A heating installers guide to heating system treatment

In recent years, it’s become much more well-known that one of the most important factors in a healthy and efficient heating system is keeping it clean. The benefits to the customer are many, including such things as lower heating bills, longer-lasting components and the decreased likelihood of an expensive system breakdown. One of the biggest challenges for installers is making the public understand that system maintenance and treatment is definitely worthy of their investment. An installer who can successfully explain the benefits and carry out the job well, really gives the impression of good customer service and value for money, which is incredibly important for the reputation of the heating industry. Below are some important points for any installer to remember to ensure they service the system in the best possible way. These points are equally valid for those experienced DIY-ers, looking to keep their heating systems healthy themselves. Always survey the system It’s always a good idea to look over the whole heating system before commencing any flushing, treatment or maintenance. Are there any hot and cold radiators in the system? Are there any hidden cisterns? What’s the state of the individual components? What’s the general condition of the overall system? Asking yourself these type of questions will help establish how to approach the system as well as throwing up any other problems or considerations. Follow the Code of Practice British Standard BS 7593 should always be followed when dealing with any domestic wet central heating systems. Old heating systems should be flushed with a cleanser to remove any internal sludge before replacing a boiler. Newer systems should be flushed with a chemical cleaner to remove sludge or debris and all systems should have a chemical corrosion inhibitor added when the system is filled. Consider installing a filter A dual-action filter that can deal with magnetic and non-magnetic particles in the heating system is definitely a low-cost extra worth considering. Used in conjunction with a chemical inhibitor, it really can help protect the boiler and other components, ultimately leading to the smooth and efficient running of the system Explain the process to the customer Many customers aren’t aware of the benefits of treating their heating system and may see it as an optional extra. It’s worth explaining how the process will save the customer from headaches further down the line and it’s also worth pointing out that many boiler warranties are invalidated if annual boiler system maintenance is not carried out. If put in the right way, customers will be thanking you for the extra service, advice and money that you will save them in the long term. Remember the radiators The main areas of concentration in these type of jobs will be on the boiler and other components. However it’s worth looking over all the radiators in the system to see if any are struggling to heat up or have hot and cold patches. It may well be worth bleeding all the radiators to ensure they are functioning properly or at least showing the customers how to bleed the radiators themselves. You’ll them be giving them the choice of getting you to do it as an additional task or giving them the knowledge to tackle it without spending more on the job. Article by Benjamin Clarke RELATED ARTICLES • VIDEO - Why adding inhibitor is beneficial to your heating system 19th Feb 2015  • The importance of annual heating system maintenance 7th Jul 2015  • VIDEO - How to bleed a radiator 24th Feb 2015   

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