Powerful neodymium magnetic filters, or boiler filters as they can be commonly called, are fitted to your boiler’s return pipework, removing magnetic and non magnetic debris from the water as it flows through the filter before it goes through the boiler, having it installed on the return pipework will help stop your boiler getting clogged up.
Another factor to consider is the more radiators you have in your home, the bigger the potential of a sludge/ magnetite problem. The answer is a magnetic filter designed specifically to handle the volume of larger systems:
-Your heating system will heat up more efficiently.
-Will help to lower energy bills.
-Reduces your carbon footprint within the home.
-Increased boiler reliability, reducing the risk of expensive repairs.
-Lifetime expectancy of your boiler will increase.
-Having a magnetic filter can sometimes increase the boiler warranty.

The New British Standard BS 7593:2019 gives guidance for fitting magnetic filters on central heating systems. This new standard replaces BS 7593:2006, which has been withdrawn with immediate effect. British standards relating to domestic heating systems are codes of practice that all Heating Engineers must adhere too. All installers will need to be aware of the following standards when it comes to the new British Standard:
-A Magnetic filter (inline) must to be fitted to every new central heating system.
-Carry out a chemical clean and fresh water flush before fitting the inhibitor.
-Cleaning can be improved with external magnetite capture equipment.
-An Annual water test to test level of inhibitor and system cleanliness.
-Every 5 years or sooner, new inhibitor should added.
-Biocide is essential in cooling and low temperature heating systems like underfloor heating.
-Consider the use of biocide for higher temperature systems like solar thermal.

What Causes Sludge to Build Up?
As heated water flows through the metal pipes of your boiler and central heating system, rust can form due to electrolytic action and oxygenated water. The rust formed along with other dirt and debris will eventually build into a black mud-like substance, commonly referred to as ‘sludge’. If the sludge isn’t removed in some way from your system, it will eventually cause serious problems for your boiler, radiators and central heating pipes. Another factor to consider is the more radiators you have in your home, the bigger the potential of a sludge/magnetite problem. The answer is a magnetic filter, designed specifically to handle the volume of larger systems. Common signs you have sludge build up include:
-Loud noise from the boiler and/or radiators; this is called kettling.
-Radiators taking a long time to heat up, or just getting lukewarm.
-Lots of black debris coming from radiators when bleeding them.
-Boiler regularly breaking down.
These problems will cause your boiler to run less efficiently as it will be increasing your heating bills, and eventually will cause your boiler to fail beyond repair.

Magnetic filters available:
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Filter
-Plastic body construction

Designed by ADEY
-Can increase the length of your boiler warranty when fitted and registered with a new boiler installation.
-Provides full heating protection for the boiler and whole system.
-When fitted with the Max range by an Ideal Max accredited installer, this can increase your boiler lifetime up to 12 years.
-Provides full protection for your boiler and central heating.
-Brass body construction for hardwearing long term use.

Fernox Omega 1
-Brass construction for long term use

Trappex centramag Genesis filter
-Brass construction for long term
-Internal mesh to catch non magnetic debris.
-Powerfull magnet

Adey magnaclean professional 2
-Easy installation
-Push-fit fittings to slide filter onto main body

Is it Possible to Install a Magnetic Filter to my Current Central Heating System?
Whilst it is easier to have a Magnetic filter installed during a new boiler installation, they certainly can be fitted as an after market option to your existing central heating system pipework. Factors like location of your existing pipework may be a factor. If it is possible to add a magnetic filter to your current heating system, we would recommend you give us a call for a quote today.

Do Magnetic Filters Require Cleaning?
The sludge that the magnetic filter is clearing from the heating system needs to be removed from the filter itself every now and then. You can ask an engineer to do this during the annual service of your boiler. The sludge and debris will collect within the filter body over time, it will need to be emptied and the filter cleaned. The best time to do this is on your boilers annual service by a gas registered engineer.

What if I Don’t Have a Magnetic Filter?
A magnetic filter will prevent sludge build up and other contaminants before it causes a blockage within your heating system or boiler; this will in turn leave your system needing a powerflush to clear any blockages. If the sludge hardens and get impacted, then no amount of flushing will clear the blockages. If this happens you will need new pipework or even worse a new boiler installed. Preventative installation is the best course of action to keep your central heating running smoothly.
In conclusion: should I get a magnetic filter fitted?
When having a new boiler installed, you want to know that you’ll be able to rely on it to provide your home with heating and hot water for many years to come. This is where a magnetic filter can help. As sludge and dirt build up in the pipes, your boiler will slowly lose efficiency, which can then lead to your energy bills increasing. A boiler filter will capture all of the dirt and debris before the water is prevented from flowing through the system.

When choosing the best type of boiler for your home, there are a lot of different factors to consider. The information below will help you conclude which boiler you have, and which one you may wish to consider long term.

Boiler Types Explained

There are three main types of condensing gas boilers: combination (or combi boilers as they are commonly called), system boilers and conventional boilers (or commonly called heat only, regular boilers, open vented or regular boilers).
Before deciding which of these boiler systems to proceed with you should always consider:

-The current size of the property and any potential extensions in the future

-The current boiler type and pipework layout in your property

-How many showers and bathrooms are in your home

-The area’s water pressure

-The type of property you live in

-If the boiler needs to be solar compatible

Each type of condensing boiler is designed to meet 1 or more of these needs, depending on your house and lifestyle requirements.
To help provide you with more information into which boiler replacement option is the most practical choice, look at the information below. We will show you how each boiler type operates, their advantages and what kind of homes they work best in.

