How Much Does a Magnetic Filter for a Boiler Cost?

If you have a wet central heating system, that is one that uses a gas boiler or oil boiler to supply hot water to heat pipes and radiators, it's best to get a magnetic filter. A magnetic boiler filter helps to remove sludge from your central heating system and keep your boiler and radiators working for years to come. So how much does a magnetic filter for your boiler cost?

How much do magnetic boiler filters cost?

Magnetic boiler filters cost anywhere between £65-£150. A gas engineer will charge you between £100-£150 for installation, so you should expect to spend between £165-£300 on a magnetic filter for your boiler.

Bear in mind that boiler engineers will have different hourly rates in different areas of the country. If you live in the south east of England or London, expect to pay more for your magnetic filter installation compared with those living in the north, Scotland or Wales. See our table further down the page for information on gas engineer rates based on location.

How much does it cost to fit a MagnaClean?

One of the most well-known brands of magnetic filter is Adey’s MagnaClean. It will cost between £180-£350 to fit a MagnaClean, depending on the type of filter you choose. There are other brands of magnetic boiler filter out there though – let’s look at the costs:

Brand of magnetic boiler filter	Price range (excluding installation)
Adey MagnaClean	£80-£200
Worcester Greenstar Filter	£140-£170
Fernox	£65-£100
Flomasta	£60-£80
Sentinel Eliminator	£100-£150

Your boiler engineer will be able to tell you which size and brand of magnetic filter is best for your boiler.

Why do I need a magnetic filter?

Central heating systems are made from lots of different metals. The more your boiler is used, the more these metals degrade and build up in the water that circulates through your boiler, radiators and pipework. This is referred to as sludge, and as it builds up, it can cause cold spots in your radiators, make your heating system less efficient and decrease heat output.

To reduce the impact of sludge on your boiler, you can have a magnetic filter installed. A magnetic filter for your boiler attracts all the metal magnetic debris to it, removing it from your central heating system and improving your system’s performance. It can even increase the lifespan of your boiler.

Without a magnetic filter, you may find that your heating costs increase as your boiler gets older. Your boiler will become less efficient as sludge builds up, and you might notice that your radiators need bleeding more often to reduce cold spots.

How long does it take to fit a magnetic filter for a boiler?

It will take a gas engineer between 3 and 5 hours to fit a magnetic filter for your boiler. It’s always quicker (and therefore cheaper) to get a magnetic boiler filter fitted at the same time as your boiler is replaced, so if you’re getting a new boiler soon make sure you ask for a magnetic filter to be fitted then. Lots of engineers offer a filter as part of the installation cost.

How long does a magnetic filter last?

Magnetic filters can last a long time – many good quality ones will last up to 10 years if you look after it properly. You should speak to your boiler engineer about how to maintain your magnetic filter to keep it working correctly.

You should also get your boiler serviced every year. During the service, the engineer should clean and maintain your filter for you.

Can I clean a magnetic filter myself?

Yes, you can clean your magnetic filter yourself. Check the filter’s instructions, but these are the general steps you’ll need to take to clean the magnetic filter for your boiler:

1. Shut off the electricity supply to your boiler and any isolation valves. Lay a sheet down to prevent any rust and metal from getting on your floor. Locate your magnetic filter.
2. Unscrew the filter’s lid. It may be very tight, and you should have been supplied with a tool to help you remove the lid.
3. The magnet and filter should be attached to the lid. The filter will be covered in black sludge. Slide the magnet out of the filter casing, as you don’t need to clean this.
4. Take the filter and lid out to the garden, as you might be about to cause a lot of mess! Use a hose to rinse off the debris from the filter and lid – a high-pressure one will work best.
5. Take the filter and lid back to the boiler and slip the magnet back inside the casing. Place the lid back on the filter device and screw it back on by hand as much as you can. Then use the tool provided to fully tighten it.
6. Open any isolation valves and turn the electricity supply back on. You’re finished!

Are magnetic boiler filters worth it?

Yes, magnetic boiler filters are worth it. Some people think that they are an expensive add-on since they’ve only become popular in the last few years, but they are effective at removing sludge build-up from your central heating system.

Without a magnetic boiler filter, over time the metal particles will begin to sit at the bottom of your radiators or clog up your pipework. This could lead to cold patches on your radiators, your boiler overheating or ‘kettling’ noises coming from your boiler.

You’ll find that your boiler is more efficient with a magnetic filter fitted, and you could even see your energy bills reduced. Your boiler is also less likely to break down, meaning it should last you longer too.

It’s always best to get a heating engineer to fit a magnetic filter for your boiler. Make sure you get a range of quotes from different companies to ensure you get the best filter for your boiler at the best price. Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with Gas Safe registered heating engineers that are available in your area.

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