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Building Services Engineering l November/December 2021
Heating installers – no option but to fit a filter Fitting a filter can improve the performance of a heating system, increase the lifespan of the boiler, reduce energy use and cut bills. This is more important than ever with so many people currently staying at home. Laurence Cox, Commercial Manager at Baxi Potterton Myson, details why it is so important that heating engineers explain to their customers the benefits of having a filter fitted. Why fit a filter? The combination of metals, water and oxygen can result in corrosion and the build-up of debris, preventing hot water from flowing freely through the system. This in turn can prevent radiators from heating up properly so they take longer to warm the home, and cause damage which can lead to costly boiler breakdowns.
Filters are designed to clean the heating system using a magnet which collects any magnetite flowing through the pipework. The debris is collected in the sleeve of the filter while water is spun in a cyclone through it, helping any non-magnetic debris to be collected in a separate part of the unit. While a filter plays an important role in maintaining a healthy heating system,
The ADEY system filters out magnetic particles in the heating system.
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The Baxi 800 boiler system.
it does not replace the need to flush the system, using an approved cleaner, and treating the water with an inhibitor.
Servicing a filter Filters should be serviced every year, at the same time as the boiler is serviced. Show the homeowner how much debris has been collected to help them understand how it is improving the efficiency of the system. The ADEY filter won’t reduce flow rate when full, but will stop collecting debris, so a service is essential to maintain performance. Unscrew the bottom over a bowl, releasing any water in the filter. Next, use the filter spanner provided to remove the magnet, along with the debris, which can then be washed away. Finally, carry out an inspection of all the seals and rubber ‘O’ rings to make sure they are clear of particles and undamaged or the filter could leak. Top tip: be sure to have a spare seal kit with you, just in case a replacement is needed. In addition to reducing efficiency, one of the key issues with debris build-up is that it often isn’t covered by insurance and can void existing boiler warranties. So, if the heat exchanger is blocked with debris, it could lead to expensive repairs. Contact: Baxi Potterton Myson. Tel: 01 – 459 0870, or visit https://www.baxi.co.uk/our-boilers Q
08/11/2021 08:39
