratings and advanced features such as modulating burners to optimise energy usage. All this helps homeowners to reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint.

Moreover, you can rely on Alpha to manufacture reliable and durable boilers. The company’s combi boilers typically have a lifespan of 12-15 years which falls in line with their illustrious competitors. It’s safe to say the company is using quality components and materials which deliver long-term performance and reliability.

The E-Tec Combi boilers feature intuitive controls and displays, making them easy to operate and program. This includes digital interfaces, touchscreen displays, and programmable settings for personalised comfort and convenience.

Alpha offers extended warranty options for the E-Tec Combi range, providing additional peace of mind and protection against unexpected repair costs. Extended warranties typically cover parts and labour for an extended period beyond the standard warranty period.

Note: the prices listed below are the purchase prices for the boiler only. They do not include installation costs.

COMBI GAS BOILER SERIES	SIZES	SIZE OF HOME	PRICE
Alpha E-Tec Combi	28 – 33kW	Small to medium-sized homes with one bathroom.	£590 – £738
Alpha Evoke Combi	28 – 33kW	Small to medium-sized homes with one bathroom.	£630 – £690
Alpha E-Tec Plus Combi	28 – 38kW	Small to medium-sized homes with one bathroom.	£870 – £996

Alpha System Boilers: Easy installation, efficient heating, and customisable options

Alpha system boilers are central heating systems that work in conjunction with a separate hot water cylinder to provide heating and hot water to a property. Unlike combi boilers, which heat water on demand, system boilers store hot water in a cylinder, allowing for a constant supply of hot water to multiple taps and appliances simultaneously.

System boilers have pros and cons. They are great for providing hot water instantly and can easily cope with high water demands. However, you do need space to install a storage cylinder. The types of boilers are usually built into existing infrastructure. 

Alpha currently offers two system boilers available in the range; the ProTec NX which is ideal for large domestic projects and commercial properties and the E-TEC NXS which is the most suitable for standard medium-to-large size homes. The E-TEC NXS comes with a 7-year warranty as standard although some of the parts only have a one and two-year warranty. 

Alpha system boilers offer flexible flue options, including horizontal and vertical flue configurations, to accommodate different installation requirements and property layouts. This makes them easy to install which could reduce labour costs. 

Note: the prices listed below are the purchase prices for the boiler only. They do not include installation costs.

SYSTEM GAS BOILER SERIES	SIZES	SIZE OF HOME	PRICE
Alpha E-Tec S System	20 – 35kW	Small, medium and large-sized homes with multiple bathrooms.	£825 – £945
Alpha Protect Plus System	50 – 115kW	Small, medium and large-sized homes with multiple bathrooms.	£2,286 – £3,860

Alpha Heat Only Boilers: Versatility, Efficiency, and Reliability

Heat-only boilers are also known as Regular boilers. They are suitable for homes that already have a traditional heating and hot water system in place as they need to be linked to a cold-water supply tank and a hot water storage tank. 

Regular boilers are commonly called ‘traditional’ systems because they were the first units designed for central heating. Alpha regular boilers are not only ideal for homes with a traditional system but they’re also a good choice for properties with multiple bathrooms and high hot water demand. 

Alpha heat-only boilers heat water and circulate it through a separate hot water cylinder, where it is stored until needed. This setup allows for a constant supply of hot water to multiple taps and appliances simultaneously.

In addition to the hot water cylinder, Alpha heat-only boilers require a cold water storage tank, typically located in the loft or attic. The cold water tank supplies water to the boiler for heating and hot water production.

Like other modern boiler companies, Alpha heat-only boilers, strive for high energy efficiency to reduce fuel consumption and lower energy bills. The company utilises condensing technology, which allows them to extract additional heat from the flue gases produced during combustion. 

This condensing process increases the overall efficiency of the boiler by capturing and utilising heat that would otherwise be lost. These system boilers are also insulated and sealed to minimise heat loss during operation.

