Whether it’s a noisy system, radiator cold spots, general inefficiency or something more serious, and therefore more expensive such as a faulty heat exchanger requiring a boiler replacement, a more preventative approach could bring a solution with multiple benefits.
Historically, the heating sector braces itself for the seasonal call-out but still struggles to meet the onslaught which is an issue in itself when it comes to maintaining tenant satisfaction levels. Perhaps more relevant, though, are the manpower and escalating maintenance cost issues, both of which could be reduced significantly.
A prevention rather than cure approach is the way forward in tackling an issue that has plagued the sector for generations, according to Chris Adey, Managing Director of Cheltenham-based ADEY Professional Heating Solutions.
He draws on the analogy of a medical condition to illustrate the point: “Once the build-up of black iron oxide reaches a certain level within a central heating system, the health of the system starts deteriorating.
“The contamination escalates and the longer the condition is allowed to continue untreated, the more damage is done. Eventually, left untreated, the situation becomes irretrievable and total heating system failure occurs,” he explains.
“The perils of black iron oxide sludge resulting from corrosion within the radiators and other magnetic components are well known to plumbing and heating engineers. These, often sub-micron particles, attack the key components, including valves, pumps, heat exchangers and pipework, causing system inefficiency, noisy operation and, ultimately, breakdown.”
According to Chris Adey, the problem stems from the sector’s traditional approach to domestic, and for that matter, commercial, boiler repair and maintenance. Inherently, this approach has been one of cure.
“A fault in the system occurs and a heating engineer is called out to fix the problem. Or, commonly, a part is replaced and all is well until the next failure. The reality, though is that once contamination of the system takes hold, the problem can become more frequent and more costly. In the most severe cases, this can mean replacement of the entire central heating system – and that’s expensive. The cost could run into thousands of pounds,” he continues.
Having observed this approach over the years, the desire to pursue a preventative strategy has driven ADEY to raise the standard in central heating system performance and protection with the launch of the company’s latest generation of high efficiency, full-flow, MagnaClean Professional magnetic filters.
“Local authorities, housing associations and British Gas are now embracing the need to take preventative action when it comes to protecting domestic central heating systems, one of the most expensive investments in the home,” points out Chris Adey.
MagnaClean Professional responds to this new thinking and many claim is even playing a fundamental role in changing industry practice. It cleans and protects existing, as well as the latest, heating systems with such effect that it removes virtually 100% of suspended black iron oxide which causes so much of the damage over time.
Used in conjunction with an effective power-flush, it’s logical to determine that MagnaClean Professional has the undoubted potential to lengthen the life of central heating system by years. At the same time, it provides immediate effective and efficient performance, according to ADEY. Confidence in the product is backed up by a two year guarantee.
The benefits of the technology for housing associations are immediately apparent. Simple installation and effortless servicing, saving time and money, are additional attractive propositions further enhanced by the fact that there are no ongoing product running costs.
Once the filter is installed, system protection is in place and MagnaClean Professional has more than 50 times the capacity of a conventional ‘Y’ strainer.
“Now, more than ever, in an age in which energy efficient living is a matter of global importance, we need to be looking at more effective and more preventative measures. Obviously, the central heating sector has an important part to play and what’s encouraging is that housing associations have been setting a good example for others to follow in this respect,” adds Chris Adey.
It’s an approach that works on every level. And, crucially, the environment benefits as a result of reduced carbon emissions from more efficient central heating systems. It also makes sound commercial sense as part of a more efficient, cleaner central heating strategy delivering systems that will last far longer and cost far less to run and maintain.
Fortunately, the message is catching on with housing associations as well as British Gas which has embraced both this approach to the problem as well as the technology that delivers the solution.
Chris Adey concludes: “The development of this technology will continue because the problems highlighted are still evident. The key factor is the need for the whole industry to switch on to this far more effective and longer-term preventative approach. Only then can we provide a lasting remedy. The good news is that the technology is already in place and is being developed all the time.”
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