Vaillant aroTHERM plus 8.1 – UK skirt / compatible feet availability?

Hardware Heatpump
1

I’m due to have the Vaillant aroTHERM plus installed and would ideally like the newer skirt arrangement, rather than the standard exposed feet.

My understanding is that the skirt and its compatible ~400 mm feet may not yet be available in the UK for the 8.1 models. Has anyone in the UK actually had one installed with the skirt, or sourced the compatible feet?

My installer’s view is that it would be straightforward enough to drain the system and swap the feet/add the skirt at a later date, but I’m reluctant to build in a future job if it can be avoided.

Any thoughts would be welcomed :slight_smile:

Cheers!

2

Realised it might not be clear what I’m talking about…
The new Vaillant aroTHERM Plus models can have this optional skirt, but I don’t think its available in the UK yet:

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In order to install the skirt, the instructions state that shorter rubber feet should be used:

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Anyone managed to source these feet in the UK?

3

I’ve heard installers fit some systems with the skirts in the UK. But Vaillant are having availability issues at the moment. Your installer is right, I think adding the skits later on would be straightforward assuming the correct feet have been used.

4

Thanks Glyn. Have you heard of installers swapping the feet on an already installed unit, and would you consider that a straightforward job?

My installer can’t currently source the compatible 400 mm feet, so the plan is to install on standard feet at the end of the month, then drain it down, swap the feet and add the skirt later, at an additional cost when that kit becomes available.

It’s a Heat Geek install, so I wonder whether their supply arrangements tie the installer to whichever feet come as standard.

5

No, I’ve not heard of this being done, but it doesn’t look too difficult.

I’ve swapped feet on a heat pump after install, it’s not difficult with two or three people. Heat pumps are usually installed with flexible pipework connectors; therefore it’s possible to move the heat pump around a fair bit without disrupting anything, draining down should not be required.

6

Thanks, really appreciate your perspective. My installer suggested it would be relatively straightforward, but I couldn’t tell whether they were just saying that to get me to stop going on about wanting the skirt :joy: Good to hear you’ve done it without too much hassle.