How To Prevent Limescale
Dale Bunning • 29 January 2024
It is essential to make informed choices and install effective measures to help protect your boiler from limescale
GasEngineer spoke with Richard Braid - Managing Director of Cistermiser, regarding the detrimental effect limescale can have on the efficiency of our boiler and what we can do to reduce build-up.
Heating engineers will be all too familiar with how frequently and aggressively limescale can form in heating and hot water systems in hard water areas, and the problems it can cause.
Around 60% of UK homes are in hard water areas and one the worst is the Midlands.
If preventative measures are not taken, rock-like limescale deposits can adhere to surfaces - including the inside of heating system pipework and components such as heat exchangers - and it's a stubborn one to try and remove! Overtime the build-up will significantly reduce performance, efficiency and longevity of heating appliances. The impact can't be ignored: just a 1.6mm coating of limescale on the boiler's heating element can cause a 12 percent loss in heating efficiency. Component damage and faults are also likely, and complete boiler failure is even possible.
It is now standard practice to include limescale prevention measures in new boiler installations in homes supplied with hard water, and there are several ways to inhibit limescale. At entry level there are electrolytic and magnetic methods, which are compact and don't require an electrical supply. Some models may have a relatively limited lifespan, which is something to bear in mind. Alternative options include the installation of a water softener or phosphate dosing. Phosphate is a natural nutrient that does not alter the hardness or softness of the water; instead, minerals in the water are kept in suspension, preventing them from forming limescale deposits. The phosphate also creates a thin, non-residual protective coating on metal surfaces. The food-grade phosphate compound used is tasteless, odourless and safe for consumption. It is consistently introduced in microscopic quantities through a dispensing device installed directly on to the cold water supply. Devices operate without electricity and do not require drainage.
Food for thought when trying to keep limescale to a minimum!
Gas Safe Register's Investigations Team looks at the many forms of illegal gas work and the reasons why you should report it when you discover it. Illegal gas work is any work that falls within the scope of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 that has been carried out by anyone who is not registered or does not hold the appropriate ACS qualifications. Working illegally can take many forms, including: Someone who has no qualifications to fit or work on a gas appliance. Someone who is registered but working outside the scope of their competencies. Someone who was previously registered but not when undertaking gas work. A business or engineer carrying out gas work when they have been suspended from the register. Someone working outside the business with which they are registered. A registered business using unregistered and unsupervised operatives. Why should I report it? Reporting illegal gas work is a requirement under Gas Safe Register's Rules of Registration. The rules state that a registered business and any of its engineers carrying out gas work on its behalf must ensure that: Nothing is done that would contribute to unsafe gas work or illegal activities. The registered is notified of any concerns about unsafe gas work carried out by others, registered or otherwise, as soon as possible. The Register is notified of any evidence of illegal gas work found. How do i report illegal gas work? Gas Safe Register has simplified its online form to make it easier to report illegal gas work. You can submit the form anonymously, however if you are happy to provide your own details, Gas Safe Register may contact you for more information. Where possible the following information is required: The unregistered engineers name and business name. Contact details of the unregistered engineer. Address of where the gas work has taken place. The customer's name and contact details. Here are some examples of questionable works:
Our year so far.... It has been another busy start to the year for us, which as always is greatly appreciated and never taken for granted. The number of boiler installations and new central heating systems seems to be at a record high this year, and after such a busy winter period, it has prompted Dale to start the recruitment process of an Apprentice Domestic Gas Engineer. We hope to have someone in place before Winter 2025 sets in. We are pleased to say that we have sponsored and are due to sponsor a few local events this year including: Oswestry Community Games, Bridgnorth Regatta, Llanfyllin and Guilsfield Shows. Oswestry Community Games took place on Sunday 8th June in Cae Glas Park, and was a great community event with many sports clubs/organisations involved. We also provided some personalised water bottles, mini footballs and drawstring bags for participants at the event, which went down a treat! (Pictured below are Oswestry Community Games organisers from left to right: Kelly, James and Clive)
