Are you wondering why your boiler quote is missing a central heating filter – or even if it should include one at all?
There’s a lot of confusion regarding central heating filters. Not everyone necessarily knows what one is, or the benefits it can bring. To make matters worse, some engineers (like myself) use them as standard, whereas a few out there won’t quote for one to save money, or even tell you that they’re a lot of hogwash.
However, when I speak to my customers and tell them more about how essential a magnetic central heating filter is, they realise it’d be silly to buy a new boiler without getting one fitted. That’s coming from over 20 years’ experience as an Edinburgh heating engineer.
Let me explain more, below. But first…
What is a magnetic central heating filter?
A magnetic central heating filter is a device that you can fit to your boiler to help prevent the build-up of dirt the debris over time. There are quite a few benefits to having one installed, including:
- Prolonging the life of your boiler
- Keeping your boiler running efficiently
- Reduction in running costs
- Potentially a longer guarantee (especially if you choose a Worcester Bosch magnetic filter with a Worcester Bosch boiler and controls)
From experience, I can tell you that magnetic central heating filters really do work! And you’ll be able to see yourself how much sludge it’s caught during your annual service (or get your engineer to take a photo if you’re not around).
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that sludge can also be caused from the corrosion of copper, zinc or aluminium compounds. These won’t be caught by a magnet, which is why it’s also essential to add corrosion inhibitor to your system. This will make sure you’re completely protected from sludge build-up and debris.
Should a magnetic filter always be included?
In my opinion, yes. I can’t remember the last time I fitted a boiler without a filter. I believe in them strongly. Since fitting them, I don’t get any call backs about noisy or kettling boilers. In fact, all the problems associated with sludge and silt in systems have just vanished.
That’s why I’m such a big advocate of installing a filter – as long as you add corrosion inhibitor, too. With both, you’ll be doing the best job of ensuring your boiler and central heating system is protected.
However, not everyone else has the same opinion…
Why isn’t a filter included on your quote?
Your engineer may not have included a magnetic central heating filter on your quote for one of three reasons:
- They’re pricing very sensitively, and think being the cheapest will get them more jobs. It could be that they’ll offer you the filter as additional extra
- They don’t believe in including a filter, and/or are cutting corners in order to win more business
- You’ve already had a new filter fitted in the past couple of years – it’d be dishonest to replace it
I can understand why some engineers want to price sensitively, as long as they still offer you a filter, and explain the benefits. (Despite the fact I also believe everything should be included and detailed in your fixed price quote!)
To be honest, I’d rather charge a little extra and do the job to a high standard. This includes flushing the system, fitting a filter and taking the time to cleanse it properly and add a corrosion inhibitor. I can usually convince my customers of the need for a filter by showing them how dirty their filter gets! They soon realise it’s value for money.
And if they simply don’t bother to offer you a filter as an option? Back away. You could always ask them why, but they might just tell you it’s not necessary, or that it’s a load of nonsense. You do still get some engineers that think like that.
Advice from an experienced heating engineer
When discussing this topic with your engineer, ask them their opinion about it and whether they’ll include it in their quote. If they tell you it’s a load of rubbish, look elsewhere, as filters are proven to work.
If you already have a filter fitted, and it’s less than six years old, you can probably keep it for your new boiler. That is, unless there’s any problems with it. You may also choose to replace it anyway if you’re getting a new Worcester Bosch boiler, as it’ll ensure your boiler, filter and controls will all be covered for 8 – 10 years (depending on the boiler you choose).
I had a customer recently who purchased a central heating filter, and asked us if we’d fit it for him when replacing his boiler. However, I explained to him the one he had was a Magnaclean, and if he wanted his 8-year guarantee on his Worcester Bosch, he’d had to fit the brand’s own filter.
Luckily, we were able to arrange a swap, in which he gave us his own, and we fitted a Worcester Bosch filter in exchange. So, it worked out for everyone!
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful. Remember, a magnetic central heating filter should always be included on your quote as standard. If an engineer hasn’t included one, ask him why not. It could be that you already have a perfectly good filter, or it could be that they’re cutting corners. It’s always best to make sure.
Do you have any other questions about magnetic central heating filters for your boiler? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
