HEATING & RENEWABLE ENERGY 43 GET IN LINE
Sam Hayes of Fernox explores the benefits of incorporating an in-line filter on new build central heating systems.
new homeowners’ decisions. These range from the location of the property, the direction it faces, as well as the size of the rooms. There are also a host of contributing elements that cannot be changed once the property is built.
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When purchasing a property for the long-term, home improvement website Plentific found that a quarter of young homeowners (aged 18-34) would rather improve their home than sell it. Adding long-term value to a property is therefore essential.
This is especially true when considering one of the most expensive amenities within a home – the central heating system. Both the boiler and system require a significant financial investment should either need replacing, so complying with the manufacturer’s warranty and maintaining the efficiency of a newly installed boiler is of paramount importance. A central heating system fitted with an inline system filter conforms to industry best practice and ensures compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. It also provides added value and peace of mind for any prospective buyers.
When water comes into direct contact with metal, a chemical reaction known as electrolytic corrosion occurs. This process produces iron oxide deposits and sludge, which can circulate and coat internal components with a thick, sticky paste called Magnetite. In hard water areas, limescale can also circulate within the system and attach to vital components, such as the heat exchanger or pump. The build-up of corrosion deposits, sludge and limescale negatively impacts upon the system’s overall energy efficiency – British Water estimates a 1.6 mm coating of limescale on a heating element can reduce efficiency by up to 12 per cent. This results in fluctuating hot water temperatures and the overworking of the boiler, with the overall system efficiency being decreased. Consequently, fuel bills increase, while the lifespan of the boiler is reduced.
hen looking to purchase a property, there are a multitude of factors that influence potential
According to Sedbuk, an ‘A’ rated boiler reduces its ‘90 per cent or above’ efficiency rating in as little as six weeks after installation if the system water has not been properly treated with inhibitor and corrosion has formed.
This issue of corrosion is even more pertinent considering the design of modern energy efficient ‘A’ rated boilers. In order to achieve the highest efficiencies, boilers have become smaller and more compact, with narrower internal channels. This makes the boiler particularly vulnerable to any circulating debris, sludge or scale, as it can easily become trapped in the heat exchanger, causing a blockage and potentially damaging internal components. For a newly commissioned boiler, the system should be dosed with a quality chemical inhibitor in accordance with Part L of the Building Regulations and leading boiler manufacturer warranties. When specifying the use of an inhibitor, it is important to use a BuildCert certified product, which meets or exceeds minimum quality standards. Recognised as industry
SELECTING A FILTER THAT COLLECTS BOTH MAGNETIC AND NON-MAGNETIC DEBRIS IS ESSENTIAL
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