In addition, Alpha boilers often feature modulating burners that adjust the boiler’s heat output to match the heating demand of the property accurately. By modulating the burner’s operation, the boiler can operate more efficiently and avoid unnecessary energy consumption during periods of low demand.

If you’re unsure whether a regular boiler is right for your home, we recommend you ask a Gas Safe registered engineer what type and size of boiler will best fit your needs.

Note: the prices listed below are the purchase prices for the boiler only. They do not include installation costs.

REGULAR GAS BOILER SERIES	SIZES	SIZE OF HOME	PRICE
Alpha E-Tec Regular	15-25kW	Medium to large-sized homes with multiple bathrooms.	£709 – £809

Living with your Alpha boiler

Alpha Boiler Warranties

You always receive a manufacturer-backed warranty when choosing an Alpha boiler. The standard length of the warranty period is 5 to 7 years and 10 years on premium products. However, some parts only have a one or two-year warranty so don’t be surprised if your warranty claim is declined.

To validate your Alpha warranty, you must get a Gas Safe registered engineer to install the boiler and register the appliance with Alpha Heating Innovation within 30 days of installation. If you want more information about the warranty terms and conditions, the registration process, and what the guarantee covers, check out our Alpha Boiler Warranty guide. 

Alpha Boiler Controls

If you decide to get an Alpha boiler installed, it’s worth looking at the range of optional controls you can purchase to make it easier for you to control your central heating system. The selection of boiler controls on offer from Alpha includes room thermostats, plug-in mechanical clocks, and even a programmable modulating boiler energy manager. To learn more about the options currently available, check out our guide to Alpha Boiler Controls, which explains how each product works and the benefits of using them. 

Alpha Boiler Cover and Breakdown Options

Alpha Innovation offers cover and breakdown options which involve an annual service. This is the best way to keep informed about the condition of your boiler. Alpha offers its own service and maintenance package that provides you with access to expert help whenever you need it. Find out more about their service plan before you sign up by heading over to our service plan information page

Alpha Boiler Surveys and Reviews

Consumer surveys and customer reviews are very revealing in the energy sector. Ordinarily, both sources are consistent. However, that is not the case with Alpha Innovation. It’s actually quite curious. 

The trusted consumer magazine Which? gave Alpha an overall rating of 45%, which isn’t horrendous but it’s not exactly great when you compare it to some of the popular brands. However, in the latest reckoning, Alpha did receive 4 out of 5 stars from customers. 

Where the brand falls down is engineer recommendations which only earned 2 out of 5 stars. The reason for this may be due to the average build quality/reliability and simplicity of servicing Alpha boilers. What you must bear in mind, however, is that engineers are rating brands like Alpha against the top six manufacturers that use better components but are £200-£300+ more expensive for an equivalent product. 

Customers, on the other hand, rate Alpha very highly. The company’s customer service certainly earns plenty of plaudits. The company’s TrustPilot score is a remarkable 4.6 out of five. 

However, their review page is not all green boxes and 5-star ratings. Six per cent of customers deemed Alpha only warranted one star. Most are complaining about the poor standard of service, but there are also warning signs that the boilers can break down within 2-7 years. Although reliability can vary based on the specific model and individual experiences, 6% from a little over 5000 reviews is a bit of a red flag.

Alpha Overall Score

Reliability and customer score are based on responses from a May and June 2023 survey of 10,000 boiler owners and all other ratings are based on responses to a June 2023 survey of 153 Which? Trusted Traders heating engineers.

How do Alpha boilers compare with other boiler brands?

Alpha Innovation is clearly not in the same league as the top six boiler manufacturers in the UK; Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Baxi, Ideal, Glow-worm and Viessmann. To be fair, Alpha’s price point does reflect this. 

However, the Kent-based innovators do produce high-quality energy-efficient boilers which offer good value for money. They compete with the big six in practically every category and the customer reviews appear to back this up — especially when it comes to customer service. Very few boiler brands in the UK deliver customer service that is anything remotely what consumers should expect from an energy company. 

