With spring undoubtedly just around the corner, it makes me consider what we can be doing to help ensure our heating systems stay in good shape as we embark on the coming year.
Dispelling the myth
Although heating systems are essentially ‘closed’ systems, it often comes as a surprise to many of my customers that this doesn’t mean they stay clean. In fact over time they often become clogged with corrosive iron oxide deposits and sludge, leading to noisy heating systems, partially cold radiators, and in extreme cases, higher gas bills and costly boiler breakdowns.
Avoiding costly boiler breakdowns and inefficient heating systems
To help fight the build-up of black iron oxide, and maintain a clean, efficient heating system, I often recommend customers have a magnetic filter fitted – particularly when having a new, high-efficiency boiler installed. This is because these boilers are built to be highly economical and efficient, but only if they are maintained and kept running at peak performance.
What is a magnetic filter?
Magnetic filters are designed to remove debris and reduce the build-up of iron oxide and other non-magnetic deposits. Stopping these deposits from entering the heating system reduces costly pump and boiler breakdowns promotes long-term performance and helps ensure an efficient, economical heating system. Below shows what a magnetic filter looks like. This is one that I fitted to a customer’s existing heating system.