New Standard For New Boilers

New standard matches best practice

From 31 May 2019, changes were made to BS 7593:2019, the standard for the preparation, commissioning and maintenance of domestic heating and cooling systems.

There is a growing focus on how the UK can reduce its carbon emissions and, with the government committing to net zero emissions by 2050, the need for change is urgent.

The revision of BS 7593:2019 introduces steps into the industry code of practice that will ensure better water quality in domestic heating and cooling systems, in turn improving system performance and reducing household carbon emissions. The revised standard is also a requirement under Building Regulations Part L: conservation  of fuel and power in new and existing dwellings.

 While the change may seem small, testing by Kiwa Gastec has shown that by installing a MagnaClean filter, carbon emissions are reduced by 7 per cent. Apply this saving to 27 million dwellings across the UK and the carbon reduction would be significant.

The changes in a nutshell

The standard  now includes the following key changes for those specifying, installing and maintaining domestic heating and cooling systems:

• For the first time, the fitting of a permanent in-line filter is required, in addition to a chemical clean and fresh water flush before inhibitor is added
• An in-line filter should be added to ALL systems
• All recommended cleaning methodologies can be improved with external magnetite capture equipment and mechanical vibration of radiators
• A water test is required to test the level of inhibitor and cleanliness of the system every year
• Inhibitor should be re-dosed every five years, or a full system water test undertaken
• BS 7593:2019 is now applicable to both closed-loop heating and cooling circuits
• Biocide is required in cooling and low-temperature heating systems, and should be considered for higher temperature systems for added protection during downtime.

Best practice

Since Adey pioneered magnetic filtration more than 15 years ago, it has been championing the importance of a total solution to heating system maintenance and offering training on its best practice approach. This six-step approach is an easy-to-follow blueprint to achieve compliance with the new standard:

1. Clean: Even brand-new systems may have debris, so all systems should be cleaned with chemicals formulated for heating or cooling systems.
2. Flush: A flush should be completed on new systems and when repairing existing ones. Magnetite capture and radiator agitation can improve speed and effectiveness.
3. Filter installation: An in-line filter should be fitted after completing the clean, on all systems.
4. Protect: Chemical inhibitors should be added and antifreeze should be used if the system is exposed to freezing temperatures. Biocides are important for systems that run at below 60oC.
5. Test: A water test must be carried out to test the level of inhibitor and the cleanliness of the system.
6. Maintain: Inhibitors should be re-dosed every five years. A full lab test can be conducted to ensure ongoing protection.

The benefits

The changes to the standard bring some tangible results for homeowners, who will see lower running costs, fewer breakdowns, a longer boiler lifespan, enhanced warranties and reduced carbon emissions.

A survey undertaken by Adey revealed that 88 per cent of homeowners act on their gas engineer’s recommendation and, with the strength of the standard’s benefits behind them, engineers can confidently offer a more complete service.

The added requirement for more regular maintenance and system checks provides an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships and build a stable business base.

For many gas engineers, the update to BS 7593:2019 cements their existing best practice. In the long run, gas engineers and homeowners alike will reap the rewards of more regular maintenance and more efficient heating systems, while the environmental impact will be positive for everyone.