Stop the breakdowns. Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes, explains how filters, repair kits and a bit of knowledge can help keep the heat running efficiently through the cold weather.

We might be in the middle of summer, but there’s no slow down in heating system repairs and especially new installations.

Since the update to Part L of the Building Regulations, all new gas boiler heating systems in the UK must be fitted with a magnetic filter. A scale reducer is recommended to be fitted to all systems, but any boiler with a scale rating of 200ppm or more must have a scale reducer. A flush should also be completed on all new systems and when repairing existing systems. This mandate underscores the importance of maintaining the efficiency and reliability of heating systems.

Magnetic filters are suitable for all sizes of domestic, commercial and industrial applications. These filters operate on a simple yet highly effective principle: as water circulates through the heating system, the magnetic filter attracts and retains any ferrous metal debris, preventing it from depositing in radiators or boilers where it can cause damage. This not only prolongs the life of the heating system but also maintains its efficiency, reducing energy consumption and, by extension, heating costs.

Domestic Heating Filters In domestic settings, filters like the Trappex Centramag 2 for example provide a robust line of defence against system degradation. It's designed to be easy to install and maintain, fitting into existing setups without any extensive modifications. Commercial and industrial filters on the other hand, offer scaled-up protection for larger systems, ensuring that even in the most demanding environments, heating systems can operate smoothly and reliably.

The installation of magnetic filters is straightforward, typically taking place near the boiler to maximise their effectiveness in capturing circulating debris. Maintenance, too, is designed to be as hassle-free as possible, with clear instructions for regular checks and cleaning to ensure the filter continues to operate at peak efficiency.

Preventative maintenance extends beyond just filtration. Troubleshooting potential issues before they escalate into full-blown problems is crucial. Test equipment is designed to help diagnose issues and keep you safe. Electrical test equipment can help ensure all components of the heating system are functioning correctly, while infrared thermometers that can detect unusual heat patterns indicative of underlying issues, are invaluable for pre-emptive diagnostics.

Some answers to heating issues can be even more simple: bleeding radiators is one. However, if you need to bleed radiators and the valve is broken this can be a real pain. Tools such as the Easibleed radiator draining valve kit will save you a lot of hassle as you will not need to drain off the system – and it takes about five seconds to install.

It is essentially a self-drilling radiator air vent. Simply turn the valves off on the radiator with an adjustable spanner, find a suitable location for the Easibleed valve and use a drill with a 10mm socket head to attach the product, drilling it straight into the radiator. Don’t overtighten it and once it’s in you can just open the rad valves and bleed your radiator – it is so simple but saves so much time, money and effort.

Commercial Heating Filters

The Arctic Hayes range of Trappex Commercial Filters are ideal for heating engineers working on systems in commercial and local authority buildings. By consistently capturing and removing sludge and limescale, Trappex Commercial Filters prevent these substances from settling within the system and causing blockages. This ensures that the heating system continues to operate efficiently and avoids breakdowns and saves the associated costs to businesses and local authorities should the worst happen.

“With energy costs so high, no commercial or local authority client wants a heating system running below par, so we added these filters to our product range so that engineers can add value into their customers’ heating systems,” explains Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes. “Installer friendly, they are simple to fit and enables dirt particles to be captured easily, protecting the boiler and prolonging the efficiency of the system.”

The Trappex Centramag Maxim is available in 1", 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" pipe diameters. With a robust brass construction, the filter removes both magnetic and non-magnetic dirt and uses a unique 10,000 Gauss magnetic field technology for fast dirt separation. Also in the Trappex range, Scalematic products are widely used as an alternative to water softening and chemical treatment featuring copper housing with BSP ranging from 1/2" to 1 1/2", there is a 10-year warranty on all Trappex Scalematic products.

Contact us for more information or any help, advice or to order: Arctic Hayes Ltd, 9 Millshaw Park Ave, Leeds, LS11 0LR, United Kingdom Tel +44 (0) 113 271 5245 sales@arctic-hayes.com