Most central heating systems develop this sludge over time, there will be more in older systems. You do not want to replace and update your boiler with the latest model without commissioning a Powerflush first. As the sludge and general dirt are disturbed in the new installation it will find its way into your new boiler and reduce its effectiveness or life span.

The following are some of the problems that could be avoided with a Powerflush as it removes the Magnetite sludge from your system : -

• Cold Radiators
• Boiler Deposits
• Heating Pump circulation problems
• Pipe Blockages
• Internal Corrosion
• System blockages
• Noisy systems

As a result the benefits of a professionally delivered Powerflush could be :-

• Increased pump life as your central heating pump handles clear water instead of sludge
• Curing radiator cold spots so that the full surface of the radiator heats your room
• Improved central heating system efficiency so reducing fuel costs in future years.
• Clearing the boiler heat exchanger to stop banging noises (kettling) and prolonging the boiler life
• Reduces Hydrogen gas build up which can lead to radiator corrosion and reduced heat output
• Clearing your system of contaminated water which could lead to internal heating system corrosion.

A Powerflush machine is used to complete the task. It is connected to your system and the central heating water is routed through the machine where it filters out the contaminants. The Powerflush literally flushes the new liquid through your central heating system. Once the task is completed the Engineer should refill your central heating system adding a corrosion inhibiter to prolong its operating life.

A Powerflush needs to be performed by trained engineers and there will be no mess or complicated installations. The Powerflush machine connects to your existing piping enabling the task to be completed rapidly, it can then be de-coupled leaving your heating system as it was, minus the sludge.

British Gas: RD : 532i Combi
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (32.5 – 32.5 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.3%

British Gas: RD : 537i Combi
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (37.5 – 37.5 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.3%

British Gas: RD : 532 Combi
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (32.5 – 32.5 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.3%

British Gas: 532 :
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (30 – 30 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.2%

British Gas: 537 :
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (30.0 – 30.0 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.2%

British Gas: 542 :
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (30 – 30 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.2%

British Gas: 537/I :
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (30.0 – 30.0 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.2%

British Gas: 532/I :
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (30.0 – 30.0 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.2%

British Gas: 542/I :
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (30.0 – 30.0 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.2%

British Gas: RD : 542i Combi
gas : combi : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (40.0 – 40.0 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.0%

British Gas: RD628 : RSF
gas : combi : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (28 – 28 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 78.4%

British Gas/Scottish Gas: C1 : RSF
gas : combi : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (28 – 28 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 78.2%

This information has been collated from Manufacturers literature and the SEDBUK online database as at April 2007.

Small variations in efficiency ratings are not significant. It can be assumed that a 3% difference in rating will give a 95% confidence that the higher rated boiler is more efficient than the lower.

British Gas: RD : 430i System
gas : regular : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (29.5 – 29.5 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.7%

British Gas: RD : 428 System
gas : regular : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (27.7 – 27.7 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.7%

British Gas: 430/I :
gas : regular : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (30.0 – 30.0 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.3%

British Gas: 430 :
gas : regular : condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: (30 – 30 kW)
SEDBUK efficiency 90.3%

British / Scottish Gas: RD2 470 :
gas : regular : non condensing : floor mounted
Power Rating: 20.5 kW SEDBUK efficiency 79.9%

British / Scottish Gas: RD2 480 :
gas : regular : non condensing : floor mounted
Power Rating: 23.4 kW SEDBUK efficiency 79.7%

British / Scottish Gas: RD115 Silver :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 14.7 kW SEDBUK efficiency 79.6%

British / Scottish Gas: RD115 :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 14.7 kW SEDBUK efficiency 79.6%

British / Scottish Gas: RD109 :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 8.8 kW SEDBUK efficiency 79.4%

British / Scottish Gas: RD109 Silver :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 8.8 kW SEDBUK efficiency 79.4%

British / Scottish Gas: RD2 460 :
gas : regular : non condensing : floor mounted
Power Rating: 17.6 kW SEDBUK efficiency 79.2%

British / Scottish Gas: RD2 450 :
gas : regular : non condensing : floor mounted
Power Rating: 14.7 kW SEDBUK efficiency 79.0%

British / Scottish Gas: RD2 4100 :
gas : regular : non condensing : floor mounted
Power Rating: 29.3 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.9%

