Top 5 Ways To Keep Your Central Heating System In Good Condition

Repairing or replacing your central heating systemwater in your central heating system creates a
can be an expensive process. By taking a fewthin film on the surface of your pipe work
preventative measures you can greatly reducethereby decreasing the rate at which the metals
the amount of problems you are likely toand alloys within it corrode when in contact with
experience over the lifespan of your centralwater.
heating system.The correct quantity and type of inhibitor will
This will not only save you money by makingsubstantially reduce the effects of corrosion. In
your system less susceptible to breaking down -some cases by as much as 90%. Inhibitors are
but actually prolong the efficient working life ofcommonly added to a central heating system
the boiler.after a power flush has been performed.
Over time your central heating system will1. Install a filtration system
accumulate a number of compounds that areAs mentioned earlier your gas central heating
detrimental to the efficient operation of yoursystem may contain a lot of corrosion and lime
boiler - such as lime scale and iron oxide. The ironscale which will ultimately damage your boiler,
oxide compounds are created by the slowpumps and valves. A water filtration system will
corrosion of your central heating pipes andremove particles and compounds that are freely
radiators, and the lime scale is created by thecirculating through your central heating system
precipitation of the calcium compounds out of thepreventing these particles from entering your
hot water itself*boiler and pumps and clogging them up!
Iron oxide takes on the appearance of blackNumerous filtration systems are available on the
sludge in your central heating system and Calciummarket today and many will incorporate a
Carbonate will resemble the white chalky limemagnetic filter to remove the iron oxide (rust)
scale in your kettle at home.created by the corrosion of your system e.g.
Both of these compounds stick to the surfacesMagnaclean.
of your system causing premature failure to your1. Regularly servicing of your boiler
heat exchanger (inside your boiler) hot waterAn annual service of your boiler will extend the
heating coils (inside your cylinder) valves, and anyoperational lifespan of your central heating system
pumps you have installed.by indentifying any faults or progressive defects
Having these compounds stuck to the inside ofmanifesting in the system. It will also reduce the
your central heating system will also significantlycost of repairs and decrease the chances of an
affect the efficiency of your boiler by reducingoutrightboiler failure - as faulty valves and pumps
the heat transfer of the circulating water within it.can be replaced as they wear and before their
An inefficient boiler will of course burn more fuelfailure puts unnecessary strain on the rest of the
than necessary and with energy prices the waysystem.
they are this in turn will cost you money! It willFaulty gas appliances are a serious hazard to
also increase your carbon footprint and yourhealth so the most important benefit derived
personal impact on the environment.from having your boiler serviced is the knowledge
By following the tips below you will be helpingthat your boiler is safely functioning and is of no
prevent:-danger to you or your family.
- Pump failures1. Use the services of a reputable, reliable gas
- Radiator cold spots and failurescompany
- Radiator leaksReputable and reliable gas engineers can be hard
- Boiler noisesto come by when you need one most. By
- Boiler breakdownsanticipating your future needs and developing a
1. Powerflush your central heating systemstrong relationship with a company or engineer
A powerflush or power flush is the process byspecialising in central heating, you can avoid the
which a machine is connected to your centraltime consuming and sometimes frustrating act of
heating system to dislodge and remove the buildtrying to book an engineer to service or repair a
up of compounds within it. This is achieved byfaulty boiler.
vibration and the pumping of water at highCompanies like can organise an annual boiler
velocity but low pressure (to prevent damage)service for a fixed fee and provide you with
through the system until clean.same day services should you have a problem
Chemicals are incorporated in to the process atthat requires immediate repair.
the start and the end to assist with the removalThey will also keep detailed records of your
of debris and also to prevent future corrosion.central heating system on file, and will be able to
A strong magnet is often incorporated in to thenotify you in advance of repairs or replacements
machine to remove iron oxide and other metallicrequired that may have been identified when they
compounds present in your system.serviced the boiler.
1. Use a corrosion inhibitorThis continuity will save you time and money in
As mentioned, metal within your central heatingthe long run as in many cases the diagnostic
system will corrode over time.process will be reduced or eliminated.
To prevent this process taking place or more(*Calcium Carbonate is present and soluble in cold
accurately to delay this process, an inhibitor canwater however when the water is hot it
be added to your system. An inhibitor is aprecipitates in to the chalky white substance you
chemical compound which when added to themay be familiar with inside your kettle!