IBC Technologies · Error codes
IBC SFT-1 n245 — Flue gas back flow, fan on low speed (notification)
n245
The controller detected flue gas flowing back through the unit while the fan runs at low speed. The manual's checks cover the vent and combustion-air pipe installation and the fan's backflow flapper.
If a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds
- Leave the building immediately and get fresh air.
- Call 911. Do not go back inside until emergency services say it is safe.
- Have every fuel-burning appliance inspected before use.
Only after that, call ROMA about the boiler. Official guidance: Health Canada on carbon monoxide.
Applies to
This notification is shown by the numeric-display touch panel control on Superflow SFT-1 tankless water heaters (SFT 199-1), as documented in IBC Installation & Operating Instructions — SFT 199-1 tankless water heater, doc 84160406, sections 5.3.1–5.3.3.
Controller: numeric-display touch panel control. Source manual: 84160406 (2024-09).
Why a code is not a diagnosis
Back flow usually means the venting or its termination does not meet the installation instructions, or the backflow flapper in the fan outlet is not sealing. The notification does not say which.
Safe things to observe
- If a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds, leave the building and call 911 from outside.
- Book a service visit promptly; flue-gas back flow is not something to live with.
Do not
- Do not run the unit indefinitely with a back-flow notification showing.
How professional service helps
- A technician verifies the vent and combustion-air piping and terminations against the manual and checks the backflow flapper operation.
Where ROMA provides on-site service
On-site service is currently offered in Greater Vancouver, BC, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, White Rock, Pitt Meadows, Tsawwassen, Anmore, Lions Bay, Belcarra, Bowen Island, Mission. Everything else on this site is reference information you can use anywhere in Canada.
Parts and service
Parts commonly involved
These parts appear in the documented text for this alert. A code reports a condition, not a failed part — a technician confirms the cause by testing before anything is replaced.
Combustion fan (blower)
The combustion fan is the sealed boiler's lungs: it draws in combustion air, keeps the burner's gas-air mixture correct, and pushes flue gases out…
What a technician checks →Boiler venting (flue and air intake)
A condensing boiler vents cool, wet flue gases through dedicated plastic pipe that must meet ULC S636 in Canada and the boiler manufacturer's own…
What a technician checks →Backflow preventer (make-up water)
A backflow preventer on the boiler's make-up water line guarantees that heating water — which holds corrosion inhibitors and sits in a closed loop —…
What a technician checks →
Service for this alert
- Gas Boiler Repair
Licensed gas technicians from ROMA Heating & Cooling diagnose and repair residential and light-commercial gas boilers across…
Every boiler part explained — what it does, how it fails and what a technician checks.
Documented for IBC Technologies Superflow SFT-1 Tankless.
Boiler locked out? Call with the alert text ready.
The brand, model and this alert are passed along when you request service online, so the technician arrives prepared.
On-site service in Greater Vancouver, BC. ROMA lists “Open 7 days” on its site; call to confirm same-day availability.
Sources and verification
- IBC Installation & Operating Instructions — SFT 199-1 tankless water heater, doc 84160406, sections 5.3.1–5.3.3 · 84160406 · accessed September 7, 2026
Facts checked September 7, 2026. Last updated September 7, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.