Alpha may not quite be at the level of the big six, but they do stand out as the best of the rest. And, to be fair, the UK company is not lagging far behind their biggest rivals in terms of build quality and reliability. Seven and 10-year warranties are a testament to how much trust Alpha Innovation has in its products. And only Worcester-Bosch — rated as the best boilers in Britain — offer the same standard warranty. That is quite telling.

Boiler Prices Verdict on the Alpha Boilers: 3.5/5

It’s clear that Alpha is a middle-of-the-road boiler manufacturer, but the British stalwarts are pushing for a berth in the top six. All its boiler ranges meet the A-rated energy-efficiency standards and have programmable options which enable homeowners to manage energy consumption easily. 

We also have to give Alpha kudos for offering a 10-year warranty on its premium products. Not even all the most reputable boiler brands in Britain dare to stick their neck out that far unless they’re offering a warranty extension — for an extra cost. 

Alpha is even confident enough to offer a five-year warranty as standard on their lowest-priced products. Other brands only offer two years. However, when you dig under the hood, the warranty breaks down to include parts. And one of the parts only has a one-year warranty. That part is probably not a high-quality component and is most likely the first to malfunction. That leaves a question mark over the reliability of the Alpha boilers. 

That being said, most customer reviews are positive, albeit very few mention the age of the boiler when it broke down. We’re going to say between 2-7 years, but it seems as though most repairs are covered by the warranty. There are very few complaints in this regard. 

Overall, customer reviews on TrustPilot are positive. Alpha has received glowing reports about the quality of its customer service. Its engineers are also friendly, helpful and prompt the vast majority of the time. We’re basing that assumption of the 84% of customers that left 5-star reviews.

However, we can’t ignore the 9% of customers who scored Alpha as 3-star or below. And 6% of those left only one star. Of course, the quality of the customer service and the reliability of the boiler is an individual experience, but given Alpha has only received 5,084 reviews (Feb 2024), over 450 customers had a bad experience. 

Alpha does, however, offer a full complement of boiler options that are suitable for UK household and commercial properties. If you do choose to shop with Alpha, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a boiler that is suitable for your heating and hot water needs. We recommend asking a qualified engineer for advice though, which you can do by contacting a local dealer via our free get a quote option.

Whether you have a small apartment or a large family home, Alpha Innovation promises to meet your heating requirements for a lower price than the top six. The company’s key selling point is value for money so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly boiler, Alpha are worth investigating. 

In terms of usability, Alpha boilers are fitted with intuitive, user-friendly controls and allow you to program heating schedules according to your needs and preferences. The modulating controls constantly adjust the heat output to match your heating demands and save energy in the process. 

All considered, Alpha is probably worth an overall markup of 3.5 out of 5 which puts them in touching distance of the big six and sees them pulling away from the middle of the pack. Alpha Innovation may not be the UK’s Alpha boiler manufacturer just yet, but they may not be so far behind either. 

Watch this space.

So, why buy an Alpha boiler? 

Cost. That is the short and factual answer. You may not be getting the best of the best boilers on the UK market with Alpha, but you are getting one that represents excellent value for money. 

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly boiler, Alpha is a good shout. The low cost is definitely a plus point, especially when you compare Alpha boilers to the big players like Vaillant, Viessmann or Worcester Bosch.

The call is partially backed up by UK homeowners who have chosen to leave Alpha a full five-star ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot, which is pretty good going for a lesser-known boiler brand. 

Having said that, a 45% overall total in Which? raises question marks, but consumer magazines tend to receive advertising money from companies and the bigger companies pay more to corner the market. Alpha may simply be getting squeezed out, so we’re not reading too much into scores made up by a writer. Which? readers rated Alpha as a 4 out of 5 company and that carries more weight in terms of recommendations.

Alpha’s warranties also provide confidence and peace of mind. Seven and 10-year warranties as standard are usually reserved for the big boys so it speaks volumes that Alpha is prepared to put its money where its mouth is by offering generous warranties. 

