A power flush can make a real difference in the efficiency of heating systems. When a power flush is performed, all the dirt and debris that had been building up within the system is swiftly removed. The effect this can have on energy efficiency is incredible.
After a power flush, central heating systems work far more effectively, requiring less energy to heat a home to the same temperature. That’s why power flushing is such a great way of keeping energy bills as low as possible. A regular power flush can also prolong the life of the heating system itself, reducing the likelihood of expensive repair bills in the future.
In this article, we’ll talk you through everything you need to know about power flushing, from why it’s so important to carry out this service.
What is Powerflushing?
The term ‘power flush’ refers to a form of maintenance that is typically carried out on older heating systems.
It’s simply a way of cleaning out the inside of the heating system, using huge amounts of pressure to remove any stubborn dirt and debris that’s lingering within pipework and radiators.
It’s normal for rust, sludge, dirt, and other debris to build up within heating systems over time. So, the older the heating system is (and the longer it’s left without a power flush), the more likely there is to be a significant build up that requires removal.
If dirt and debris aren’t removed from within the system, it will eventually start to cause issues. It could lead to parts no longer working as they should, and it will have a negative impact on energy efficiency, meaning it costs more to heat a property than it really should.
How Do You Know If a System Needs a Powerflush?
If you think your heating system might be in need of a power flush, it’s always worth contacting us with an engineer who will be able to tell you whether or not you would benefit.
There are quite a few telltale signs that do point to it being time for a power flush, but these signs can also mean other faults within the system – which is why we always recommend getting expert advice before you book a power flush.
The following signs often indicate that a heating system is becoming clogged up with dirt and debris and isn’t working as well as it should.
Remember, if you spot any of these problems below, or you’re unsure when your heating system last had a power flush and think you might be due one, just get in touch with our team to book your appointment.
- Your radiators seem to need bleeding more often than once a year
- The water that comes out of your radiators is black or brown
- There’s no water coming out of your radiators after bleeding
- Your radiators and/or boiler are very noisy
- There are leaks coming from your pipework or radiators
- Your boiler needs to be restarted regularly
- Radiators remain lukewarm despite the heating being on for a long period of time
- There’s a lack of consistency in the temperatures of different radiators in the property
- Pipes are warm, but radiators remain cold
- The pump has failed
How to Powerflush a Central Heating System
Power flushing a central heating system isn’t a simple task. While it’s possible to do this as a DIY job, we’d definitely recommend leaving it to the experts if you’re not 100% sure what you’re doing.
A badly performed power flush might not just prove ineffective; it could actually cause significant damage to your heating system – damage that would be costly and inconvenient to fix.
The following steps explain what happens during a power flush to give you an overview of how the process works and what our engineers will do when they visit your property to perform a power flush.
Before the Powerflush
First things first, our engineers will prepare the area that they’re working in. This means laying down protective coverings in case of water spills and moving any furniture that might be nearby.
A power flush isn’t a hugely messy exercise, but water does sometimes escape at the point of connection.
Connecting the Powerflush Machine
The system will be emptied, and the powerflush machine will then be connected. The process by which the machine is connected varies from system to system, but our engineers are experienced in working with a huge range of different setups.
The Primary Flush
Specialised chemicals are then flushed through the pipework, often in both directions, to give the chemicals the best chance of removing dirt and debris effectively. This process continues for as long as it takes to remove the buildup within the pipework.
The Secondary Flush
In the secondary flush, engineers will work on individual radiators to ensure that any dirt, sludge, or other debris that might be lurking inside can be completely removed. This isn’t always necessary, but in particularly bad cases, it does make a huge difference to the overall outcome.
After the Clean
Once the power flush is complete, the system can be refilled with water ready to be used again. An inhibitor solution may also be added to reduce the risk of dirt and debris building up again in the near future.
The heating system will then be ready to switch back on. Your engineer will check that the system is working as it should before leaving everything clean and tidy.
How Important is Powerflushing?
Heating systems only need to be power flushed around once every five years. It’s not something that’s necessary for brand new heating systems because it focuses only on the dirt, sludge, and other debris that has built up over the years that a heating system is in use.
If the inside of a heating system is relatively clean, power flushing won’t make much of a difference. However, for older heating systems where there’s a huge amount of debris within the pipework, power flushing is essential.
So, the importance of power flushing depends on the age of a heating system and how well it’s been looked after in the past. If you’re considering a power flush and feel the efficiency of your system could be improved, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Get Advice on How to Power Flush
A power flush can be a brilliant way of saving money simply by improving the energy efficiency of your heating system. Remove all that stubborn dirt and debris, and you’ll soon be able to heat your home using far less energy than you had before.
Talk to our team to find out more about power flushes and other maintenance services that could boost the efficiency of your system and reduce your monthly energy bills.
If your system is in need of a power flush, we’ll be able to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you, and before long, you’ll be feeling the benefits.
