WHAT ARE THEY AND DO THEY REALLY WORK?
A magnetic filter is a device that is connected to your central heating system which collects the sludge circulating in your central heating system before it can damage your boiler.
How does sludge get into the system? A central heating system is made up of a number of different metals, some are ferrous (can rust) and others are no-ferrous (cannot rust). The metal components in central heating systems are vulnerable to corrosion. Sometimes these metals break down and little particles break away forming sludge which can block a boilers heat exchanger, boiler pump or cause cold spots on radiators.
A blocked boiler will often overheat, causing the system to shut down. To remove a blockage, the system may need to be power flushed or parts may need to be replaced e.g. the heat exchanger; both costly jobs that might be avoided with a magnetic filter.
Corrosion inhibitor fluid can be added to the central heating system to prevent the production of sludge but installation of a magnetic filter is a good precautionary measure to take in conjunction with this.
How does the magnetic filter work?
A magnetic filter is primarily designed to trap the sludge that is created before it reaches the boiler. A powerful magnet collects the debris, preventing it from damaging the boiler.
Some magnetic filters also include a filter which gathers non-magnetic deposits from corrosion of copper, zinc or aluminium central heating system components. It is therefore important to speak with the engineer about the quality of the filter he intends to use.
Sludge stuck to the magnetic filter.
How is a magnetic filter maintained?
As can be seen from the picture above the build-up of sludge inside the filter can be substantial and therefore must be removed from time to time. Your boiler engineer will usually clean the filter as part of an annual boiler service.
A magnetic filter can be installed when you have a new boiler installation or on existing systems. When having a new boiler installation it is always important to check your boiler's warranty as some boiler manufacturers will extend the boiler warranty if a magnetic filter is installed.
Engineers will not only recommend a magnetic filter because of the extended warranty benefit but also because of the clear benefits it has to your central heating system and your pocket - by the picture it is clear that magnetic filers really do work.
John Vaughan Chief Executive Officer at Adey states that magnetic filters have 'revolutionised central heating system care and now sits at the heart of a comprehensive, belt-and-braces, best-practice approach that delivers long-term system protection, improves performance and reduces household heating bills and carbon emissions'.
It is certainly the case with our engineers that magnetic filters are recommended as we have seen first hand at the damage sludge can do to a boiler/central heating system and the cost involved in repairing the damage when a filter has not been installed.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions on magnetic filters.