What are magnetic filters for boilers and a central heating system?
Magnetic filters can be added to a new boiler, which can increase the system’s lifespan and a build-up of rust and corrosion is one of the most common problems in your heating system or boiler.
You may wonder how things can get into your central heating system but they build up over time and while on their own the particles may be minute, they can get into the working parts of your boiler and cause issues.
This build-up happens over time and can lead to costly problems and it is recommended that boilers undergo power flushing every 5 to 6 years, however, a magnetic filter or other system filters can be installed to provide lasting results and a magnetic filter is a great option to reduce your energy bills and keep your boiler in top shape.
If you are getting a new boiler installation, it should be expected to fit a magnetic boiler filter from the start and any boiler quote your get from us here at New Boiler Costs will include one of these.
What is a Magnetic Filter used for?
Magnetic filters are a very simple piece of kit. They can be attached to the boiler’s pipework.
A magnetic filter’s purpose is to trap rust and other debris over time and prevent blockages.
If the pipes get blocked, your central heating system will stop working as it once did. This can lead to increased energy costs and a colder home.
Blockages prevent water from flowing through heating systems efficiently and keep the heating system operating well.
A magnetic filter can be installed in a heating system to prevent such issues. It also provides many benefits, including:
- Central heating with improved energy efficiency
- Can you lower your energy bills?
- Increase the boiler’s life expectancy
- Increase the duration of the boiler warranty
- Avoid costly, frequent repairs
Many boiler manufacturers offer magnetic filters in conjunction with their central heating systems. They can be used with new boilers. These filters offer many benefits, as you can see.
Even if you spend a lot of time searching for the best boiler, it still will be susceptible to corrosion and rust.
No matter the best boiler, the pipes will eventually become clogged with dirt therefore a magnetic filter can help prevent this from happening.
Is my Heating System in Need of a Filter
You don’t have to replace your entire central heating system with a boiler.
Sometimes you can just clean out the existing boiler.
After years of service, debris and sludge buildup in boilers’ heat exchangers and pipes can be reduced by filters. This is because these pipes can support a lot of running water. When it comes together with metal, it causes rust.
One of the most common causes of a blocked central heating system is rust.
This can lead to less efficient heating in your home.
If you see any of these symptoms with your boiler, it might be time for a heating engineer to inspect it.
- When the central heating is on, there’s a lot of noise from the boiler/radiators.
- Problems with radiators heating up, and insufficient heat from most of them
- Water from the taps is cloudy or dirty.
- The boiler is always shutting down and then restarting.
These problems occur when water is restricted from flowing through the heat exchanger.
Sludge refers to rust, dirt, and other debris that accumulates over time and blocks water from flowing smoothly.
Sludge, a mud-like substance, sticks to your boiler’s inner workings and can cause problems throughout. This issue can cause your home to heat up more slowly than if it is not addressed.
This issue can be solved by power flushing. It should be done at least once every five to six years. Your gas company can provide a quote for this service at no cost.
A magnetic filter can be installed to keep your central heating system in top condition for many years. It will capture dirt and prevent blockages from ever happening.
How do magnetic filters work?
Magnetic filters are typically installed along with a new boiler. This is why a chemical flush may also be required.
The magnetic filter is a small device installed near the boiler. It is designed to maintain the system’s cleanliness for a long period of time.
Many types of debris can build up in your boiler’s pipes, leading to problems throughout the central heating system.
The hot water from the boiler filter is sent back through the system’s pipes. This pipe will have a magnetic filter fitted. The water then returns to the boiler, which could collect rust or other debris.
Magnetic filters are made up of a large magnet that attracts particles. This ensures that clean water is returned to the boiler. This prevents problems from worsening and helps to stop the development of sludge, which can lead to many other problems.
While a magnetic filter will keep your boiler working for longer periods of time, it should be cleaned once a year. A heating engineer can do this on an annual boiler check. This will usually be free.
What is the Best Boiler Filter for You?
We must highlight some of the best boiler filters to complete this guide.
You will find many options when searching for boiler filters. There are filters available from several boiler manufacturers.
Adey Pro2 Magnaclean
The Adey Pro2 Magnaclean is one of the best filters you can get from an engineer.
Magnaclean magnetic filters are ideal for larger heating systems. The Magnaclean filter is thin and can offer a higher magnetic capture. It can be used with both horizontal and vertical pipework.
Fernox TF1
The Fernox TF1 is another great magnetic filter we must mention in this guide.
The Fernox TF1 works by removing both magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants from water. It is a complete system filter that functions well. This heating system filter can capture both magnetic and non-magnetic particles.
You can fit the Fernox filter on either vertical or horizontal pipes. It is also easy to clean, making it versatile.
- Water is cleaned of magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants
- Filter contains contaminants securely
- Fits on both horizontal and vertical pipework
- It doesn’t stop water flow
- It is easy to clean
Sentinel Eliminator Vortex
- Easy installation with 360deg T-piece
- For simple cleaning can be flushed or wiped.
- The filter is fitted with a Vortex Core, which increases debris retention and ensures it won’t block.
It’s important to note that many boiler manufacturers make their own magnetic filters if you plan on installing a new boiler soon. The warranty period for your boiler may be extended if you add one of their magnetic filters to it.
- Worcester Bosch System Filter
- Alpha Cyclone Plus
- Vaillant Boiler Protection kit
What magnetic filter would I need for my heating system?
Central heating systems’ iron and steel parts are susceptible to corrosion and rusting. This can lead to a buildup of sludge that can block various parts of the system, including the boiler heat exchanger, pump, and radiators.
Cast iron pipes used only to be a few centimetres wide. However, modern pipework is more narrow, which makes blockages more likely, hence the increase in the use of magnetic system filters.
The boiler that is blocked will overheat and cause the system to stop working. A boiler engineer might need to power flush the central heating system and replace the heat exchanger. Both are costly tasks.
The magnetic filter will trap any sludge reaching the boiler and prevent them from blocking the system. A powerful magnet that collects debris protects the boiler from damage.
These devices may also have a filter that collects non-magnetic materials from the corrosion of copper, zinc, or aluminium central heating systems components.
What happens if I don’t have a magnetic filter?
Your system may eventually need a power flush if it does not have a magnetic filter to prevent contaminants from building up. A power flush is performed by an engineer.
This involves pumping chemicals through pipes, boilers, and radiators to remove limescale, rust, and sludge.
The process is not quick and can take anywhere from 6-10 hours.
The worst-case scenario is when the system becomes so damaged it might have to be replaced.
How do I install a magnetic filter in my home?
A magnetic filter may be recommended by your boiler engineer if you are having a boiler replaced. Some boiler manufacturers can install a magnetic filter to extend your boiler warranty.
A magnetic filter can also be added to an existing system. This unit is often placed close to the boiler and can be very bulky.
It is not practical to install a magnet filter when the boiler is in a small cabinet.
Is a magnetic filter worth it?
You want to be confident that your new boiler will provide heating and hot water for years. You ideally need a magnetic filter installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer and if you are paying a bit extra to get one of the best combi boilers, then you need to ensure that it is looked after.
Your combi boiler’s efficiency will decrease as a result of sludge buildup and dirt in the pipes. This can lead to higher energy bills so ensure that you get the best magnetic filters to ensure longevity and low heating bills.
Magnetic boiler filters will trap all dirt and debris in the pipes so that water cannot flow through them.
How can you keep a magnetic filter clean?
Removing any sludge buildup in the filter from time to time is important. The filter is usually cleaned by a central heating engineer as part of an annual boiler service.