Boilers come in all shapes and sizes, with lots of features or just a few. If you want to know what temperature should a condensing boiler be set at, or any kind of boiler, this guide will give you a good idea. An important thing to consider: Setting your boiler’s temperature higher will give you hot radiators, but it could decrease its efficiency. Ramping up the temp to max could decrease it by up to 20%, and send your heating bills skyrocketing. If you want a lovely warm home and a long-lasting boiler, it’s about getting the right balance. What temperature should my boiler be set at in winter? We all want to stay cosy in the winter. Some cosier than others. There’s no magic number for the ideal temperature. If you’re looking for a good balance of warmth and efficiency, you want to set your boiler to at least 65°C. Setting it a few degrees higher won’t hurt. But it’s important not to set it any lower than that. This is so bacteria in the water doesn’t grow, and cause nasty things like Legionella. For those who like things hot, it is tempting to set your boiler temp higher in the winter. However, there is a chance this will start to stress out your boiler. An overworked boiler will likely have a reduced lifespan, decreased efficiency, and be more prone to breakdowns and repairs. What temperature should my boiler be set at in summer? In summer, you’re less likely to have the radiators on. If you are, you’ll probably not want them to be radiating at the heat of a blast furnace. Like in winter, if you want to know what temperature a condensing boiler should be set at, make sure it’s no lower than 65°C. This inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in your water supply, so keep it at 65°C and no lower. What is the best temperature setting for central heating? When it comes to setting room temperature, the sweet spot is between 18°C and 21°C. This is within most people’s comfort zone. For bedroom temperatures, if possible, you want it around 16°C to 19°C. This is the best temperature for a good night’s sleep, according to the Sleep Foundation. Keeping the thermostat between those limits is the best temperature setting for central heating, and makes for a happy, comfortable home. Source: www.baxi.co.uk
If sludge and debris is not removed from heating systems, it can accumulate in radiators, pipework and heat exchangers, causing severe blockages. This diminishes the transfer of heat and can result in pipe, radiator valve and heating control servo valve damage. In some cases this will eventually lead to the premature failure of the boiler. Powerflushing is a popular method of cleaning and maintaining a central heating system. A powerflushing unit sends water at high velocity through the system to dislodge and remove debris, limescale, and sludge build-up. A thorough powerflush will improve heat distribution throughout the property, subsequently lowering household energy bills and increasing system reliability. The summer months are an ideal time to get a powerflush on your heating system if you feel sludge and dirty water is effecting the systems efficiency. Call us today to book an appointment. Below is a short video looking at how powerflushing works and it's benefits. Call today to book in an appointment Source: fernox.com
Sean Keleher, technical director at Navien UK, explains how homeowners can cut their energy expenditure while staying cosy and comfortable through the colder months. We must face the fact that managing our budgets is more important than ever, so it’s easy to see that saving a few quid on household bills is bound to brighten anyone’s day. Here are a few pieces of friendly advice that can save money: Know your boiler Boiler settings can have a huge impact on the performance of a heating system. Have access to the boiler manual - all boiler manufacturers provide boiler manuals for free, online. Use the boiler timer or programmer Make use of the boiler’s timer or programmer features. A timer gives basic on/off functionality, meaning that the heating will kick in and turn off at set times. A programmer provides much greater flexibility as it can be set at different times and temperatures for different days of the week. Working from home on Mondays and Fridays? Set the heating to come on during that time. In the office Tuesday to Thursday? Don’t waste money heating an empty home. Another great tip is to check that the boiler clock is correct. There is little value in using the programmer if the timing is an hour out. Get your boiler serviced annually Worryingly, only 20% of boiler owners get their boiler serviced annually, according to Government figures. Try to think of your boiler like a car, an annual service will keep it running safely, efficiently and reliably. Many warranties are invalidated if the boiler doesn’t get a yearly check by a professional. The boiler service is a great “health check”, enabling a good heating engineer to ensure it is operating at maximum efficiency – and to remedy small problems before they grow into big issues or a full boiler breakdown. Good radiator maintenance Systems can get full of dirt and sludge over time, leading to lower efficiency and trapped air. Make sure you check radiators for cold spots – the classic sign that air is trapped in the system, making it inefficient. Sludge in the system can also mean that a radiator takes a lot longer to heat up than others in the home. Another dead giveaway is if there is noises or clanking. This might not be anything sinister, but trapped air. Bleed radiators to ensure full efficiency when they really need it in the colder winter months. A full flush Sometimes bleeding radiators is not enough to restore them to maximum efficiency. In these cases – or when installing a new boiler – a full system flush is required. The right technology Of course, energy efficiency starts with the right boiler for the home. Through dedicated mobile apps, homeowners can download home energy management system (HEMS) reports, providing insights into their energy consumption. They can also set up geofences, – digital boundaries which send alerts to the boiler when breached. This means that the boiler knows when the homeowner is close to home, and the heating can kick in accordingly – much smarter than using a timer or programmer. Source: www.installeronline.co.uk www.navien.co.uk/professional
