Limescale on heat exchange (boiler)

JMC39

Hi,

I have been advised that our boiler has a build up of limescale on the heat exchange which is causing a loud noise when running hot water (and probably other issues). I have been told that we can either replace the heat exchange or the whole boiler. The replacement of the heat exchange is apparently not worth the cost, which leaves replacing the boiler (which isn't great in my current financial situation).

Does anybody know of any alternatives to clear the limescale which won't result in a bill of £1000s?

Thanks for the help.

gas4you

What make and model of boiler do you have?

First thoughts are you are being told a load of bull.

Can only reserve judgement until you post further details and facts.

JMC39

gas4you wrote: »

What make and model of boiler do you have?

First thoughts are you are being told a load of bull.

Can only reserve judgement until you post further details and facts.

Hi, its an Alpha 240 eco (Combi). I think it was installed 10-ish years ago, however it was done by previous owners and so I am only going on information I can find about the model from the internet.

gas4you

Plate heat echanger can be removed and cleaned/descaled. Fernox DS3 is good for this.

If it is the system side that is blocked, then DS40 is best.

Failing that a new one can be fitted. Sadly Alpha parts are very expensive, so expect a bill of around £260 + VAT.

Brooktop

In industry, the way they get rid of limescale build up on heat exchangers etc is to use acid and a scrape.

I have an HS38 from Hydropath http://www.hydropath.com/hs38.html

It's designed to prevent limescale build up, but it also, over time, will help dissolve existing deposits. Thing is, even if your current build up is so bad that it can't be fixed, then you've lost nothing because you can use the unit to protect your new boiler. All new boilers have to be high efficiency, ie condensing-combis - so they're at double the risk of limescale build up. I brought my old one from my old house which had an old boiler, but now I'm in a new house and the water is harder.

When I was looking into these things, it's a bit bewildering. Lots of people think they are "those magnet things" - but they aren't.