Heat exchanger cleaning: when a deep clean is the right call

Understanding heat exchanger cleaning before you spend money

A deep clean involves removing the heat exchanger, mechanically clearing soot or scale from its surfaces, and reassembling it with new seals rather than the ones removed. This differs from routine servicing, which inspects the exchanger but does not usually strip it down fully. A deep clean is worthwhile where combustion analysis or an overheat fault points clearly to a fouled exchanger, rather than being carried out as routine on every visit.

Heat exchanger cleaning: engineer's shortlist

• Soot build-up is more common on poorly maintained gas and oil burners
• Scale build-up is more common in hard-water areas like around Bath
• A deep clean strips the exchanger down beyond a standard inspection
• New seals are fitted when the exchanger is reassembled
• Combustion or overheat symptoms usually indicate when it is needed

Questions we get asked

Is a deep clean part of every annual service?

No — routine servicing inspects the exchanger, while a deep clean is a more involved job carried out when symptoms indicate it is needed.

Can a badly scaled exchanger be restored fully?

Often yes with mechanical and chemical cleaning, though severe long-term scaling can sometimes mean replacement is more sensible.

Where we deal with this

• Hallatrow (BS39) · 4 mi
• Compton Martin (BS40) · 8 mi
• Felton (BS40) · 11 mi
• Hilperton (BA14) · 10 mi
• Winsley (BA15) · 9 mi