When choosing a boiler, one size doesn't fit all and choosing the right size is crucial, not just for keeping the property warm, but for the longevity of the boiler. Boiler design provides many advantages to homeowners, including increased comfort, cheaper energy expenditure, and lower environmental impact. However, incorrectly sizing a boiler can create major issues for customers and installers alike, some of which are outlined below. The efficiency of a boiler depends mainly on whether it's the right size for the home. A boiler that is too small will struggle to meet the heating demands of the property, causing it to work harder than necessary, wasting energy and ultimately costing the homeowner money. Alternatively, a boiler that is too large will frequently cycle on and off, consuming more energy than necessary, which can lead to wear and tear. When correctly sizing a boiler, the homes size, insulation quality, number of radiators and hot water requirements need to be taken into consideration. With the above considered, the right sized boiler will run efficiently, providing just the right amount of heat without overworking or under performing. Heating demands obviously fluctuate depending on the season, so selecting a boiler that adapts to these changes is crucial. During colder months, the system should operate at a lower level to avoid wasting energy while providing enough heat when temperatures drop. Boiler size doesn’t only impact efficiency – it also affects how long the system will last. Boilers that are overworked or underused tend to break down sooner. A boiler that is constantly running beyond its capacity or cycling on and off too frequently experiences unnecessary stress, which can lead to premature failure. By selecting the rightsized boiler, homeowners can ensure their system runs smoothly and lasts longer. This is particularly true when the boiler operates within its capacity, avoiding the strain caused by frequent cycling or overexertion. Not only does this reduce the need for costly repairs, but it also helps homeowners get the most out of their heating system, ultimately saving them money in the long run. When a boiler is sized properly, it helps prevent short cycling, which happens when a boiler is too large for the heating needs of the home, causing it to turn on and off frequently. This puts additional strain on internal components, leading to wear and tear that can shorten the system’s lifespan. Rightsizing doesn’t just impact comfort and savings – it also plays a role in reducing carbon emissions. It’s also crucial to consider the home’s hot water demand, as larger homes or those with multiple bathrooms will require a boiler to meet higher hot water needs without compromising heating performance. Taking into account both heating and hot water requirements ensures that the system will function efficiently without overloading or under delivering. Thinking ahead, if homeowners plan to add extra rooms or bathrooms, the boiler should be appropriately sized to accommodate those requirements. This method helps avoid the need for early replacements, as it’s essential to understand the specific models being recommended. Selecting the right boiler size is one of the most important decisions to be made when looking to install new or upgrade existing. Source: www.installeronline.co.uk
Attitudes of engineers towards low-carbon heating are hard to shift, and with the lack of direction from government, means there has been a slow growth in adopting specifically Heat Pumps. BAXI's Installer Skills Survey, in conjunction with Gemserv, spoke with over 300 engineers regarding their interest in and ability to to support customers with a shift towards cleaner heating technologies. It also highlighted the readiness to change, adopt and promote Heat Pumps inline with Government policies and customer demands. Compared to previous years, this years survey results were more positive towards Heat Pumps, however it was evident that many engineers lack training and knowledge. Only 9% of engineers stated they are currently fitted Heat Pumps, which is a 3% increase since 2022. Although future support for Heat Pumps looked weak, with half of installers saying they are 'somewhat' or 'extremely unlikely' to start fitting them over the next 3 years. There was far more enthusiasm from engineers towards hybrid systems with 30% of installers showing a want to support this type of system going forward. Government schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme were met with frustration due to its complexity, excessive paperwork and lack of consumer awareness. A major feature in the survey was the lack of confidence to promote and install low-carbon heating technologies. Only 11% of installers said they are confident to discuss options with their clients, with only 3% of customers enquiring about low-carbon options. The lack of consumer demand for Heat Pumps further contributes to installers low engagement. Ian Trott - BAXI'#s Head of UK Training, said "Many challenges highlighted by the survey, such as insufficient training, poor government support and low consumer demand, haven't moved on. The transition to low-carbon heating will require more targeted interventions to support installers overcoming the barriers outlined" Source: Gas Safe Magazine 2024
Merry Christmas from everyone at DA Bunning Gas! Another very busy year for us all here at DA Bunning Gas. In April we had Kasys join us for 7 months to gain some hands on work experience within the gas industry. We also said goodbye to Samantha who has moved on to pastures new, and welcomed Vicky Fleet to the admin team. Dale completed his air source heat pump training in May, adding another string to his bow. So as you can see we have crammed a lot in over the last 12 months! We would like to thank you all for your continued support and custom over the last 12 months, we appreciate your loyalty. Don't forget about our free gas boiler service giveaway - all of the details can be found on our Facebook page @dabunninggasltd Below are our opening hours over the festive season: Monday 23rd December - Closing at midday Tuesday 24th December - Wednesday 1st January - Office Closed. Please note we will be working limited hours during this period for emergencies ONLY (Emergency Number: 07957 630550). Any other queries will be dealt with on our return. Thursday 2nd January - Friday 3rd January - Normal Hours. Wishing you all the very best for 2025, and hopefully see you soon. Team DA Bunning Gas xx
