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feature
heating, ventilation & damp prevention
maximising the effi ciency of commercial boilers
maintenance and method of operation. Here Charlie Mowbray
System cleanliness Over time, heating systems naturally accumulate debris, sludge and particles from corrosion which can restrict water fl ow and reduce heat transfer, forcing boilers to work harder to maintain the required output. Poor water quality can also contribute to premature component failure.
When installing a new boiler into an older system, it’s good practice to isolate the new plant from the existing system.
Plate heat exchangers provide full separation between the boiler plant and the secondary system, preventing contaminated water from circulating through the new equipment. On the secondary side, system protection can be enhanced with fi lters, strainers, or air and dirt separators. These help remove particulate matter and air pockets, improving the overall effi ciency of heat transfer. Low loss headers and magnetic low loss headers can also play a role in maintaining hydraulic balance and cleanliness, though they do not provide full separation on their own. Water treatment and corrosion control The quality of the water circulating in a heating system has a direct impact on performance. Limescale deposits, for instance, act as an insulating layer within heat exchange equipment, impeding heat transfer. Corrosion, meanwhile, produces debris that can block pipework and strainers. Adopting a proper water treatment
regime is therefore essential. Industry guidance, such as that provided in the CIBSE and ICOM water treatment
publications, should be followed to ensure correct treatments are applied, together with ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Insulating the distribution system Insulating the heating distribution system remains one of the most straightforward and eff ective effi ciency measures as it prevents heat loss from the distribution system. All accessible sections of pipework and equipment installed in the pipework should be insulated with suitable materials rated for the operating temperature. Where possible, preformed insulation kits for plant items can simplify installation and ensure consistent coverage. Removing air from the system Air trapped within heating systems can have a signifi cant eff ect on both effi ciency and comfort. Air pockets reduce water circulation, create cold spots in emitters and increase noise within pipework. As a result, heating plant may cycle or operate more frequently to maintain the required output, increasing wear and energy use. During commissioning and maintenance,
it’s essential to ensure that all air is removed from the system. Manual bleeding of radiators and emitters,
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