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When quoted for a magnetic filter or system clean, it can seem like an upsell. Sometimes it is. However, they can indeed save your boiler from damage and boost heating performance or decrease blowouts. How about figuring out what you truly need?
Magnetic filter in simple words
This prevents the build-up of sludge in radiators and protects your heating system. The hot water tank thermostat takes control of your hot water cylinder that helps you to manage it remotely from anywhere.
That sludge can:
Restrict small orifice lines and heat exchangers
Cause cool spots on the bottom of radiators
Increase pump strain and noise
Decrease in efficiency as your boiler has to work harder for the heat it normally generates
A filter does not “clean” a filthy system, but it can prevent loose dirt from spinning around. For Boiler Servicing Cheltenham, visit https://www.blu-fish.co.uk/gas-heating-services-cheltenham/boiler-servicing-cheltenham
What a system clean is
Why a system clean? Sludge, limescale and debris need to be cleaned out for a system is run as efficiently as possible. There are a few levels:
Chemical flush – chemical cleaning agents inserted and subsequently drained
Powerflush - a more powerful provider that cleans through every radiator using higher-flow
Cold mains flushing/topping-up – Simple drain and fill (least complete)
The method you use will depend on the grubbiness of the system, how old it is and whether you are fitting a new boiler.
If you must perform some kind of system cleaning, consider a magnetic filter or even an entire HVAC overhaul, especially for:
Cold spots around radiators or slow to heat up
Your boiler or pump keeps breaking down
Water in the system when bled is black/brown
You are fitting a new boiler to an old system
You hear gurgling, kettling,or banging (the last only after others are eliminated as potential causes).
It is also what a number of boiler manufacturers want too and if you get that wrong, then warranty claims can be fun!
When you might not need it
It may not be necessary to have a powerflush (or even filter) if:
The system is much newer and heats uniformly plus the water comes out reasonably clean.
The problem does not involve the water (eg thermostat controls, diverter valve gas supply).
Questions to ask your engineer
After a water test, radiator temperature check and filter inspection – What do the facts say about sludge?
Power flush clean or chemical flush and why?
Do you plan to add the inhibitor later?
The sensible takeaway
A system clean is all about improving performance. This is where the magnetic filter comes in, after protecting it. When in doubt, ask for the evidence and a way of solving it that is least aggressive.