With more low temperature heating systems such as heat pumps being installed, heating engineers and installers have an increasingly important role to play ensuring customer radiators are fit for purpose. To meet its climate charge targets, the Government's plan is to install 600'000 heat pumps in the UK. This shift in the way our homes are heated means customers need to prevent heat loss from their homes by fitting energy saving measures, such as loft insulation, double glazing or cavity wall insulation before installing a heat pump. This means that their radiators, even while still on a gas boiler heating system, can be run at a lower temperature and are more energy and cost efficient. Radiators are quicker, less disruptive and a lot more cost effective to install that underfloor heating, especially when retrofitting in existing homes. Radiators can respond quickly to changes in temperature and are easy to control, especially when paired with a programmable thermostat, This makes them a good choice for heating individual rooms on demand or for turning right down or off in some rooms that are often unoccupied. Correctly sized radiators can ensure heating systems are energy efficient when operated at lower temperatures. Radiators can be a good option for older properties as they can help reduce cold spots and drafts. It's clear that the heating industry is undergoing massive changes, however radiators do and still will have a massive role to play, Source: https://www.installeronline.co.uk/
If you are considering a gas or an electric fire in the not to distant future, here are few things you might want to consider when making a decision. If you like the look of a fire place, but aren't sure what type will be most efficient and best-suited to your home, here's a summary of the benefits and drawbacks (including environmental implications) of gas fires/stoves and electric fires/stoves. Gas Fires and Stoves Gas fires and stoves come in a wide variety of styles and pump out plenty of heat at a relatively low cost. However, the downside is that they need regular maintenance and monitoring - and, crucially, they rely on burning fossil fuels. Pros: Low running costs - Using gas to heat your home is cheaper than using electricity, and less hassle than buying and storing logs. Give out plenty of heat - Gas Fires and stoves can provide outputs of up to 6kW, about three times as much as electric fires. Can be very efficient - Gas appliances can be up to 90% efficient (measuring the heat output from an appliance in kW against the gas input in kW. The exact figure varies from one model to another, though, so check the stated efficiency rating. You don't necessarily need a chimney - You can now buy 'balanced flue' fires, which are vented through an external wall, or even flueless models. Aesthetics - Gas fires tend to look more authentic than most electric fires, when comparing similarly priced models. Cons: Environment impact - They burn fossil fuels, and therefore contributes to global warming and climate change. Moreover, burning gas releases nitrogen dioxide, a form of air pollution which can be dangerous for people with asthma and COPD. Professional installation costs - Your fire must be installed by a registered gas safe engineer. You'll also have to get it serviced annually by an engineer to make sure it's safe to use. Carbon monoxide - It's imperative to have a carbon monoxide fitted when having a gas fire/stove. Maintenance - The chimneys will need to be cleaned once or twice a year unless it is a flueless appliance. Limited flexibility - Most styles of gas fire will need to be placed within a chimney breast or against an outside wall so they can be vented. Electric Fires and Stoves If you are looking for flexibility and minimal maintenance, consider an electric fire or stove. Running costs can be high, and electric fires and stoves don't generate enormous amounts of heat. Pros: Cost - Electric fires and stoves start at less than £100 (for basic models) whereas you might pay £200 for a gas stove. Flexibility - Electric fires can be placed anywhere that there is a plug point. They can be used in a fireplace, or set in a chimney breast. Sometimes you might not even have to pay for a professionally installation! Low Maintenance - Electric fires don't produce ash, and don't require a chimney that needs cleaning regularly. Very Efficient - Electric fires are 100% efficient as 100% of the electrical energy is converted into heat. Also heat that is generated goes into the room rather than losing some though the chimney/flue. Convenient - Some models can operated by remote control, which can be handy for people with limited mobility. Cons: Higher running costs - The biggest drawback of an electric appliance is the running costs, as electricity is a much more expensive fuel than gas. Lower heat outputs - Most electric fires are limited to 2kW or less, which is significantly lower than the range available from gas appliances. Less realistic looking - You won't get a realistic flame effect from an electric fire unless you are willing to spend more money for a high end model. If you would like a quote for a gas or electric fire install, please get in contact with us on 01691 680888 or office@dabunninggas.co.uk Source - www.which.co.uk Written by Hannah Healey