British / Scottish Gas: RD112 Silver :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 11.7 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.6%

British / Scottish Gas: RD112 :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 11.7 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.6%

British / Scottish Gas: RD121 :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 20.5 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.5%

British / Scottish Gas: RD121 Silver :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 20.5 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.5%

British / Scottish Gas: RD2 4125 :
gas : regular : non condensing : floor mounted
Power Rating: 36.6 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.5%

British / Scottish Gas: RD2 440 :
gas : regular : non condensing : floor mounted
Power Rating: 11.7 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.3%

British / Scottish Gas: RD118 Silver :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 17.6 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.3%

British / Scottish Gas: RD118 :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 17.6 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.3%

British / Scottish Gas: RD124 :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 23.4 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.1%

British / Scottish Gas: RD124 Silver :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 23.4 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.1%

British / Scottish Gas: RD130 Silver :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 29.3 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.0%

British / Scottish Gas: RD130 :
gas : regular : non condensing : wall mounted
Power Rating: 29.3 kW SEDBUK efficiency 78.0%

This information has been collated from Manufacturers literature and the SEDBUK online database as at April 2007.

Small variations in efficiency ratings are not significant. It can be assumed that a 3% difference in rating will give a 95% confidence that the higher rated boiler is more efficient than the lower.

When you search the web complaints abound but are they a large percentage or a small number?, you will need to form your own view.

Whilst you think of this I would also reflect on the real validity of the complaints. Many seem to be on sites which are competitors to British Gas – I wonder why? Also, whilst you can see that the person would be aggrieved, many complain that items are not covered when they clearly are excluded in the terms and conditions. Another source of complaint is the late arrival of the engineer, say next day, when the person has not paid, nor been guaranteed, a 1 hour response service ( the engineer would need to live in your garden shed to achieve this consistently!).

The tyres on your car are not guaranteed past the initial warranty period and would you complain if you had a puncture after your last car service?

having said the approval of there will be valid reasons for British gas home care complaints. Whilst British gas places great emphasis upon the training of its Homecare engineers there are in the region of 7000 of them visiting millions of customers homes each year. It would be a minor miracle if all of this was carried out without a single problem arising.

The most important element in any service organisation is how a complaint is handled. If you have a problem with British Gas Homecare you should raise the matter in writing with the company quickly and follow the complaints process, as advised in your Homecare booklet and on the British Gas website. Some people decide to put their energies into complaining to their friends and neighbours, this will not resolve anything and in the first place you should ensure that the company is advised of the problem and told what you expect to be carried out to resolve the issue.

There will be times when you’re British gas homecare agreement does not cover problems with your system. It is not a new for old insurance policy, British gas homecare is a maintenance and repair plan with certain limitations. If you have a very old boiler which is past its useful working life you will not get a new boiler from British Gas merely by taking out a homecare agreement, they will be happy to fit a new boiler in your home that is a separate boiler installation service which you will need to pay for.

If you have any reasonable complaint or issue with this gas homecare make sure you contact them today.

The technologically advanced design uses the latest condensing boiler technology to produce a high efficiency appliance, containing many of the components found externally on a heating system within its sleek, stylish casing.

The main features and benefits are: -

• Exclusive to British Gas, manufactured by Europe’s leading boiler manufacturer
• Using System boiler technology there is no feed and expansion tank required in your loft
• Multifunctional text display
• Built in boiler and system frost protection
• Electronic ignition meaning no pilot light requirement
• User adjustable thermostat
• Modulating output to suit system demand
• Low operational noise levels

British Gas RD 428		Ratings
SEDBUK Rating %	90.7
Built in Frost Stat	Yes
Height	850 mm
Width	440 mm
Depth	395 mm
CH Output (kW)	27.4 kwh

The salient benefits and features for this gas boiler worthy of highlight are: -

• High efficiency ‘intelligent’ condensing system boiler
• Exclusive to British Gas, manufactured by Europe’s leading boiler manufacturer
• System boiler technology means no need for separate feed tanks in roof space
• Automatically adjusts its output to match the prevailing system demand
• Built in varispeed pump and diverter valve
• Intelligent controls ‘optimise’ performance and include ‘TR2′ room thermostat and cylinder thermostat
• Built in frost protection

This advanced boiler also includes interactive digital display complete with:

• Built in timer with up to 6 on/off settings
• Fault finding display
• Room temperature display
• Boiler status display

