What Magnetic Filters for Heating Are Used For

A magnetic filter is the most effective protection for a heating system against damage caused by mechanical impurities. Mechanical impurities reduce the performance of the heating system, increase energy consumption, damage system components, and shorten their lifespan. The investment in a magnetic filter is negligible compared to the financial savings.

Where Magnetic Filters Are Used

Filtration as Standard in New Buildings

Magnetic filters are an innovative liquid filtration system in heating systems. In low-energy new buildings, it is already a standard part of the equipment. The use of a magnetic filter in new systems, or when replacing key components (boiler, circulation pump) is strongly recommended. Modern boilers and pumps use magnetic inserts for energy savings, but metal impurities from the operating fluid settle on them. These impurities naturally lead to blockages, seizing, and other pump failures. Some boiler manufacturers even offer extended warranties if you equip the heating system with a magnetic filter.

As a Novelty in Older Houses

The installation of a magnetic filter in the heating system is also recommended in houses with older types of boilers. The risk of damage from metal impurities exists even if the boilers or pumps do not use magnetic inserts. The consequence of such damage is often the replacement of the affected part, which is often more demanding than in new systems due to the age of the heating system. The use of a magnetic filter can then extend the lifespan not only of the boiler but of the entire heating system.

For a relatively low price, you gain significant savings – particularly on heating costs, but also on maintenance and servicing of individual components of the heating system.

In the case of modern heating systems, the installation of a magnetic filter is essential.

Risks of Contaminated Water in the Heating System

In unfiltered operating fluid, there are many solid particles – magnetite particles, released metal particles, and other small impurities. The heating system is closed, so the water is not renewed, and the amount of released particles continuously increases. This contamination damages the heating system and reduces its efficiency.

• Mechanical particles clog the components of the heating system, especially circulation pumps and boilers. These components are very susceptible to damage in the case of contaminated water – leading to material wear, more frequent failures, and often seizing or clogging of the pump.
• Fine particles settle on the inner walls of pipes and heating elements, reducing the efficiency of heat exchange. To achieve the desired thermal output with such a clogged heating system, you consume much more energy.

Water filtration in the heating system saves households money on energy and service, as well as time spent on repeated system maintenance.

Mechanical particles reduce heating performance and shorten the lifespan of the entire system.

Function of the Magnetic Filter

The basic component of a magnetic filter is a strong magnet that captures magnetic particles in the heating system. Magnetic particles make up the majority of impurities in the heating system.
Some magnetic filters are also equipped with an air separator. In such cases, the filtration efficiency is almost 100%, ensuring the removal of all types of impurities. Additionally, automatic bleeding of the heating system occurs, which brings further savings, as air in the heating system also reduces heating efficiency and accelerates corrosion of metal components.

How Does a Magnetic Filter Work?

A major advantage of the magnetic filter is that it does not require energy to operate – it works solely based on physical laws. All the water in the heating system will flow through the filter, where the filtration itself takes place. The filter works continuously, and filtration occurs repeatedly, so there is no risk of re-contaminating the operating fluid.

Filtration Process with a Combined Magnetic Filter

Let's take a closer look at what happens to contaminated water in a magnetic filter. In the case of a combined heating filter, which includes both a magnet and an air separator, the filtration process is as follows:

• Water from the heating system pipes flows into the filter tank with an integrated magnetic rod, which captures all magnetic particles. Some filters have a magnetic ring placed outside the tank instead of a rod.
• In the tank, unwanted bubbles float to the surface, allowing for air separation. The filter releases this excess air outside.
• From the filter, the water flows back into the heating system completely clean and air-free.

Installation of the Magnetic Filter

The magnetic filter is installed on the return pipe of the heating system, preferably before the pump and boiler, as these devices contain moving parts that are most sensitive to mechanical contamination.

Combined air and impurity separator Flamco.

Maintenance is Key to the Proper Function of the Magnetic Filter

Modern magnetic filters allow for maintenance in full operation, i.e., without the need to shut down the system or dismantle the filter. The entire cleaning process can be done by yourself in a few minutes.

The magnetic filter operates continuously, making its maintenance all the more important. Typically, the filter needs to be cleaned of captured impurities once a year. However, during the first use, cleaning is necessary even after just a few days of operation – the filter in such cases captures all the impurities that have accumulated in the system over several years.

Here you can find a detailed description of magnetic filter maintenance

Summary

The magnetic filter is a cheap, universal, and practically 100% effective solution for maintaining heating systems. Choose from our range of magnetic filters and save on heating costs yourself.