The warranty period also confirms that Alpha are simply rolling out cheaply made products — which the price hints at. Competitive pricing doesn’t always mean the boilers are poorly made. This level of pricing with a two-year warranty, on the other hand, does. So if you’re hovering around the £600 price point, Alpha is probably a more reliable option than its competitors. 

And on that note, here’s one final takeaway. Alpha boilers feature a stainless steel heat exchanger, which makes them incredibly resistant to corrosion and helps to maximise boiler efficiency, reliability and longevity. Not all boiler manufacturers use stainless steel, even though stainless steel heat exchangers are better than aluminium alternatives.

Alpha Boiler Range

Feel free to use our table below to compare Alpha boiler models, efficiency ratings, typical prices and more.

MODEL	TYPE	DIMENSIONS	MAX FLOW RATE	OUTPUT	EFFICIENCY RATING	TYPICAL PRICE
E-Tec 28	Combi	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 255 mm	12.1	28kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£590
Evoke 28	Combi	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 255 mm	12.1	28kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£630
Evoke 33	Combi	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 255 mm	14.1	33kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£690
E-Tec 15R	Regular	H – 600 mm W – 390 mm D – 305 mm	N/A	15kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£709
E-Tec 33	Combi	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 255 mm	14.1	33kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£738
E-Tec 20R	Regular	H – 600 mm W – 390 mm D – 305 mm	N/A	20kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£755
E-Tec 25R	Regular	H – 600 mm W – 390 mm D – 305 mm	N/A	25kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£809
E-Tec 20S	System	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 255 mm	N/A	20kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£825
E-Tec Plus 28	Combi	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 268 mm	12.1	28kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£870
E-Tec 30S	System	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 276 mm	N/A	30kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£890
E-Tec 35S	System	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 276 mm	N/A	35kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£945
E-Tec Plus 33	Combi	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 268 mm	14.1	33kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£950
E-Tec Plus 38	Combi	H – 712 mm W – 440 mm D – 268 mm	15.9	38kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£996
Protect Plus 50	System	H – 843 mm W – 442 mm D – 457 mm	N/A	50kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£2,286
Protect Plus 70	System	H – 1038 mm W – 600 mm D – 502 mm	N/A	70kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£2,500
Protect Plus 90	System	H – 1038 mm W – 600 mm D – 632 mm	N/A	90kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£3,200
Protect Plus 115	System	H – 1038 mm W – 600 mm D – 632 mm	N/A	115kW	A – 90% AND ABOVE	£3,860

Why You Can Trust Boilers Prices

Boiler Prices were established in 2013 to help UK homeowners find a suitable boiler and give you easy access to quotes. By using the get a quote function, you have access to boiler suppliers from a central location. Not only that, but you receive the most competitive quotes without having to spend hours researching boilers and shopping around.

Moreover, Boiler Prices does not have any direct affiliation with Alpha or any other boiler manufacturer. Subsequently, the information we provide across our website is unbiased and impartial. Our first concern is for UK customers and we intend to provide relevant information you can trust. We are not trying to sell any of the boiler brands featured on our website. We simply weigh up the pros and cons and offer a fair assessment.  

The information we provide is sourced from customer feedback, recognised review websites (like Which? and Energy Savings Trust etc) and professionals working in the energy and heating sector such as suppliers and gas-safe engineers. 

Ultimately, we want to help you to find the best boiler for your home and the best price without having to do all the groundwork. We recommend getting a quote from a national installer and a local boiler installer to discover the best price. When you use Boiler Prices as your platform to look for boiler prices this is what we provide you with as a matter of course.

Boiler Prices have been providing UK homeowners with trustworthy information and boiler price comparisons since 2013. Not only that but our founder, Duncan Cumming has over a decade of experience in the boiler industry working directly with consumers. He is fully aware that reliable information needs to be improved in the boiler market and knows the questions homeowners want answered. 

All these factors make Boiler Prices the most trusted source of information about energy-efficient boilers – because we provide up-to-date and accurate information together with honest appraisals that say it how it is.