British Gas RD 430I		Ratings
SEDBUK Rating %	90.7
Built in Frost Stat	Yes
Height	850 mm
Width	440 mm
Depth	395 mm
CH Output (kW)	29.2 kwh

Features and Benefits :-

• High efficiency condensing combination boiler – ultra efficient heating and on demand hot water
• SEDBUK ‘A’ rated appliance
• Intelligent controls to optimise performance
• Exclusive to British Gas – manufactured by Europe’s top leading boiler manufacturer
• Includes TR2 advanced room thermostat as standard
• Pre heat facility maintains a 3.75 ltr primary store for instant hot water with ECO switch to disable preheat facility if required
• Modulating pump improves efficiency and reduces system noise

Includes interactive digital display complete with :

• Built in timer with 6 on/off settings
• Fault finding display
• Room temperature display
• Boiler status display

These details also apply to the British Gas RD 532 LPG model.

British Gas RD 532i		Ratings
SEDBUK Rating %	90.1
Built in Frost Stat	Yes
Height	760 mm
Width	440 mm
Depth	395 mm
CH Output (kW)	30.0 kwh
Maximum Flow Rate	11.0 litre/min

Available in one highly configurable size, its powerful output is set by the installer to match the heat demands of your property, which increases performance efficiency whilst still protecting the environment and saving you money. The fuel saving performance has been combined with an impressive range of features and it looks great to.

Features and benefits

• Exclusive to British Gas with tried and tested performance and reliability
• SEDBUK ‘A’ rated
• NOX class emissions 5 rating
• Stainless steel heat exchanger, designed for long life and no problems with rust
• On board diagnostics make for easier fault finding
• ‘Continua’ electronics will allow the boiler to continue where others may fail due to system faults
• One size suits all – set by your installer to match your system needs
• Built in boiler frost protection so no worries about the system or boiler freezing
• Compact dimensions make it easy enough to hide away and blend with any decor
• Extensive flueing options allowing for a greater flexibility in location

British Gas 330 HE		Ratings
SEDBUK Rating %	90.8
Built in Frost Stat	Yes
Height	600 mm
Width	375 mm
Depth	334 mm
CH Output (kW)	31.6 kwh

The features and benefits of this boiler are:-

• On demand hot water combined with effective and efficient heating
• SEDBUK ‘A’ rated appliance
• Well designed heating controls to optimise performance
• Modulating pump to give better efficiency and reduced noise
• Manufactured British gas by Europe’s leading boiler manufacturer
• Includes a TR2 ‘advanced’ room thermostat as standard
• Pre heat incorporated facility maintains a 3.75 ltr initial hot water store for ‘instant’ hot water with an the economy setting to disable this preheat facility if required and improve energy efficiency
• High efficiency gas condensing combination boiler

Includes modern interactive clear digital display complete with :

• Built in unit timer with 6 on/off settings
• Fault finding display
• Room temperature display
• Boiler status display

The details outlined above also of relevant to the British Gas offered RD 537 LPG boiler.

British Gas RD 537i		Ratings
SEDBUK Rating %	90.1
Built in Frost Stat	Yes
Height	760 mm
Width	440 mm
Depth	360 mm
CH Output (kW)	30.0 kwh
Maximum Flow Rate	13.0 litre/min

Features and Benefits of the RD 542 boiler

• High efficiency condensing combination boiler producing ultra efficient heating and on demand hot water
• SEDBUK ‘A’ rated appliance
• Intelligent controls to optimise performance
• Exclusive to British Gas – manufactured by Europe’s top leading boiler manufacturer
• Includes TR2 ‘advanced’ room thermostat as standard
• Pre heat facility maintains a 3.75 ltr primary store for ‘instant’ hot water with an ECO switch to disable this preheat facility and enhance energy efficiency if required
• Modulating pump improves efficiency and reduces system noise

Includes interactive digital display complete with :

• Built in timer with 6 on/off settings
• Fault finding display
• Room temperature display
• Boiler status display

The boiler details are the same for the British Gas RD 542 LPG model.

British Gas RD 542i		Ratings
SEDBUK Rating %	90.1
Built in Frost Stat	Yes
Height	760 mm
Width	440 mm
Depth	360 mm
CH Output (kW)	30.0 kwh
Maximum Flow Rate	15.0 litre/min