Solar Servicing

Service man solarRegular servicing of your solar hot water (solar thermal) system is essential to ensure its efficient operation. You should think of servicing your solar hot water system in the same way as servicing your boiler or car. If regular servicing is not carried out, it leads to expensive repairs. We offer full and interim servicing for all types of solar hot water systems, repairs and maintenance of all types of solar tubes and solar flat plate panels.

Unfortunately, many solar hot water systems in Ireland are not performing anywhere near their capability for a variety of reasons. Some don't work at all! Some reasons for ill-performance are:

  • Not installed correctly
  • System has gone into stagnation (overheated) during it’s lifetime
  • No heat dump installed (this is a necessary item for most systems)
  • Glycol (anti-freeze) has failed due to age
  • Glycol has failed due to stagnation
  • System pressure has dropped
  • Expansion vessel has failed
  • Expansion vessel has incorrect pressure
  • Flow rate is set incorrectly
  • Pump is on incorrect setting
  • Controller/temperature sensors are set up or fitted incorrectly (or sensors have become dislodged)
  • System was not professionally commissioned

Schedule a service today

 

 

The biggest reason for reduced performance of a solar hot water system is where the glycol (antifreeze) breaks down. This could be due to overheating, freezing or just age (lifespan of around 5 years max). If and when the glycol becomes damaged, it becomes thick and sticky and much more difficult to pump. This in turn, puts pressure on the pump and can also damage system components such as expansion vessels, non-return valves, the pump itself, etc.

Temperature sensors can become faulty and can give false readings if they are heated beyond their limits. This affects the operation of the system as the controller relies on accurate readings from these sensors.

The good news is that we can repair, service and maintain all types and brands of systems and bring the efficiency back up to where it should be. Comfort Solutions Ireland have vast experience in solar hot water systems and are proud to state that we have never had a complaint about one of the systems that we have installed.

We can offer maintenance contracts or on-demand servicing and repairs. Simply call us today on (098) 42699 to arrange yours. Or send us an email to info@comfortsolutions.ie

There are two types of service for solar hot water systems:

  1. Interim service
  2. Full service


1. Interim Service

An interim service should be performed on an annual basis and includes the following:

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  • Check system pressure and re-pressurise if necessary
  • If pressure was down, test solar circuit for leaks 
  • Check performance of glycol in the system to ensure it can still protect against freezing
  • Examine all connections in the solar circuit and repair any leaks or replace fittings as necessary
  • Check the operation of pump, valves, expansion vessel, etc. Replace as necessary
  • Examine all electrical connections in the solar controller and power supply
  • Check solar operation settings in the controller and confirm that these are correct
  • Set the system to the correct pressure
  • Check/set the correct pressure inside the expansion vessel.
  • Check/set the pump to the correct speed
  • Check/set the system flow rate to suit the solar system in question
  • Show the homeowner the basic operational components and what to look out for (if required)


2. Full service

This should be performed at least every 5 years, regardless of condition or usage, and includes the following:5 glycol-fill

  • Emptying the system and discarding the old glycol in an environmentally responsible manner
  • Power flushing of the solar circuit with a special solar cleaner to remove sludge and debris (if required) NOTE: Ordinary cleaners or water will not adequately clean the system as they cannot break down the glycol sludge which is baked onto the inside of the pipes and fittings.
  • Flush system out with clean water
  • Re-fill system with fresh glycol (antifreeze) fluid
  • Test solar circuit for leaks
  • Examine all connections in the solar circuit and repair any leaks or replace fittings as necessary
  • Check the operation of pump, valves, expansion vessel, etc. Replace as necessary
  • Examine all electrical connections in the solar controller and power supply
  • Check solar operation settings in the controller and confirm that these are correct
  • Set the system to the correct pressure
  • Check/set the correct pressure inside the expansion vessel.
  • Check/set the pump to the correct speed
  • Check/set the system flow rate to suit the solar system in question
  • Show the homeowner the basic operational components and what to look out for (if required)

 

Schedule a service today

 

 

Call us today on (098) 42699 or email us at info@comfortsolutions.ie for more information on servicing your solar hot water system and get it working the way it should.



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