Combi Boilers

A Combi boiler, also known as a combination boiler, is a type of condensing boiler.
They are the UK’s most common type of boiler in the account, accounting for 95% of all boiler sales, and can be a very cost-effective economical option, as combi boilers only heat the water you use. They are a perfect solution for smaller properties, where spacing is minimal.

Please click here to see Worcester Bosch’s YouTube video explaining combi boilers further.

Energy & Cost Efficient
You only heat the water you use when you turn the tap on, making combi boilers are very economical and cost-efficient to run.
Quick & Easy to Install
A combi boiler does not require a tank, it is a straightforward boiler to install.
Hot Water on Demand
With no hot water cylinder to heat up, combi boilers provide an unlimited supply of hot water on demand.
Compact
Due to not requiring water tanks, combi boiler systems take up much less space than conventional heating systems.

System Boilers

A System boiler heats your central heating system and hot water in a storage cylinder.
They are remarkably alike to a conventional (regular) boiler in that they need to store hot water. Unlike conventional boilers, they take their water supply directly from the mains supply. They are a great solution for large households with more than one bathroom, and larger hot water requirements.
Please click here for a video about systems boilers explained.

Great for properties with Multiple Bathrooms
System Boilers can supply a constant supply of hot water to any number of taps at the same time when the pipework is sized correctly making them ideal for larger homes.
No Cold-Water Feed Tank
With a system boiler, there is no need for a cold water feed tank for the central heating, creating space and removing any worries about leaks or frost damage when it is located in the attic.
Compatible with Solar Water Heating Systems
System boilers are compatible with solar water heating systems, which deliver economic and environmental benefits, lowering energy bills.
Built-in Components
A lot of the components needed for a central heating system are already included in a system boiler. This can make installation quicker and neater.

Conventional Boilers

Conventional boilers run your central heating system through a separate water cylinder and boiler.
The benefits of conventional boilers are similar to the benefits of a system boiler; however, they are a good option if you have an old heating system that may not be to cope with a pressurised system boiler or combi boiler. They are also a good solution where the water pressure is low, as then you can use a pump to create a better flow – although these are noisy.
Please click here to Worcester YouTube video for conventional boilers.

You Can Use Multiple Taps at Once
Hot water comes from a water cylinder; you can use multiple outlets such as taps and showers, without experiencing any real effect on water pressure/flow or temperature.

Compatible with Solar Thermal
Conventional boilers are compatible with solar water heating systems for a lower carbon footprint and lower energy costs.
So, they better for the environment with lower running costs and saving energy.

Low Water Pressure Areas
If you live in an area with low water pressure, a conventional boiler may be the best solution as you can be utilise other equipment to increase the domestic water performance within the property. For example, using a pump to increase the flow of water.

We hope this gives some idea of the types of boiler you can have fitted in your home. For more advice on what type of boiler you require in your home give us a call today for a full in-depth survey to identify what boiler is best for your home and lifestyle needs.

What to check first:

Firstly check the pipework coming up through the floor to your radiator. If the pipe on one side is hot coming into the radiator, but no heat is coming through, then your radiator valves will need looking at. In a lot of cases, it will be the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) where the pin is stuck in the valve or is corroded to a point where it won’t open. This will either need freeing or the TRV will need replacing. This will involve draining the central heating system to change it.

If the pipes are cold coming into the radiator:

The first thing you need to do is turn your central heating on and let the system heat up. Once the central heating system is warm, turn off all the other radiators, except the one that is not getting hot. Hopefully, you may hear some gurgling noises and heat start to come through the pipework. If this is the case you may have had an airlock due to uneven pipework under the floor. This is very common in open vented systems where you have a tank in the loft that supplies your heating system with water.

Leave your boiler running for about 10 minutes then re-check the radiator for heat. If there is still no heat coming through the radiator, change the TRV valve. If a new Valve does not cure the problem then it is most likely there is a blockage somewhere. This is where you will need to call the professionals in to investigate the problem. More than likely, the system will need a flush. For more information on this click here.

No radiators are working in my home:

If your radiators are not heating up and your boiler is working, you will need to check the central heating pump is working. A central heating pump distributes heated water from your boiler around your home’s central heating system. For this, we would recommend calling in the professionals. A common symptom of a failed pump is that you will hear popping and banging noises inside the boiler as the water boils but cannot be moved because of a failed pump.

One or more radiators are hot at the bottom, but cold at the top:

If this is the case, you will need to bleed the radiator to remove the air. Once this has been done and the air has been removed, the radiator will heat up again evenly across the top of the radiator. Remember If you have a sealed system, for example, a combi boiler, you will need to add some water back into your central heating system via the filling loop.

One or more of my radiators are hot at the top yet cold at the bottom:

The most likely cause of this is sludge within your radiators and central heating system. If this is the case you will need to call the professionals in for this one, this is something we would recommend getting the professional in to diagnose and rectify and not really something that should be done without the correct training and equipment. For more information on this click here.