Adey explores the benefits of heating system flushing, from increased radiator heat output to a potential 7-year extension of boiler lifespan, and why it’s a cost-effective solution for homeowners concerned about winter heating bills
A clean system is an efficient one, but research has shown that heating systems in four in ten (40%) homes are either dirty or not protected with inhibitor¹. That’s where heating system flushing comes in.
Maintaining your heating system, including a Deep Clean of the System and Servicing, was mentioned as part of a government awareness campaign.
This is something that ADEY, along with the wider industry, has been calling for and also follows a meeting between ADEY and its local MP, Siobhan Baillie.
She then raised the issue of sludge in parliament and subsequently met with the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ).
The campaign gives homeowners help and advice about how they can prepare their heating systems for winter. But with many homeowners unfamiliar with system deep cleaning, Colin Yearp, Head of Training at ADEY, considers how installers can talk to their customers about why it’s important and the benefits it can bring.
Proven benefits of heating system flushing
For a homeowner, they’re most likely to notice the effects of sludge build-up in their heating system when their radiators aren’t getting as hot or they have cold spots.
While bleeding might fix the problem temporarily, it doesn’t treat the root cause, which is where a system deep clean comes in.
Explaining that the dirty water that comes out during a radiator bleed is the sludge that has settled at the bottom is a helpful starting point when talking to homeowners about the benefits.
A build-up of sludge can cause long-term damage to a boiler
If the sludge isn’t removed, it can build up quickly, not only floating around in pipes and radiators and blocking heat from coming through properly but also causing damage to the boiler.
Here it will clog up components, which will start to reduce efficiency, meaning the boiler has to work harder, more gas will be used, and bills will increase.
Carrying out a system deep clean will help to remove virtually all of the debris that has built up over time, and the demonstrable benefits are significant.
While energy bills are tipped to come down this winter, there’s no doubt that cost is still a big concern for most, which is why it’s important to demonstrate the proven benefits that come from carrying out a system deep clean.
Just as a car will run more efficiently on clean oil, clean water in a heating system is key to optimum performance, and a system deep clean, when carried out as part of a best practice approach, radiator heat output can increase by up to 47%² as well as reducing the amount of gas used and carbon emissions, by up to 7%³. A system that’s been deep cleaned can also extend the life of your boiler by up to 7 years ⁴.
Test and treat with ADEY water treatment solutions
While reduced heat output from radiators indicates a potential build-up of sludge, a water test is the most effective way for installers to check the water quality and find out if a system needs attention.
This can be done quickly and on-site using ADEY ProCheck®, a revolutionary digital water test.
In just two minutes, it tests four main parameters which contribute to boiler breakdown: turbidity, pH, corrosion and inhibitor, with results delivered straight to a smartphone or tablet.
These can then be shown to the homeowner, helping them to see exactly what the problem is and then providing a recommendation for treatment.
If a system deep clean is needed, using ADEY MagnaCleanse® is an efficient and time-effective solution, especially in comparison to traditional system cleaning.
This has a pump at its heart and is carried out under low pressure, using the velocity of water to flush away deposits in the central heating system. Once any sludge has been loosened, clean water is forced through the system, pushing out the contaminated water through a dump valve.
As most installers know well, this can be an incredibly time-consuming process because it relies solely on the gradual dilution of the dirty water with incoming mains water. This means it can take between four to six hours, or even longer, for heavily sludged systems, as well as using a lot of water.
ADEY MagnaCleanse® saves installers time and uses less water
Using ADEY MagnaCleanse® directly targets and captures the root cause of blocked systems, saving the installer time and using significantly less water.
With the help of the VibraClean agitation tool, which helps to loosen even hardened debris and reduces the likelihood radiators need to be removed, the process can be completed by one person in an average of two hours for a three-bedroom system.
The addition of a chemical cleaner such as ADEY MC3+ or MC5 Rapid Flush System Cleaner can also help lift the debris, especially where there is a large and very settled amount. Powerful magnets then capture the magnetite which is easily disposed of, a process which is visible to the homeowner.
This provides an ideal opportunity for installers to show their customers exactly what’s been clogging up their system and explain why dosing with inhibitor and regular servicing can prevent their now clean system from getting clogged with sludge again.
As a water treatment solution that’s relatively unknown to homeowners, with system deep cleaning now being included in government advice to homeowners, it’s an ideal chance for installers to demonstrate its effectiveness. With proven benefits including reducing gas bills, improving radiator heat output and extending boiler lifespan, it’s a valuable tool in an installer’s armoury from which their customers can reap the rewards.
We have resources available to help installers educate homeowners on system deep cleaning, including a video and an information leaflet.
Sources:
¹ Based on a sample size of 200,000 ADEY ProCheck water tests in UK domestic systems
² Research by ADEY based on a heating system being maintained following ADEY Best Practice®, against a corrosion filled system
³ Independent research carried out by KIWA Gastec based on average usage in the UK, saving is on gas usage only and does not include standing charges
⁴ Independent research carried out by Delta EE, 2019
