Boilers are often taken for granted by homeowners and residents, providing warmth and hot water for us on a daily basis that we enjoy without so much as a second thought.
However, once your boiler develops a fault or stops performing as we are used to, it can become inconvenient and we can lose out on precious heat. No boiler lasts forever, but there are some steps that you can take to ensure your boiler works for as long as possible.
Central Heating Inhibitor
A central heating inhibitor is a fantastic device for protecting your boiler against corrosion and limescale. When a system suffers from corrosion, it is because the steel from the pipework and inner workings of the boiler or radiator can start to react with the water in the system. An inhibitor will slow down the rate of corrosion and allow your boiler to keep operating as it should. The first central heating inhibitor was made by Fernox over 50 years ago, and with some slight variations to the design, it is still going strong today.
How To Apply
To use a central heating inhibitor, it is best to apply it directly to your radiator using a funnel as this provides the most immediate access. Alternatively, you can pour the inhibitor into the central storage tank, and the results will still be relatively similar. It can also be added by a filling loop if necessary.
- Ensure that the pump and boiler are turned off before you add the inhibitor.
- Radiators should be drained sufficiently so that you can remove the bleed pin without water spilling out. The funnel should then fit in the space left by the bleed pin.
- If you are using a filling loop, ensure enough water is drained because the inhibitor cannot displace water in a sealed system.
Helpful Tips
The quality of central heating inhibitors vary, and determining which one is most suitable for your system can often be done by reading the manufacturer’s instructions on the container.
Adding the inhibitor to your central heating is best done when the system is empty.
Once you have added the inhibitor and the system is full again, the water and inhibitor will then balance out, providing optimum protection and longevity for your system.
Regardless of the age of your system and the brand of inhibitor that you use, it is important that you use it correctly if you want to ensure you get the best possible performance and lifespan from your boiler.
If your boiler has encountered a fault, or you are in the market for an entirely new system, VHL are the people for you. Our experience and dedication means we can remedy your issue, big or small, providing a rated service for all of our customers. If you would like to know more, please get in touch with us today.