WHY IS THERE AIR IN MY HEATING SYSTEM?
Air is naturally present within your heating system, either in the form of free air or within your system water. To understand the different types of air, just simply imagine a bottle of water.
Free air is the air you would see at the top of the bottle. The air contained within the water itself can be seen when the temperature or pressure changes. So, if you pour the water into a saucepan and heat it on a stove, you will see the air escaping in the form of bubbles – these are known as microbubbles and dissolved air.
HOW DOES AIR ENTER A HEATING SYSTEM?
Air can enter your heating system in a number of ways;
- Your system may need to be drained down as part of servicing, repairs or alterations, so your heating installer will need to refill with new water.
- During the filling process, free air can easily enter the heating system.
- Free air can also get inside your pipework when modifications and maintenance are carried out; if there is a leak; or if there is incorrect pressure.
HOW DOES DIRT ENTER A HEATING SYSTEM?
If left untreated, any air within your heating system will lead to the formation of a particularly harmful type of dirt, known as magnetite. This black sludgy substance develops as a result of corrosion – the natural chemical reaction between oxygen, metal and water. You may have seen magnetite within the water that can escape, when bleeding your radiators.
Other types of dirt can enter your heating system during the installation process, or maintenance and repair works. When cutting and fitting pipes, debris can find its way inside, meaning that when the system is filled, these particles are collected by the water and will travel around your pipework.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T TREAT THE PROBLEM?
If left untreated, air can seriously affect the health of your heating system, reducing its performance, efficiency and reliability.
Magnetite and other debris can build up in radiators and clog up expensive parts within your heating system, often leaving you out of pocket and potentially without heating too.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SYSTEM HEALTH
How do you remove air and dirt from your heating system?
